Thoroughbred Daily News

Backside, an observational documentary that honors the primarily immigrant workforce that helps sustain the horse racing industry, will be screened at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville. Filmed over five years by an all-LatinX team, Backside 'offers an intimate look at the lives of workers who begin their days before dawn, seven days a week, caring for some of the world's most prized racehorses' in the barns behind Churchill Downs—known as the “backside.”

According to a release, the documentary 'goes beyond the pageantry of the [Kentucky] Derby to reveal the grit, skill, and dedication of immigrant and multi-generational workers whose labor often goes unseen. The documentary examines the intersection of class, race, and labor, humanizing the people who sustain an elite American sporting tradition while emphasizing the deep, symbiotic relationship between humans and horses.'

“Backside challenges audiences to see beyond the spectacle of the Derby,” said Dean Otto, Curator of Film at the Speed Art Museum. “It's an invitation to witness the dignity, expertise, and resilience of a community that quietly sustains one of America's most celebrated events.”

The Museum is collaborating with the Backside Learning Center, which supports the educational, social and personal growth of the backstretch community at Churchill Downs. Further support for the project has been provided by the racetrack.

“This film shines a light on those who are truly the soul of an industry so central to the history, culture and economy of our state.” said Sherry Stanley, executive director of the Backside Learning Center.

Screenings will take place at Speed Cinema from Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, with post-film discussions featuring director Raul O. Paz-Pastrana, producers and grooms featured in the documentary. A Spanish-language screening with discussion in Spanish will also be offered. This marks one of the first screenings of Backside outside of its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Click here for ticketing information.

The post ‘Backside’, Documentary Highlighting Backstretch Workers, To Be Screened In Louisville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis, and Jill Williams

LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which opened with a record-setting session Monday, continued with an action-packed second Book 1 session Tuesday, establishing yet another September session record average and median. Twenty horses sold for $1 million or more during the session, led by a colt by Gun Runner and a filly by Flightline who brought matching $2.2 million price tags.

“It was a good day at the sale, for sure,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “We built on what started yesterday. And we expect that to continue through Book 2 and through next week. It's just a really strong market.”

A total of 217 yearlings grossed $144,185,000 during Book 1 for an average of $664,447 and an average of $550,000. The average is up 13.37% and the median is up 15.79% from 2024 figures when 204 yearlings sold for $119,565,000 for an average of $586,103 and a median of $475,000. The buy-back rate improved from 28.67% in 2024 to 21.09% this year.

The third horse through the ring Tuesday sold for $1.1 million and four of the day's first 10 horses to sell attracted seven-figure price tags. By the close of business, 20 horses had sold for seven figures and, in total, 35 yearlings reached seven figures during the two Book 1 sessions, up from 30 a year ago.

“We had 20 horses who brought seven figures and of those, 13 were different buyers,” Arvin said. “We like to see that diversity. It was a fabulous Book 1.”

Gun Runner, who was represented by the $3.3-million session-topping colt Monday, was again in demand Tuesday at Keeneland. Trainer Wesley Ward went to $2.2 million to acquire a colt by the Three Chimneys stallion from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment. LSU Stables paid the same amount for a daughter of Flightline who was consigned by Gainesway.

Gun Runner had 10 yearlings bring seven figures during Book 1 and his 24 head sold during the section averaged a lofty $1,035,833. Champion Flightline, who had seven million-dollar yearlings, had 23 head average $880,435. Not This Time, with six million-dollar yearlings, had 22 sell for an average of $805,682.

Mike Repole, who bought three million-dollar yearlings Tuesday, was the leading buyer in Book 1 with 23 head bought for $11.3 million. Repole purchased an additional $1-million yearling in partnership with St. Elias Stables. Taylor Made Sales Agency was the book's leading consignor with 44 sold for $26,000,000.

The sales pavilion and back walking ring remained packed Tuesday and there continued to be a spark in the atmosphere.

“It felt like the old July sale,” said Keeneland's vice president of sales Tony Lacy. “And that really is what we are trying to create. We are trying to create that theatre and that excitement. What we do can be very transactional, if we want it to be, but it also is a lot of fun, if you allow it to be. So having everybody in here and concentrated in the pavilion, it allows that energy to build.”

Lacy continued to stress that, even with the lofty figures, he believes the market is fair and sustainable.

“The horses are bringing what they are worth and at the end of the day, that's really, really encouraging,” Lacy said. “Consistency and a fair market. Prices are high, but they are really good horses. So people expect to dig deep for them.”

The Keeneland September sale continues with the first of two Book 2 sessions Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. Following a dark day Friday, the auction resumes Saturday and continues through Sept. 20 with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m.

$2.2-Million Gun Runner Colt, Full-Brother to Early Voting, to Trainer Wesley Ward

After Monday's first Book 1 session was topped by a $3.3-million Gun Runner colt, it was more of the same Tuesday when the dust settled and 10 Gun Runner yearlings had surpassed the seven-figure threshold over the two days. Led by hip 243 Tuesday, a full-brother to GI Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting–by the Three Chimneys wonder and out of the unraced Amour d'Ete (Tiznow)–fetched $2.2 million to co-top the second session.

#KeeSept Book 1, Session 2 Results: Hip 243, a Gun Runner colt out of Amour d'Ete, sells for $2.2 million to Wesley Ward from the @TaylorMadeSales consignment. pic.twitter.com/M9nfJS8Dty

— TDN (@theTDN) September 9, 2025

“[Gun Runner is] the hottest sire going right now,” said trainer Wesley Ward, who signed the ticket.

What was it about the Taylor Made-consigned colt that prompted Ward to go to $2.2 million?

“Everything,” he said with a laugh, then continued. “His pedigree was outstanding. Beautiful colt. Fantastic female family.”

Ward said he's excited about the partnership he's put together for the colt: “[It's] Goncalo Torrealba and the Three Chimneys team, and a client of mine named Roy Israel who's been in the business for a year now and is a wonderful guy.

“He's a really, really exciting colt to get in with and as I'm starting to get the white hair now, I'm looking to get horses that go a little further. I've pretty much been centered in on fast horses and speed horses and I just thought it was time now to sort of get some horses into my barn that look like they can go in the Classic level. This looks like it could be one.”

Bred by Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, who stayed in as part of the new ownership, the bay colt's second dam is Canadian champion Silken Cat (Storm Cat), dam of champion and late sire Speightstown and MGSW & MGISP Irap, the latter a full-brother to Amour d'Ete. This year's GII Suburban Stakes winner Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}) is also part of the family. Three Chimneys acquired Amour d'Ete, an Aaron and Marie Jones-bred, for $1.75 million at the 2013 Keeneland September sale.

“I'm excited to get this colt and get an opportunity to train a horse like this,” said Ward, who is most closely associated with multiple Breeders' Cup winner and first-crop yearling sire Golden Pal, although he's had a number of other Breeders' Cup winners, Royal Ascot winners, and other top scorers.

Ward said he first saw the Gun Runner colt in person in July.

“This was my pick. I fell in love with the colt and really look forward to his future and a partnership together. I told Roy how much I thought of the horse. Luckily he and Goncalo had enough faith in me to get behind me to where I was the one who signed the ticket. Fortunately we got him and I felt that was a very fair price for a colt with that pedigree and physical stature.”

Ward bought several in Book 1, including a $1-million Constitution colt (hip 160) out of Super Tigress (Super Saver) Monday. In partnership with GRS, he also bred hip 311, a Gun Runner colt out of Dragic (Broken Vow). The half-brother to SW Saturday Flirt (Mendelssohn) is from the immediate family of champion Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) and GISW Echo Town (Speightstown). He sold to Three Chimneys for $1.6 million.  ––JillWilliamsTDN

LSU All in On Flightline Fillies

Larry and Randy Sarf's LSU Stables made three purchases during Book 1 of the Keeneland September sale, all of them fillies by champion Flightline. The operation went to a co-session topping $2.2 million via a phone bid to secure a daughter of the Lane's End stallion (hip 338) from the Gainesway consignment Tuesday at Keeneland.

#KeeSept Book 1, Session 2 Results: Hip 338, a Flightline filly out of Four Graces, sold for $2.2 million to LSU Stables from the @Gainesway consignment. pic.twitter.com/r32yYe7p4V

— TDN (@theTDN) September 9, 2025

“They are big fans of Flightline,” trainer Miguel Clement, who will train the fillies for the Sarfs, said. “There is a lot of buzz about him and they decided to be firm supporters of the stallion from the get-go.”

The $2.2-million filly–the most expensive of seven million-dollar yearlings by Flightline in Book 1–is the first foal out of multiple graded stakes winner Four Graces (Majesticperfection). The mare, who is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner McCraken (Ghostzapper), was bred by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, which purchased her for $2.3 million at the 2022 Keeneland November sale.

“They loved the filly,” Clement said. “They did all their homework and all their research. They felt like she was the one that they really wanted to have. Whenever they get excited about one, they want it, and they tend to get it.”

In addition to hip 338, LSU Stables went to $750,000 for a filly from the Clearsky Farms consignment (hip 294) and $600,000 for a filly from the Lane's End consignment (hip 329).

Of the prices, Clement said, “It's very expensive, but that's the portion of the market we are playing in. You have to be a big boy to get in.”

On behalf of LSU Stables, Clement trains GII Man o'War Stakes winner Far Bridge (English Channel) and GII Glens Falls Stakes winner La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}).

“The plan is to compete at the highest level in New York,” Clement said. “That has always been the plan of the entire Sarf family. They look forward to competing on the big stage, particularly in New York.”

The three fillies will head down to Ocala to be broke at Mayberry Farm before joining the Clement stable.

“We are a young stable, so it's very humbling to get three fillies from Book 1 sent to us,” Clement said. “We are just along for the ride.” @JessMartiniTDN

Lanz Adds to KAS Haul with $1.7-Million Not This Time Colt

Pedro Lanz continued his buying spree for the Saudi-based KAS Stable with a colt by Not This Time (hip 211) purchased for $1.7 million Tuesday at Keeneland. After signing the ticket on the yearling, who was bred by Albaugh Grand Stables and consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the bloodstock agent confirmed all four horses he purchased so far at Keeneland will remain to race in the U.S.

“All of them are going to race in the United States,” Lanz said. “We haven't decided on a trainer yet. The colts are going to Ocala to Scanlon Farm and then we will decide.”

Lanz signed the ticket at $700,000 to acquire a colt by Into Mischief (hip 147) during Monday's first session of the September sale. He also said he had acquired a colt by Constitution for the stable.

KAS Stables currently has one runner in the U.S., the 3-year-old maiden winner Mazayaat (Bernardini).

“We have Mazayaat here with Bill Mott,” Lanz said. “But it's kind of a new idea to be racing in the United States with top-class horses like this one [hip 211].”

Hip 211 is out of Wembley (Bernardini), a daughter of Grade I winner Game Face (Menifee), who was purchased by Albaugh Family Stables for $550,000 while in foal to Gun Runner at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale. The mare's Gun Runner filly sold for $300,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

“When I saw his physical and the way he behaves in the stall, it was amazing,” Lanz said of the yearling's appeal. “This was my favorite colt of all the sale. He's out of a Bernardini mare and by a hot sire. This is the one I really wanted.”

Later in the session, Lanz acquired a colt by Curlin (hip 351) for $500,000.

Hip 211 was Not This Time's fourth seven-figure yearling of the auction. By the close of Book 1, the Taylor Made stallion had six million-dollar yearlings. @JessMartiniTDN

Douglas Scharbauer Strikes Seven Figures Twice Tuesday

Aiming for quality over quantity, Douglas Scharbauer, whose family has a long and successful history in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, picked up two seven-figure yearlings Tuesday. His top purchase was a $1.6-million filly by Flightline out of Immediate Impact (Into Mischief), who was bred and consigned by Clearsky Farms. Hip 364 is a granddaughter of Bubbler (Distorted Humor), who produced champion Arrogate.

Douglas Scharbauer & Donny Denton | Keeneland

Scharbauer was full of praise for Flightline, Lane's End's first-crop yearling sire who was responsible for seven yearlings to break through the $1-million barrier in Book 1. “Flightline's foals are not far off [the mark],” he said. “He was unbelievable. Six for six. That Flightline filly just really stood out to us. We liked her a lot.”

Less than two hours previously, Scharbauer also signed for hip 304, a $1.3-million Not This Time colt consigned by Gainesway. Bred by International Equities Holding and out of Delightful Joy (Tapit), the January colt is a half-brother to GSW Window Shopping (American Pharoah) from the same family as SW Quickick (McKinzie), who placed in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes.

“Hips 304 and 364, they stood out of everything we've looked at the last couple of days,” said Scharbauer. “Those two today I like as much as anything I've seen both days, yesterday and today.”

He added, “We bought 10 fillies last year, we spread it out. Now I'm trying to not buy as many. I'm going to have to pay more for quality.”

Scharbauer said his purchases, which included hip 48, a $350,000 Golden Pal filly out of Monthly (Malibu Moon), would go to his usual trainer, Brad Cox. ––JillWilliamsTDN

'I'm Patiently Aggressive': Repole Comes out with Guns Blazing at Keeneland Tuesday

Repole Stable was hardly quiet during Monday's opening session of the September sale. In fact, the operation signed on nine yearlings for an aggregate of $3.075 million with a top price of $500,000.

Jacob West & his son shopping for the next superstar with owner Mike Repole at Keeneland September | Keeneland

However, it didn't take long for Mike Repole and co. to swing into the action Tuesday, haltering its first seven-figure horse of the sale with Hip 196, an Indian Creek-offered colt by Good Magic out of Twiga (Union Rags) who realized $1 million. With the gun still smoking, Repole's agent Jacob West swung for another $1 million yearling, offered as Hip 197, a filly by Not This Time.

Later in the session, Repole collected a colt by Gun Runner (Hip 278) for $1.5 million, the highest priced youngster of Book 1 for the Repole team, in addition to a colt by Nyquist (Hip 266) purchased in partnership with St. Elias Stable for $1 million. The latter was consigned by Warrendale Sales.

Repole's leading purchase Tuesday was consigned by Indian Creek, acting on behalf of breeder Stonestreet. The March foal is out of Cavorting (Bernardini), a three-time Grade I winner for Stonestreet, who purchased the daughter of Bernardini as a weanling for $360,000 at Keeneland November in 2012. For Stonestreet, 13-year-old Cavorting produced MGISW Clairiere (Curlin), dam of SW La Crete (Medaglia d'Oro).

A colt by Curlin out of Cavorting sold for $5 million to Whisper Hill Farm at Keeneland September.

“Todd has [the $5-million Curlin] now. It's been training against one of my horses, and it beats it so bad, I figured it must be a pretty good horse,” Repole explained. “They all liked it. It was our #1 draft pick. We had estimated it would go for about $2.5-3 million, so when it was stalling out at about $1.3-1.4 million, I thought we had to get this.”

Repole also extended to seven figures for a filly by Not This Time out of Twinkling (War Chant). Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the May 8 foal-a half-sister to MGSW Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator)–was bred by Taylor Made Stallions, Ramspring Farm, Joel Politi, Brad King and Jim Cone III.

“She has an incredible pedigree. The dam has Skippylongstocking and [GSP] Oliver Twist [Mshawish] and [GSP] Moonlite Strike [Liam's Map]. I look at the other sires [she was bred to] sometimes, and you are going to the hottest sire in the game right now. She already has residual value as a Not This Time, so we also look at that. With the fillies, residual value is important to us.”

Despite enjoying success with colts in the Classic and older horse divisions with the likes of Fierceness (City of Light), winner of the GI Pacific Classic at Del Mar and dual Grade I winner Mindframe (Constitution), Repole explained that he is keen to have diversity in his operation.

“The last couple of years, with how good turf is getting, and our success with [turf] horses like [Grade III winner] Final Score [Not This Time], [maiden winner] Miss Picky [Uncle Mo], and Celebrity Warrior (Ire) [Saxon Warrior {Jpn}], I have been buying horses in Europe and internationally in general to add to the stable,” he explained. “I am trying to combine a lot of these. I am not afraid to buy sprinters now, or turf. Too many people here are looking for two-turn Classic horses. I think I am just trying to have a well-balanced stable. I want a six-furlong sprinter on the dirt and turf. I want two-turns on the turf and dirt. And now that Belmont is going to be Poly[track] I am looking for Poly horses also. I just love the game and I want to win at the highest level.”

On Tuesday, Repole also secured another colt by Gun Runner (Hip 242) for $900,000. Consigned by Mill Ridge Sales acting on behalf of White Birch Farm, the colt is out of Curlin's American West.

On Tuesday, Repole Stable purchased 15 yearlings for a total of $9,225,000, averaging $615,000.

“One thing about what we do is we have a great team,” he said. “We are probably more prepared than the Jets and Giants. We take this very, very seriously. The team works really hard and coming off being the leading owner at Saratoga, having Fierceness and Mindframe, I want to win at the highest level and I take it seriously. I care and I'm passionate. I work the team hard and they work hard. It's a big family and a big operation and success is best when shared.”

During Tuesday's session, Repole also scored as a breeder, selling Hip 296, a colt by Gun Runner out of GISW Dame Dorothy (Bernardini), for $1.6 million. Consigned by Lane's End, the colt was purchased by AMO Racing.

Also the dam of GSW Spice is Nice (Curlin), Dame Dorothy was purchased for $900,000 with this colt in utero at this venue in November of 2023.–CBossTDN

The post ‘A Fabulous Book 1’: Records Continue to Fall at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

About three-quarters of the way through the second session of the Keeneland September sale's Book 1 Tuesday, a filly by Horse of the Year Flightline out of MGSW & GISP Four Graces (Majesticperfection) hammered for $2.2 million to the Sarf family's LSU Stables. Consigned by Gainesway, hip 338 was bred in Kentucky by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm LLC. A half-sister to MGSW McCraken (Ghostzapper), Four Graces was purchased by Whisper Hill at the 2022 Keeneland November sale for $2.3 million. Tuesday's $2.2-million dark bay filly, a March foal, is her first produce.

At the time she went through the ring, the Flightline filly was the highest-priced filly of Tuesday's session.

The post LSU Stables Picks Up Flightline Filly for $2.2M appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation has selected Chance McKeever and Mark Schrenger as recipients of its awards granted for the 2026 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course at the Irish National Stud.

McKeever, a Lexington, Kentucky native is the son of Grade I-winning trainer Andrew McKeever and has gained track experience as an assistant to his father at Keeneland and with Michael McCarthy. He is currently employed at Hunter Valley Farm and has prepped yearlings at Springhouse Farm.

“I am delighted to have been awarded this scholarship, and, through the Irish National Stud Program I hope to expand my understanding of the breeding business and build connections that will guide my future in the industry,” he said.

Schrenger obtained a degree in finance from the University of Kentucky and in his spare time decided to immerse himself in all things equine that his home state has to offer. Coincidentally, he has also worked on the track for Andrew McKeever and is currently with Springhouse Farm. His experience includes completing an internship at Churchill Downs and working on the starting gate at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington.

“My experience and mentors have given me a deep appreciation for the commitment and attention to detail required at every stage, from breeding to racing,” he said. “I am truly humbled to be a recipient of this Gerry Dilger Foundation scholarship and grateful for the opportunity it will give me to continue my journey in this exciting industry.”

The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation was established in 2020 by Gerry's family and friends in his memory and awards several scholarships annually in conjunction with various partners.

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Mike Repole, huddled with his team at the reserved seating tables at the back of the pavilion, went to $1.5 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner out of multiple Grade I winner Cavorting (Bernardini) (hip 278) from the Indian Creek consignment Tuesday at the Keeneland September sale. The colt, a half-brother to last year's $5-million September topping son of Curlin, as well as to Grade I winner Clairiere (Curlin), was bred by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet.

Repole was active during Monday's first session of the auction, but kicked into another gear Tuesday. Hip 278 was his fourth seven-figure purchase of the day.

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday opened a two-week public commentary period for a number of proposed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) rule changes.

The modifications would affect the Rule 8000 Series, which outlines enforcement procedures, violations, sanctions, investigatory powers, and hearing processes for alleged violations of HISA regulations.

Rules related to anti-doping and medication control are excluded from this round of proposed changes, because they are covered separately in the 3000 Series.

Selected highlights of the proposed changes, as explained in the Sept. 9 Federal Register notice published by the FTC, appear below, along with accompanying explanations provided by HISA. The full list is accessible here.

Public comments, which must be received by Sept. 23, can be filed online here.

Rule 8400(e) would be modified to require the Authority to request and obtain the approval of the FTC before issuing a subpoena under 15 U.S.C. 3054(h), with the proviso that the request will be deemed approved if the FTC does not act upon the request within 20 days.

According to HISA, “The modification is proposed to enhance the FTC's oversight of, and power to constrain, the Authority in the exercise of its subpoena power.”

Rule 8400 would further be modified to establish a set of standards by which subpoenas are issued.

Those standards are set forth in a new paragraph, which states: “The following considerations shall be taken into account by the Authority in determining whether a subpoena shall be issued: (1) The availability of, and likelihood of success in using, alternative methods for obtaining the information in a timely manner; (2) The indispensability of the information to the success of an investigation or establishing a violation; and (3) The need to protect against the destruction of records or information or to preserve testimony that may be necessary to investigate and prosecute violations of the rules of the Authority.”

According to HISA, this new version of Rule 8400 “would guide the Authority's discretion in considering whether to request FTC approval to issue a subpoena [and] these considerations will ensure that subpoenas will be used as an investigatory tool only when truly necessary, and not as a matter of routine in cases concerning the violation of Authority rules. The rules are patterned after and congruent with nearly identical provisions in Rule 5730(e) of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.”

Similarly, a new Rule 8420 would be established to require the Authority to request and obtain the approval of the FTC before initiating any civil action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 3054(j).

The Authority's request would be deemed approved if the FTC does not act upon it within 20 days.

According to HISA, “The rule would ensure that civil actions contemplated by the Authority are subject to the approval of the FTC prior to initiation of the civil action by the Authority. The proposed rule thus enhances the oversight of the FTC over the Authority.”

Rule 8410 would be a new provision that would establish procedures by which the Authority may review matters concerning alleged violations of one or more rules in the Rule 2000 Series that deals with racetrack safety issues.

According to HISA, “Proposed Rule 8410, to a certain degree, parallels rules pertaining to objections and protests that are common to the regulations of many State racing commissions. The rule would authorize the Authority on its own initiative to review evidence or information that is submitted from any source.”

The proposed Rule 8410 states that evidence or information pertaining to the running of a Covered Race should be submitted within 72 hours after the race. The proposed rule provides that the Authority is not required to act on the evidence or information if the Authority deems it lacking in credibility.

Conversely, if the information or evidence indicates that there is a reasonable probability that the rules of the Authority have been violated or have not been enforced, the proposed rule directs the Authority to conduct an investigation.

Under the proposed Rule 8410, the Authority also would be empowered to submit the matter for a hearing or to issue a Notice of Suspected or Actual Violation.

According to HISA, “The new provisions would create a procedure by which to review, for example, complaints made by racing participants alleging that other racing participants or their horses are non-compliant with the rules of the Authority.”

Rule 8100 sets forth a series of violations that are subject to disciplinary action under the Rule 8000 Series.

A new paragraph would be added to establish a new violation for “Entering a Covered Horse or causing a Covered Horse to compete in a Covered Race prior to registering the Covered Horse with the Authority.”

This violation is included to enforce the requirement in Rule 9000(h) that, “Responsible Persons must register Covered Horses before running them in Covered Horseraces.”

The rule would include a requirement that, in order to impose a penalty, the Authority must show that a Covered Person acted with knowledge that the horse was ineligible.

A modification would be made to Rule 8200(b)(2)(ii). The current rule authorizes a fine of up to $100,000 for any violation that “due to its nature, chronicity, or severity poses an actual or potential threat of harm to the safety, health, and welfare of Covered Persons, Covered Horses, or the integrity of Covered Horseraces.”

Under the proposed change, the word “and” would be deleted and replaced with “or” to clarify that the rule is invoked when a threat of harm is posed to any one of the listed elements, not all of them.

Rule 8200(b)(9) permits the Authority to deny purse money or require the forfeiture of purse money, disqualify a Covered Horse, or make changes to the order of finish in Covered Races.

The rule would be modified to add an additional sentence, which states: “If a Covered Horse is disqualified, the purse shall be redistributed in accordance with the revised order of finish.”

According to HISA, “This sentence would be added to make clear that after revising the order of finish, the stewards must redistribute the purse according to the revised order of finish. The modification is proposed because some stewards have questioned whether purse redistribution is a duty of the stewards in those cases in which an Authority rule is violated that necessitates a disqualification.”

A modification of Rule 8200 is proposed to include a new paragraph that states that, “Failure by a Covered Person to pay any fine by the prescribed deadline that is imposed by the Authority, or by any official or body authorized to adjudicate violations under the Rule 2000 or 8000 Series, shall subject the Covered Person to automatic suspension by the Authority, absent a showing to the Authority by the Covered Person of exceptional circumstances that resulted in the failure to pay the fine.”

According to HISA, “This rule is similar to a common practice of various State racing commissions, in which licensure is temporarily suspended as a penalty for overdue fines until the fines are repaid.”

Rule 8320(a)(3) would be modified to permit the appeal of riding crop violations to the Internal Adjudication Panel pursuant to Rule 2285. Rule 2285 creates an intermediate appeal process specific to violations of the riding crop rules.

Rule 8340(a) would be amended to specify that the procedures for initial hearings under the rule are applicable to proceedings concerning the suspension or revocation of racetrack accreditation under Rule 2116.

Accreditation cases will therefore be heard first by a panel of three board members, whose decision is then appealable to the full Board.

According to HISA, “The panel adjudication process is well-suited to the potentially complex nature of Racetrack accreditation violations and issues.”

For the entire slate of proposed changes, the FTC must approve or disapprove the modifications on or before Nov. 10.

If approved, the modifications would be effective 30 days following the date of the FTC's order of approval.

If you prefer to file a comment on paper instead of online, mail your comment to: FTC, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Stop H-144 (Annex H), Washington, DC 20580.

The post FTC Opens Comment Period on New HISA Rules; Subpoena and Civil Action Powers Among Proposed Changes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Trainer Wesley Ward, bidding on behalf of a partnership, signed the ticket at $2.2 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner (hip 243) from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment during the second session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Tuesday in Lexington. Bred by Three Chimneys Farm, the bay is a full-brother to GI Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting.

Hip 243 is the sixth yearling by Three Chimneys' Gun Runner to reach seven figures at the auction.

The post Gun Runner Full-Brother to Early Voting Brings $2.2 Million at Keeneland Tuesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A colt by Not This Time out of Wembley (Bernardini) realized a $1.7 million from agent Pedro Lanz early in Tuesday's second session of the Keeneland September Sale in Lexington.

Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, Hip 211 is a grandson of Grade I winner Game Face (Menifee). The Apr. 15 foal is bred by Albaugh Grand Stables.

The post Not This Time Colt Brings $1.7M at KEESEP Day 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

It's clear that Stuart Angus touched the lives of many. A one of a kind human being, I don't think he knew a stranger.

I met Stu in November of 2016, probably by complete happenstance, but like many others we met because of horses. I had finished working that summer at Presque Isle Downs and had decided to go back into healthcare. In the grand scheme of things, I had minimal knowledge and no idea what I was getting myself into when I came to Kentucky to work a November Keeneland Sale for Taylor Made. While it was a great experience, what I'm most thankful for from that time is Stu.

One of the other women working the sale introduced me to Stu. Actually she pointed him out and said something along the lines of “that's Stu, you should go to dinner with him. He's great and you'll have a good time.” I'll be honest, I was reluctant, but I'm so glad I went. (Of course we went to Giussepe's that night. Just the start to all the good food Stu would introduce me to over the years.)

If you'd have told me that night that nine years later, Stuart Angus would be one of my dearest friends, I probably would have laughed. But nine years later, I can't even begin to describe how much Stu means to me and how thankful I am to have had him in my life. Others have said it, but Stu really had a way of taking you under his wing. I'm not in the thoroughbred industry, but I wouldn't have landed in Kentucky, or be where I am today if it weren't for Stu.

What started as more or less a blind date turned into years of friendship and years of memories. I returned to PA after that November, but Stu and I never lost touch. I started nursing school and during that time, Stu was one of my biggest supporters and the person I could run to when life was too much. Time with Stu was good for the soul. He was always up for an adventure and a good time.

I ultimately moved to Kentucky and have had amazing opportunities as I've built my career here. Life has been a whirlwind and ever changing since that November in 2016, but the one constant for me was always Stu.

I wish I could pick just one memory, or one story to share that would encompass my time with Stu. It's impossible. I truly could go on and on, from the big adventures we had to the lazy days by the pool. Stu was more than just my friend, he was my person. Time could pass, but we could always pick right back up as if it hadn't.

There was just something about Stu. He was one of a kind. He had a way of believing in others, even when they didn't believe in themselves. He was someone you wanted to know and someone you wanted in your corner. To know him was to love him.

I will forever be thankful for my time with Stu. I only wish there was more.

Editor's note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com  if you have a story to share.

The post Letter To The Editor: Stu Story #9 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis and Jill Williams

LEXINGTON, KY – Led by a $3.3-million son of Gun Runner, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale powered through a record-setting opening session Monday in Lexington. When the dust had settled after the first of two elite Book 1 sessions, 106 yearlings had sold for $69,240,000. The average was $653,208–the highest ever at a single September session–and the median was $537,500. With just 28 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 20.90%. Those figures are ahead of last year's opening session, when 98 head grossed $54,795,000 for an average of $559,133 and a median of $450,000. They are also ahead of the 2024 total Book 1 average of $586,103 and median of $475,000.

“It was a fantastic day,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “It's fun to talk to the auctioneers after and ask how it felt, because it looks different to them up there than it does to us watching from behind. And they said it was just so exciting, so electric, and there were so many new faces. It was really fun to see the pavilion so packed, the back ring so packed. Everywhere people were watching and enjoying and having a really great time. It was an incredible horse sale.”

A total of 15 yearlings sold for seven figures during Monday's session, the highest to reach that threshold during a single session since 2006.

Over the last several years, Keeneland has worked hard to make its boutique Book 1 sessions an event and, beyond the raw figures, the packed pavilion proved the success of concept.

“For the last three or four days, the place has been packed,” said Coolmore's M.V. Magnier, who signed for two of the session's million-dollar yearlings, including the $3.3-million topper. “It's been very busy here. Keeneland does a great job. They have all the right people here and there are good horses here. The sale has only started, but it seems to be going pretty good.”

John Sikura, whose Hill 'n' Dale consigned the session topper, agreed.

“There was a buzz in the ring and there were more people than I've seen here in a decade or more,” Sikura said. “You could just see that everybody was here, they were excited.”

Headley VanMeter | Keeneland photo

Headley VanMeter's VanMeter Sales consigned the auction's first seven-figure yearling in the very first horse the horseman sent through the ring at a Keeneland September sale.

“It feels really strong in here right now,” VanMeter said. “Even just walking through here to talk to [buyer] John Stewart and the Resolute team, I had to bump people out of the way. Someone told me the parking lot is packed to the brim. The atmosphere is great, the energy is great. Hopefully it carries on for the rest of the sale.”

Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said that while the market was competitive, he still sees it as sustainable.

“There are not strong peaks and valleys,” Lacy said of Monday's action. “You can see the logic in the prices horses are bringing. Even if they are bringing a lot of money, it's logical. I think that's where, as we get into strong markets, we always ask, 'is this overheated?' This doesn't feel overheated. It feels like we are getting a strong, diverse group of buyers that are all looking to buy quality stock. And the breeders are bringing high-quality product to the market. So we are seeing a very high level of horse coming to us and the buyers are excited about what they are seeing.”

Sikura echoed several people around the sales grounds to credit some of the strength of the market on the new tax code.

“Not to talk politics, because it's not about one side or the other, but the bonus depreciation, the tax advantage, it can't be overstated what kind of stimulus that is for the horse business,” Sikura said. “Wealthy people who are taxed at source looking to write off 100% of their expenses–all of your expenses, all of your insurance, and then in the breeding business, all our stud fees. It is permanent, so we can plan for the future. It's a great stimulus on a high-risk speculative venture like this. Essentially half of your losses can be covered legitimately in an active tax code. It's a great incentive.”

The Keeneland September sale continues with a second Book 1 session beginning Tuesday at 1 p.m. Book 2 sessions Wednesday and Thursday begin at 11 a.m. Following a dark day Friday, the auction continues through Sept. 20 with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m.

Peter Brant, standing out back alongside M.V. Magnier and the team from Coolmore, signed the ticket at a session-topping $3.3 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner (hip 177) late in Monday's first session of the Keeneland September sale, then sauntered off to leave Magnier to talk to the press.

“He's by Gun Runner and the lads all really liked him,” Magnier said, while adding there will be additional partners on the colt. “We bought his brother last year, the Curlin, and [trainer] Chad [Brown] actually likes him quite a bit. Hopefully, he will run soon enough.”

Magnier and Brant's White Birch Farm paid $1.3 million for the son of Curlin at last year's September sale.

The partners have already enjoyed success with Three Chimneys' Gun Runner, who is the sire of their champion and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone. Coolmore also stands the stallion's young son Gunite

“We have Gunite at home at Ashford and he covered a big book of mares and he's very popular,” Magnier said. “And Gun Runner is just flying at the moment. He's by the right horse and everybody liked him.”

Closing out Day 1 with a bang! Hip 177, a Gun Runner colt from @HillnDaleFarm, hammers down at $3.3 million to M.V. Magnier/White Birch/Winchell Thoroughbreds. pic.twitter.com/IDsdYLax31

— Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 8, 2025

Of the colt's session-topping price, Magnier admitted, “It went higher than we expected, but Peter and our partners were all pretty keen on the horse. Let's hope we didn't make a mistake.”

The $3.3-million yearling is out of Thoughfully (Tapit), who won the 2020 GII Adirdonack Stakes for Heider Family Stables. He was bred by Hill n' Dale Equine Holdings and Matt Dorman's Determined Stud and was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

“He was a very smooth, very good horse, by a great sire who had a timely Grade I winner [GI Del Mar Futurity winner Brant] yesterday,” said Hill 'n' Dale's John Sikura. “It's a prolific female family. And you hope for the best. All the major players assess and value these kind of horses and he made the list of important people.”

Thoughtfully is a full-sister to stakes winner Signator and a half to graded winner Annual Report (Harlan's Holiday). Her granddam is Grade I winner Furlough (Easy Goer), a half-sister to Dancing Spree.

Of the session-topping price tag, Sikura added, “After a million dollars, you're just watching and hoping. We never know where they are going to wind up. The good thing is I knew we were strong going in. I knew that there was multiple interest from strong people. After that, you're just a spectator in the process. You hope they all get brave and stay brave. It was a great result.” @JessMartiniTDN

A filly by Not This Time (hip 144), a third generation from Hinkle Farm, provided the operation a second seven-figure yearling out of multiple-stakes placed Stave (Ghostzapper) when selling for $2 million to Scott Heider Monday at Keeneland.

“I really like the Hinkle family,” Heider said after doing his bidding alongside trainer Brendan Walsh and bloodstock agent David Lanigan. “They are good people and they raise very good horses. We looked at a lot of nice fillies in Book 1 and I told Brendan and Ted Durcan and David Lanigan, this is the one we want. I had no idea we would have to wrestle that hard to get it done. But it's a testament to the Hinkle family and what they raise on that farm. We had two stakes fillies we already raced off that page. So I thought that was as good a karma as we could get.”

Hip 144, | Keeneland photo

Hinkle Farm bred and campaigned the yearling's second dam, GII Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes winner Buy the Barrel (E Dubai). That mare produced Stave, who hit the board in three stakes races in the farm's colors. Stave's second foal, Matenro Hour (Constitution), sold for $1.1 million to Yuichi Fukunaga at last year's September sale.

The Heider family campaigned Hinkle Farm-bred multiple stakes winner Surf N Sand (Boston Harbor), a daughter of the yearling's third dam Affordable Price (Drouilly {Fr}), and bred Surf N Sand to get stakes winner Coco as in Chanel (Awesome Again)

“She's been a favorite on the farm for a while,” Anne Archer Hinkle said of the yearling. “We knew coming up here that she would be our top filly in the sale. She checked all of the boxes. She's a beautiful mover, really great physical. She comes from a great family and Not This Time couldn't be any hotter. We felt good coming into the sale, especially when we got the final set of clean X-rays. She came up here and was incredibly professional the whole time.”

Hinkle said the filly was shown over 300 times at the consignment's barn 18.

“We use a software, TB Sales and we can go back to data from 2019, so for yearlings going back to 2019, we've never had a yearling viewed that many times,” she said. “And we've been fortunate to have some really great sales the past couple of years. Knowing that we had her out over 300 times, I thought there was a chance she could break out and she definitely exceeded our wildest dreams. We are thrilled she has a good home and hopefully she will continue to be a star for her new owners.”

In a memorable few minutes at last year's Keeneland September sale, Hinkle Farm sold two million dollar yearlings. In addition to Stave's Constitution colt, the operation sold a filly by Curlin for $1.2 million. @JessMartiniTDN

A quarter of the way through Monday's first session of Book 1, the top two colts on the leaderboard were both by Lane's End's first-crop yearling sire Flightline. Hip 45, a colt out of the multiple graded stakes producer Mira Alta (Curlin), sold for $1.7 million to Naohiro Sakaguchi and will be shipped to Japan, according to officials at Keeneland. The flaxen-maned chestnut was bred by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC in Kentucky.

“That was fantastic. We were very happy,” said Warrendale's Hunter Simms, who initially wasn't sure who had signed the ticket and shook the hands of several bidders to thank them for their efforts. “There were something like seven different interests on him, all from Japan.”

Simms said the chestnut half-brother to GSW Promise Keeper (Constitution) and SW & GSP Wicked Awesome (Awesome Again) represented the only Flightline offering in Warrendale's consignment. Simms was impressed by the February foal's demeanor.

Warrendale Sales's Kitty Taylor | Keeneland

“This is the only one that we're selling at this sale. He was just so relaxed back there the whole time we were showing him. We showed him over 220 times over the last three days and he handled everything with class. He was just such a great individual to be around.”

Rock Ridge purchased the $1.7-million colt's unraced dam at the 2015 Keeneland November sale for $200,000. Their property is located on the former ClassicStar property near Versailles, said Simms, who added: “The horse was raised by Codee Guffey at Rock Ridge and his uncle Kerry [Smith]. They do a great job. They raise a really good horse.

“We've had good sales for them in the past. This is just icing on the cake for everything they put into it over the last few years. They've invested into a lot of mares and stud fees and everything else. I'm glad it paid off for them.”

Much later in the sale, Sakaguchi added a second Flightline–this time a filly (hip 168) out of Taylor S (Medaglia d'Oro) for $1.5 million–to his purchases. As an owner, Sakaguchi's most accomplished runner to date is Poulsen (Into Mischief), a $925,000 OBS April grad and winner of three of his seven starts in Japan. He was most recently unplaced in the G3 Leopard Stakes Aug. 10.   ––JillWilliamsTDN

#KeeSept Book 1, Session 1 Results: Hip 168, a filly from the first crop of Flightline out of Taylor S, sells for $1.5 million to Naohiro Sakaguchi from the @TaylorMadeSales consignment. pic.twitter.com/dcek202qS5

— TDN (@theTDN) September 8, 2025

With Monday's session already in full swing, Hip 66 lit up the board, bringing a cool $1.6 million from Windancer Farms, who was bidding online.

Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the Apr. 20 foal by Not This Time was bred by Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stables.

“Based upon the action [on him] we knew that he would sell for a lot of money,” said Santulli. “At that level, that's crazy. But he was a very nice colt.”

Of the final price, the fourth-highest yearling of the session, Santulli added, “We knew he'd make a million, our reserve was set at $500,000. We felt [$500,000] at that price, we'd take home a racehorse [if he didn't sell]. ”

The bay is produced by MSP Out Post (Silver Deputy), herself a $250,000 Keeneland September purchase in 2007. She is already responsible for SW and MGSP Jace's Road (Quality Road).

The colt hails from the family of dual champion and MGISW Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy).

“[The pedigree] goes back to Silverbulletday and Deputy Minister is in there,” Santulli added. “It is a nice page and a nice [physical].”

A dozen yearlings by the Taylor Made Stallion brought $9.175 million, for an average of $764,583 and a median of 650,000. He was also represented by the session's second-highest price, who sold for $2 million to the Heider family.

Asked about his overall impression of the sale early in the day, Santulli didn't mince words.

“This sale is nuts,” he said. “Nice horses are going to bring money.”–CBossTDN

Headley VanMeter, the youngest son of longtime consignor Tom VanMeter, started his inaugural Keeneland September sale consignment off with a bang when his VanMeter Sales sold a colt by Flightline (hip 10) for $1.5 million to John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock Monday at Keeneland. The result also marked a remarkable first for breeder Randall Lowe, who was selling his first yearling after RNA'ing the colt's half-brothers future Grade I winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), for $325,000 in 2019, and Lieutenant General (Omaha Beach) for $385,000 in 2022.

“This is the first yearling I've ever sold,” Lowe confirmed. “I was 0-for-four in the batter's box, including Golden Pal. To do this is a dream come true.”

The yearling is out of Lowe's lone broodmare, the speedy Lady Shipman (Midshipman).

“I wanted to see what was going on in the marketplace because the Flightlines have been so strong,” Lowe said of the decision to offer the colt at Keeneland. “I still have three other racehorses, one getting ready to start at Santa Anita, a half-sister to this horse. I thought for an individual person who doesn't take on partners, two or three horses is more than enough.”

Bidding on the colt had inched over the million-dollar mark and was standing at $1.15 million when Stewart, in the reserved seating area at the back of the pavilion, jumped his bid up to $1.5 million.

“When John Stewart went to $1.5 million, I started to cry,” Lowe admitted.

Lowe did sell Lady Shipman's unraced 3-year-old daughter Luvwhatyoudo (Uncle Mo) for $250,000 during the Fasig-Tipton Digital March sale earlier this year and the mare herself RNA'd for $1.6 million with her Flightline colt in utero at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November sale.

Lowe has retained the mare's 2-year-old daughter Essential Lady (Essential Quality), who has been working at Del Mar.

“I still own the mother and she is in foal to Not This time,” Lowe said. “I still own the sister. But it's nice to be recognized, especially by someone like John Stewart. He told me this was his number one colt in the auction.”

Of his first Keeneland September offering, VanMeter said, “It's incredible, storybook. We had high expectations coming in here, but we didn't think he was going to do that. The colt was an absolute pro up here for the last four or five days. We are elated to get the sale started off this way.”

The yearling was born and raised on the VanMeter family's Stockplace Farm.

“Lady Shipman is on the farm and he was born and raised there and prepped there, so that makes this all the more special,” VanMeter said.

Stewart, celebrating his latest acquisition, said he has been impressed by the offspring of Flightline he has seen.

“We bought Queen Caroline [in foal to Flightline in November 2024],” Stewart said. “She has a nice Flightline filly and I bought a nice Flightline [colt for $875,000] up in Saratoga. So I really like the way those horses are looking, and I think he was the number one colt today.” @JessMartiniTDN

With a Breeders' Cup win under both her first and second dam, the chestnut filly cataloged as hip 115 was guaranteed to turn heads. Add supersire Tapit to the mix and it's no surprise she caught the eye of Mandy Pope, whose multiple graded winner Charge It (Tapit) stood his first season at Gainesway this year.

“There's not going to be many more [Tapits],” said Todd Quast, advisor to Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, who bought the filly–both bred and consigned by Gainesway–for $1.5 million. “Mandy loves Tapit, so when you get that and you get this mare's side and you get the physical, we're very happy.”

Tapit will be 25 next year. His four yearlings to sell Monday averaged $887,500 and included a $1-million filly (hip 118) out of Silver Colors (Mr. Greeley), who was also bred and consigned by Gainesway and went to Kate Sheehan, agent for Tranquility Lake Farm.

Whisper Hill's newest acquisition is a daughter of 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing (Speightstown), who won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2019. Her dam, Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect), captured the 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

#KeeSept Book 1, Session 1 Results: Hip 115, a Tapit filly out of Grade I winner SHARING, sells for $1.5 million to @whisper_hill from the @Gainesway consignment. pic.twitter.com/BUbup4G3qH

— TDN (@theTDN) September 8, 2025

A number of the Whisper Hill horses are kept at Gainesway, so Quast was already familiar with the filly. “We had seen her a couple of times and Antony [Beck] wasn't going to sell her. Then, at the last minute he decided to put her in and we got very excited. We're very, very happy to have her. What a family and what a physical.”

Quast added that the March filly stood out on every aspect.

“From my standpoint, it was the physical, and I really liked her as an athlete. Mandy loved her pedigree. When you get those both together, you're going to pay a lot of money. We're very excited about the family. Super-nice filly.”

Quast was busy Monday, with Whisper Hill both on the buying and selling end. Another Gainesway-consigned filly from the same family will also join their racing stable. Hip 108, a daughter of Good Magic out of Secret Jewel (Bernardini), went to Whisper Hill for $775,000. That filly's second dam produced Shared Account. While buying is the fun part, Quast said selling could be bittersweet.

“It's very difficult,” he added. “It's sad to see them go. It's hard, so it's a very emotional, up-and-down time.”

Whisper Hill is no stranger to the selling side, but it's not every day the operation parts with offspring of some of their most beloved mares. Monday they sold a Gun Runner colt (hip 128) out of multiple champion Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro) for $900,000 to Donato Lanni, agent for SF Bloodstock, Starlight, and Madaket, as well as a Flightline colt (hip 129) out of her unraced daughter, Song Gate (Arrogate), for $850,000 to Case Clay Thoroughbred Management.

“To see the Songbird sell, the Song Gate…” trailed off Quast. “They sold very, very well, but it's hard to sell them. In this business, you have to do business. You have to sell some when you get the right price for them and you have to buy them–hopefully at the right price.” ––JillWilliamsTDN

Roughly midway through the initial session, agent Thorostock's Nick Sallusto and Michelle Hemingway, bidding from the front of the main pavilion, withstood a stern barrage to land Hip 105, a filly by Gun Runner.

When the dust had settled, the WinStar-bred yearling realized $1.3 million, the fourth highest-priced filly of Day 1. Hemingway handled the signing duties.

“[The client who] bought [the filly] wants to enjoy racing but is also building a broodmare band,” explained Sallusto, who secured the filly on behalf of an undisclosed client. “She is really partial to Gun Runner. To try to find one that hit all the specifications, she really had to hit all the marks. We are just really excited that we were able to buy her.”

Out of 5-year-old Scribbling Sarah (Freud), the May 5 foal is a half-sister to GI Ashland Stakes winner and GI Kentucky Oaks third Speech (Mr Speaker) in addition to Sam F. Davis Stakes winner John Hancock (Constitution).

“It was hard to find something that we didn't like [about the filly],” underscored Sallusto. “I was the underbidder on Speech as a 2-year-old, so I watched her career and then [the dam] came back with John Hancock last year and it looks like he still has a bright future ahead of him.”

Hip 105, a Gun Runner half-sister to Speech consigned by @DenaliStud, agent for @WinStarFarm, brings $1.3 million at #KeeSept! Purchased by Nick Sallusto, Thorostock. pic.twitter.com/aVcYAFsEFJ

— Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 8, 2025

One would be hard-pressed to find someone more familiar with the seven-figure Gun Runner filly purchase than WinStar's Yearling Manager Donnie Preston.

“It's a young pedigree,” Preston said moments after her exit from the ring. “We have always liked her and [buyers] liked her too. I'm pretty excited she brought $1.3 million.

“She is really a standout. She has great movement–a big walk.”

Explaining her conformational appeal, Preston explained, “I think everything was put together right on her. She had great balance and I loved her shoulder. Her hind end was that 'dinner plate' look at the top. I knew she'd go over well, but this well, I wasn't sure.”

Pointing out another interesting connection between the filly's breeder and her illustrious sire, Preston explained,”Gun Runner was born on WinStar, not a lot of people know that. He went down to Florida and when he came back [to WinStar] I had him for about 2-3 months. I wouldn't say that she looked like him, but I think the quality of him is there.”

On Monday, a total of 10 yearlings sired by Gun Runner sold for a gross of $10,260,000. Also responsible for the session's $3.3-million topper, yearlings by Gun Runner averaged $1,026,000.

“It's a really strong market and we fought hard to get her,” said Sallusto of his sole purchase Monday. “We hope to see a lot out of her [on the track] and then raise her babies to race them too.”–CBossTDN

Never far from the leaderboard at the sales, Spendthrift sire Into Mischief again figured prominently when Hip 89 realized $1.25 million from the collective of Eclipse, Bridlewood, LaPenta and Warren.

The Mar. 5 foal was consigned by his breeder, Mulholland Springs.

Out of Reina Maria (Songandaprayer), herself a half-sister to GISW Secret Compass (Discreet Cat), the bay is a full sibling to Grade II winner and sire Maximus Mischief.

“He is by Into Mischief and is a full brother to a proven stallion and a big strong physical,” said Bridlewood's George Isaacs.

During Book 1's initial session, 11 yearlings by Into Mischief brought $8.125 million, averaging $738,636. The median was $700,000.

“Into Mischief is king of the sires in North America as we know. We know horses like this are going to bring this kind of money. We've had good success with this partnership. Let's just hope we get lucky.”

Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbreds and Bob LaPenta are among the partners in this season's GI Preakness Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin).

Asked about the principal attraction to the yearling, Isaacs explained, “Everybody wants to try to win the Kentucky Derby and play at the top level in the American Classics. That's why we're all here and that's why we're all banging heads [in bidding]. Looks like there is plenty of energy here. The cost of doing business with horses like this is high.”

The colt represented the sole yearling on offer by Mulholland Springs on Monday and the consignor was very well represented.

“The most beautiful thing about him you didn't even see, and that is his wonderful mind,” said Martha Jane Mulholland. “This horse is all class top to bottom and always has been. I believe he's the best horse I've raised in the last 10 years.”

Reflecting on comparisons between the colt and his accomplished brother, Mulholland added, “I would say he's just about 100 pounds heavier. Just that much more man than his brother was at this time as a yearling. I'm just so excited about his prospects.”–CBossTDN

The post ‘An Incredible Horse Sale’: $3.3-Million Gun Runner Colt Leads Keeneland September Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

WinStar Farm's David Hanley has been named 2025 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC). The award honors individuals 'who exemplify excellence in farm management and service to the community.”

Appointed to the role of farm manager at WinStar in 2013, Hanley has played a key role in the farm's acquisition of new fewer than 11 Grade I winners who have amassed a total of 23 elite-level victories, including Justify, Life Is Good, Improbable, Mullikin and Patch Adams.

“I am honored and grateful to the Kentucky Farm Managers' Club to be selected for this prestigious award,” Hanley said. “It's truly humbling to join the list of past honorees, many of whom are horsemen I have long admired and respected. This recognition reflects the collective hard work of the team at WinStar, and I'm privileged to work alongside Elliott Walden. Our collaborative efforts in selecting yearlings for WinStar's racing stable have been a major factor in the farm's success.”

Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager for WinStar Farm, praised Hanley's contributions and talents, saying: “It is a great honor to see David receive such a well-deserved award, and we are delighted for him and his wife, Ann. We are very blessed to have David as part of our team. He is a great friend, and his eye for a young horse is outstanding. He has been an instrumental part of our success for the last 12 years, and we are honored to share in his success. The KTFMC could not have made a better choice.”

A native of Co. Mayo, Ireland, Hanley got involved in the Thoroughbred business managing Murray McDonnell's Whitechurch Farm and later began a training career while with the operation. He trained the likes of champion sprinter Lidana and trained a co-bred Grade I winner Golden Apples (Ire).

The KTFMC will honor David Hanley at its annual Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 5, at The Carrick House in Lexington, Kentucky. Details for the 2025 KTFMC Dinner Dance will be announced at a later time.

The post WinStar’s Hanley Named Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A Gun Runner son (hip 177) of 'TDN Rising Star' Thoughtfully (Tapit) set off late fireworks just four hips from the end of Monday's opening session at Keeneland September when Peter Brant, signing on behalf of M.V. Magnier & White Birch Farm, outlasted all comers to sign the ticket at $3,300,000.

Bred by Hill n Dale Equine Holdings, Inc & Determined Stud, the colt's dam brought $950,000 herself as a broodmare at FTKNOV in 2019.

M.V. Magnier and White Birch also bought her first foal, a now 2-year-old son of Curlin, for $1,300,000 just one year ago as a yearling at Keeneland.

The dam is a half to fellow 'Rising Stars' Signator (Tapit) and Bugle Notes (Ghostzapper).

The post Gun Runner Colt A Late Session Topper At $3.3m For Brant appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Demand for progeny by Horse of the Year Flightline stayed strong throughout Monday's session of Keeneland September as a filly (hip 168) sold for $1,500,000 to Japan's Naohiro Sakaguchi.

The filly is a daughter of 'TDN Rising Star' Taylor S (Medaglia d'Oro) who is herself a half-sister to both fellow 'Rising Star' Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and current hot sire Not This Time (Giant's Causeway).

Bred by Albaugh Family Stables, she was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.

Sakaguchi also struck earlier in the session for another Flightline, purchasing a colt out of Mira Alta for $1.7m.

The post Flightline Craze Continues With Another Seven-Figure Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

Scott Williamson has joined the international team at Metrics Equine, according to a press release from the group.  As part of his role with Metrics, Williamson will evaluate cardio potential, mechanical efficiency, and compatibility with other bloodlines and physical types for yearlings, 2-year-olds in training, and breeding stock in America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Originally from Epsom, England, Williamson has developed and honed his skills and experience working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world for more than 25 years.

A graduate of Writtle College with an HND in Equine Studies, Williamson has held positions at many of the world's leading breeding, sales, and racing operations, including Coolmore in Ireland, Darley in England, and Lane's End in the U.S.

Williamson has spent the last 17 years in Australia. During this time, he has been farm manager at Musk Creek Farm, at Yulong, and at Twin Palms; assistant manager at Edinglassie Stud in the Hunter Valley; and wet mare manager at the iconic Widden Stud.

In Lexington for the Keeneland September sales, Williamson will be available to meet clients and friends, old and new. To contact him, please ring him at (+61) 0435 851 661 (Aus phone) or email at sewilliamson80@gmail.com.

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Scott Heider went to an even $2,000,000 to secure a Hinkle Farms-bred daughter of Not This Time (hip 144) to set a new high-water mark Monday at Keeneland September.

The filly is out of Stave whose current 2-year-old Matenro Hour (Constitution) brought $1,100,000 at this same sale just last year from Yuichi Fukunaga.

This is the immediate family of First Samurai siblings MGISP Tarabi and GISP Shivaji along with recent GI Santa Anita Derby third Westwood (Authentic).

HIP 144, f. by NOT THIS TIME, hammers for $2 MILLION to set the session mark on Day 1! The filly, out of stakes placed mare Stave, was bred and consigned by @Hinkle_Farms!

Sold to Heider Family Stables alongside agent David Lanigan! Congrats to all and best of luck! pic.twitter.com/r7tITkFIUV

— Taylor Made Stallions (@TMStallions) September 8, 2025

The post Not This Time Filly Another Million-Dollar Foal Out Of Hinkle Farms Mare Stave appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 2025-2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby kicks off this weekend with the running of the GIII Iroquois Stakes going the one-turn mile at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby, launched in 2013, awards a scale of points to the top five finishers in selected qualifying races between September and April. The leaderboard determines the preference list for entry into the GI Kentucky Derby, limited to 20 runners.

Up to three horses from overseas may qualify for the Derby. In addition to the 36-race Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby series concludes with the G3 UAE Derby and can produce up to two invitations to the top point-getters. The four-race Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby awards one berth in the Run for the Roses.

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks, featuring 33 qualifying races, also begins Sept. 13 with the running of the one-mile GIII Pocahontas Stakes.

Click here for the full schedule.

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A Tapit filly out of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing (Speightstown) sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $1,500,000.

Bred and consigned by Gainesway, the filly has plenty of Breeders' Cup in her pedigree with second dam Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect) taking the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in her racing career.

Sharing has already produced one winner, the 3-year-old Into Mischief filly Sharedashenanigans.

The post Tapit Daughter Of Sharing To Whisper Hill Farm For $1.5m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Twelve months after his full-brother–now named Boom Bap Beat–fetched $1.25 million in this sales pavilion, hip 76, a colt by Into Mischief out of 2019 GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes winner Point of Honor (Curlin), one-upped his sibling when the hammer dropped at $1.5 million during Monday's opening session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in Lexington. Coolmore and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm was the successful bidder.

A Feb. 15 foal, the bay colt was bred by Jon Clay's Alpha Delta Stable, and is the second of three foals from Point of Honor, a half-sister to Grade I winner Wicked Whisper (Liam's Map), who was also placed four times at Grade I level. Point of Honor produced a colt by Not This Time this term.

Boom Bap Beat was purchased last year by Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida, who has sent out a pair of high-profile maiden winners over the last two weekends, including 'TDN Rising Star' Magna Victor (Maxfield) this past Saturday.

The post Into Mischief Colt Another Seven-Figure Seller For Alpha Delta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A colt by Not This Time (hip 66) sold for $1,600,000 Monday to Windancer Farms.

Out of MSP Out Post, the colt is a half-brother to 'TDN Rising Star' and MGSP Jace's Road (Quality Road).

He was bred in Kentucky by Colts Neck Stables and consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.

The post Windancer Farms Picks Up Not This Time Colt For $1.6m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Another son (hip 45) from the first crop of Horse of the Year Flightline broke the seven-figure mark when Japan's Naohiro Sakaguchi went to $1,700,000 to secure the half-brother to GSW Promise Keeper (Constitution), SW/GSP Wicked Awesome (Awesome Again) and GSP War Stopper (Declaration of War). Bred by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, the colt was consigned by Warrendale Sales. His first dam is a half-sister to GI Lane's End Breeders' Futurity Stakes winner Great Hunter (Aptitude) while another half-sister produced MGSW/MGISP Owendale (Into Mischief). Rock Ridge purchased the mare for $200,000 as a broodmare at KEENOV in 2015.

The post Another Flightline Colt Breaks Seven Figures, Bringing $1.7m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.