Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

    • / Reply

      Thanks Auntie Judy!

      Happy and Prosperous New Year to you and all my Z friends!

      Happy New Year to everyone at Lanes End.

      Hugs and Kisses to Zenyatta and 12Z!

      Happy New Year to Mr. & Mrs. Moss, John S and Dottie and everyone at Barn 55.

  2. / Reply

    Thank you Lane’s End and especially Allaire,
    This is an excellent tutorial on the sales process and the sales.
    You did a great job of walking us through the process.
    So, there is lots of behind-the-scenes activity before that walk in the ring.
    Happy New Year to the Team and each person on it
    Keta

  3. / Reply

    Qaraaba Captures Robert J. Frankel
    By Esther Marr, The Blood-Horse
    Updated: Monday, December 31, 2012 12:08 PM
    English-bred Qaraaba displayed a powerful turn of foot when closing from last to capture the Dec. 30 Robert J. Frankel Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).
    The 1 1/8-mile race, named for the late Hall of Fame trainer who succumbed to leukemia in 2009, was the eighth event on the card and marked the first black-type score for Qaraaba. Humberto Ascanio, Frankel’s assistant for more than 30 years before the trainer’s death, presented the trophy to the winning connections.
    It was Qaraaba’s second straight stateside victory in as many starts since she was shipped to the United States from her native country last summer. While racing in England, she was conditioned by Seamus Durack for P.A. Deal.
    Now trained by Simon Callaghan for Alice Bamford and Michael Tabor, the 5-year-old daughter of Shamardal came into the race off a 1 1/2-length score in a Nov. 15 allowance optional claiming contest at Betfair Hollywood Park. She holds a career record of 7-2-1 from 15 starts, for earnings of $171,119.
    “We thought the world of this filly from day one,” said Callaghan. “She’s special. She’ll get better as she goes further. You need to take her back and get her to relax, no matter what the pace is. Julien (Leparoux) did a good job.”
    The turf course, which was pelted with rain Dec. 29, was labeled “good” for the Robert J. Frankel.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75274/qaraaba-captures-robert-j-frankel#ixzz2Gf3QA832

      • / Reply

        Trina. You are right. Bobby Frankel deserves Grade I status for sure. Very happy that Bobby has again this year kept his world record for the most grade I wins in a season.

      • / Reply

        Trina,
        I second that.
        They did so much reorg on the races this year.
        Maybe they will catch & change next year.
        Happy New Year!
        Hugs, Keta

  6. / Reply

    GARY STEVENS ON TRACK BREEZING!!
    Zoe Cadman‏ tweet Mon. Dec. 31 2012
    Strong Suit now in the barn of Simon Callahan ( Callaghan) could not have looked
    any better breezing 1/2 mile under G.Stevens this am!!

    Keta Note: I confirmed with Zoe that G. meant Gary.

    • / Reply

      He misses it…God bless him! He said when asked recently he may run in some maiden or claiming races…..will be interesting whether this will fade quickly the first time he gets unseated and his older bones get bruised and bent. LOL

      • / Reply

        Ann Maree
        I have to ask myself: With all his accomplishments & wins,
        what does Gary have left to prove?
        There must be some piece of unfinished business in his race life.
        Happy New Year!
        Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann Maree,

        Gary said he riding to get back in shape on HRTV, which is the only satisfying
        exercise he loves and enjoys. Agree with you, his first fall may be
        a shocker. But the love for riding and the fearlessness never fades.

        Love Laffit Pincay, Jr. talks of his new year of maintaining a health diet
        and staying fit. All those years of diet and exercise never go away.

  8. / Reply

    Such a beautiful picture above. I am in heaven when even talking about the sales. Such beauty’s in one place. Thank You Lane’s End and Allaire.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N,

      These fillies are sooo precious, they look so feminine compared to 12 Z’s group
      of colts.

  9. / Reply

    I have a question to ask. I know this has been asked and answered before, but, No Sign it’s not about the name,(Ha) I’ll let someone else do that again.
    But, When did they say that Z would problably leave for his Yearling training. Did they say fall of this year? I still hope he goes to Jeanne Mayberry or John Stephens . These two are greats and we know Our Boy has to go to the best. He is just getting more beautiful everytime we see a new picture of him. That’s 2013 I’m talking about. Lo, sorry its still well right now 2012
    Remember everybody Don’t Drink and Drive, Arrive Alive.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N,

      Too cute, I don’t think they go to training until they turn two. In their yearling year
      they learn more and better ground manners and limited tack, still just playing
      and having fun so they grow up healthy and happy physically and mentally.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N,

      Found this link on training TB at 2 years of age. They are sold at the end of
      their yearling year and start training sometime at 2 years old. It is still young
      and plagued to musculoskeltal problems as they grow. John Shirreffs has the right
      idea, letting them grow, limits having to deal with their “aches and pains” like
      shin splits etc…. More comfortable for the horse, too.

      http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/thoroughbred-bloggers-alliance/archive/2010/08/27/the-ideal-2-year-old-training-program.aspx

  11. / Reply

    @Auntie Judy–thanks for the heads up. I probably wouldn’t have seen this until tomorrow!!

    Wow–LE, thank you for the information. Some of us have a lot to learn.There is so much work that goes into it. I just hope they are all bought by people who will love them.

  13. / Reply

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT LANE’S END!! Hope 2013 brings health and prosperity to all! Thank you for all the updates and news and background information! You all are the greatest! Look forward to news soon on Z13! Can’t wait!

  15. / Reply

    I don’t comment much anymore but I’m out here reading and watching with great interest. The best of wishes to everyone for a great New Year.
    ———————————————————————————————————————————
    Hard to believe that I only found out about Zenyatta in 2010 on the 60 Minutes segment. It was love at first sight and I’ve followed her ever since. I’ve watched every one of her races on youtube and have commented in her diary ever since the 2010 Breeders Cup where she made an outstanding showing in that race. I’ve learned so much on this site and continue to learn every time a new subject comes up. I, too, would like to know where 12Z will go for training. I’m thinking Jean Mayberry since that’s where Z trained. But, things change with time and I know we’ll all be informed when that decision is made.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R,

        Will send you some from Texas, too.

        It was a Wales day today !!!!!

  17. / Reply

    Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! Looking forward to Z13 arriving and to watching Z12 grow. Thanks for all the great information and comments that I love reading.

  19. / Reply

    Thanks Allaire for a wonderful explanation on the sales.

    All the best to you and everyone at Lane’s End for the new year.

    All of you Zsters: God bless you all and bestow happiness and good health on each and every one and your families this coming new year.
    love and hugs, Mary

  24. / Reply

    dear kathy already well into 2013 spectacular fireworks in sydney with kylie! hope you have a wonderful year we had so much rain over the weekend wish i could have sent some over to you!!our meeting at cheltenham is off tomorrow course is waterlogged but it does promise a bit more settled weather in the new year at last!!!!hugs sheenaxx

  26. / Reply

    Happiest of new years to the Z team, our Z family of friends, and Lane’s End. Have to wonder, though, about corrective surgery to enable a horse to race: does it perpetuate the weakness of the breed? I’m certainly not an expert, but….

    • / Reply

      I wondered the same thing, PatB. But it would not have to, if corrected in order to race, but not to breed — and anyone considering breeding would know about the surgery.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny, Z12, Mr. & Mrs. Moss, Lanes End staff, Team Z and all Zsters:
    Wishing all of you the very best in 2013.

    Happy New Year!

    Love and Hugs,
    Linda

  30. / Reply

    Dear A, Prince Z13, Z Team, Lane’s End Team and Z Family:

    Happy, Blessed New Year to all of you. Love and Hugs, JB

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