Each year between March and June there are several 2 Year Olds in Training Sales that take place throughout the country. The Sales provide an opportunity to buy thoroughbreds that are further along in their physical and mental maturation and ideally, close to being able to begin their racing careers.
On March 12 and 13, the first 2 Year Olds in Training Sale (Ocala Breeders Sales Company) took place in Ocala, Florida. The market for quality racehorses was apparent and bidding was spirited. A March Ocala Breeders Sales Company record was set on the first day of the Sale when Hip #33 sold for $2 million. View sale video here.
Hip #33 is a gray colt whose sire (Tapit) and broodmare (Artemis Agrotera) were both Grade 1 Stakes Winners. In addition to having impeccable bloodlines, the colt is physically well conformed and breezed an 1/8 of a mile in 10 and 1/5th seconds prior to the Sale.
View Chestertown’s pedigree here.
We (Woodford Racing) are one of five partners that purchased the colt. The other partners are West Point Thoroughbreds, Chester and Mary Broman (the breeders of the colt), Robert Masiello and Siena Farms. While a higher purchase price doesn’t guarantee success on the track, it normally indicates multiple parties had an interest in purchasing the horse. When you spend $2 million, it makes sense to partner with others. Partnering allows you to “reach” and pay more than you ideally want to as well as spread ongoing expenses and risk.
The colt has been named Chestertown and will be trained by Hall of Fame Trainer Steve Asmussen. Asmussen has trained four of Tapit’s best performing sons and daughters so he has familiarity with the family which should be beneficial.
If all goes well we are hoping the colt will debut at Saratoga Racetrack this Summer. How appropriate as Chestertown is a New York Bred!