Amo Racing and Memo Racing made headlines by purchasing a remarkable Girvin filly for a striking $1.1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. This sale set a record for the most spent on a Girvin two-year-old, surpassing the previous top price of $725,000.
Breaking Down the Sale
The Girvin filly, known as hip 368, captured attention not for her pedigree alone but for her outstanding performance during the training sessions, despite being amidst challenging weather conditions. The sales event saw heavy rainfall, leading to a challenging environment for all participants.
When the final hammer came down at $1.1 million, it marked a new pinnacle for Girvin progeny, adding an exciting chapter to the Fasig-Tipton legacy. This filly’s journey to the top started at the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, where she initially sold for $180,000, eventually finding her way into the hands of Havertz Stables for $240,000 in 2024 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
The Path to Fasig-Tipton’s Record-Breaking Sale
This year’s Fasig-Tipton sale faced its share of tribulations. Excessive rain damaged the track, transforming breezes into gallops. Nonetheless, the horse racing community persevered, and record-breaking sales figures concluded the event. With $44,192,500 in gross sales, the event outstripped its previous best by 18.5%.
In addition to the record-breaking figures, the average sale price rose to $135,560, a notable jump of 42.1% from the previous year’s numbers. The median climbed to $60,000, up by 20%, illustrating the auction’s success despite the obstacles.
Kerri Radcliffe’s Winning Strategy
Kerri Radcliffe’s reputation as a bloodstock agent shines brighter following her pivotal role in acquiring the Girvin filly for Amo and Memo racing. Known for her knack in identifying exceptional talent, Radcliffe described the filly as the “best in the sale.” Her decision to venture into buying a filly marked a new strategic move for Memo Racing, which had previously focused on acquiring colts.
Market Insight: The Impact of Breezing
Trainer Bhupat Seemar highlighted the significance of breezing in such auctions. Horses that showcased their agility during breezing fetched higher prices, accentuating their market appeal. Among the top purchases, a Violence colt sold for $1,050,000 without breezing, proving exceptions to the trend but underscoring the importance of showcasing potential.
Conclusion: Embracing Changes and Challenges
Despite formidable challenges, Fasig-Tipton adapted and thrived. Responses to weather-related disruptions showcased the community’s resilience and adaptability. As this year’s sale concluded, the horse racing world witnessed a stellar event that not only broke records but also set new standards for future sales.
The acquisition of the Girvin filly signals an exciting phase for Amo and Memo Racing as they set their sights on new heights within the racing landscape. The filly is expected to join Chad Brown’s stable, promising potential success pathways under his seasoned training expertise.
Ultimately, this record-breaking sale underscored the dynamic nature of horse racing, where despite unexpected challenges, passion and perseverance lay the groundwork for historic achievements.
