Mike Repole made his first purchase at a Japanese public sale, acquiring a 2-year-old filly by Orfevre out of his former multiple graded stakes-winning mare Unlimited Budget for ¥33 million ($211,794) at the Chiba Thoroughbred Sale.
– ‣ Prominent owner Mike Repole made his first purchase at a Japanese public sale, acquiring a 2-year-old filly by Orfevre for ¥33 million ($211,794), bred by Shadai Farm and out of Unlimited Budget (Street Sense).
– ‣ Repole has been studying Japanese pedigrees for months and has recently purchased two Deep Impact (Jpn) mares, indicating a strategic interest in Japanese bloodstock due to its global success.
– ‣ The transparency of the Japanese sales process, with public reserves and accessible veterinary information online, impressed Repole, who sees potential lessons for improving sales processes in other markets.
Slow Thursday night…but the Commissioner out here making some racing history…..
Repole Stable is happy to announce we made our first purchase in Japan! 🇯🇵
We bought this filly by champion Orfevre out of my former multiple graded stakes winning mare Unlimited Budget for 33… pic.twitter.com/8qLTcLWwtf
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) May 10, 2024
Mike Repole, a name well-known in the racing circles, decided to explore new territories. Last Friday, he ventured into the Japanese public sales for the first time. And guess what? He didn’t just dip his toe; he dove right in, spending a cool ¥33 million (that’s about $211,794) on a 2-year-old filly. This filly isn’t just any horse; she’s by the legendary Orfevre (Jpn), a name that resonates with excellence in the racing world.
Born on Valentine’s Day in 2022, this bay filly has quite the lineage. She was bred by the prestigious Shadai Farm and comes from Unlimited Budget (Street Sense). Now, that’s a name Repole knows well. It’s like everything’s come full circle for him with this purchase.
Repole’s been doing his homework, diving deep into Japanese pedigrees for months. “We recently purchased two Deep Impact (Jpn) mares,” he shared, hinting at his growing interest in Japanese bloodlines. This latest acquisition? It’s just the beginning, according to him. Unlimited Budget, the filly’s dam, was once his pride on the racetrack, a multiple graded stakes horse.
Back in 2012, Repole shelled out $475,000 for Unlimited Budget at the OBS March Sale. She was a Florida-bred half-sister to some notable names and quickly became a ‘TDN Rising Star’. Her debut? A jaw-dropping 9 1/2-length victory at Aqueduct. She didn’t stop there, clinching that year’s GII Demoiselle S.
Carrying her form into her 3-year-old season, she bagged wins at the GIII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks. Although she faced tough competition in the GI Kentucky Oaks, finishing third, she proved her mettle. Unlimited Budget retired with earnings over $758,000 and was later sold to Shadai for a whopping $1.3 million. Since then, she’s produced three winners from five starters.
Repole is clearly impressed with Japan’s strategic approach to bloodstock over the past three decades. “It’s paying dividends all over the world,” he noted, excited about diving further into their sales. While he plans to bring his new prospects back to the U.S., racing in Japan is a dream he harbors.
Orfevre, the filly’s sire, is a legend in his own right. Not only did he clinch the Japanese Triple Crown, but he also nearly snagged a win at the 2012 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. With 27 black-type winners to his name, Orfevre’s progeny have shown remarkable versatility, excelling on both grass and dirt.
Repole found the transparency of the Japanese sales process refreshing. “The reserve is public, and all veterinary information and scans are available online,” he marveled, hoping such practices could inspire confidence in sales processes back home.
The sale was a spectacle, with a filly by the undefeated ‘TDN Rising Star’ Nadal (Blame) fetching ¥121 million ($776,941). It’s clear, the racing world is watching, and Repole’s foray into Japan has certainly turned heads.
On a lighter note, Repole Stable took to Twitter to share their excitement about this milestone purchase. “Slow Thursday night…but the Commissioner out here making some racing history…..,” they tweeted, marking the occasion with a touch of humor. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a statement. Welcome to the international stage, Repole Stable.
