Three Witches (Into Mischief) stole the show at the workaday Book 2 section of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, selling for $1.7 million and Six weanlings by Justify were among the top purchases at the sale’s Friday session.
‣ Three Witches (Into Mischief) provided the highlight of a workaday Book 2 section of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale when selling for $1.7 million Friday in Lexington.
‣ Quality mares, young mares, well bred with the right breeding and not overly exposed, were highly desirable.
‣ AAA Thoroughbreds has purchased 14 weanlings for $4,370,000.
https://twitter.com/keenelandsales/status/1503577804657210370
The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington ended on a high note with a notably successful flourish on Friday. A notable highlight was the sale of Three Witches, the daughter of Into Mischief, for the impressive amount of $1.7 million. Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy shared, “From start to finish, it felt a little more consistent and healthy today.” Notably, the sale saw 444 horses sold through the ring for an overall total of $69,520,000.
Three Witches’s sale was a milestone standout. Consigned by Indian Creek on behalf of Bob Edwards’s e Five Racing, she was highly sought after due to her “quality mares, [and] young mares, well bred with the right breeding and not overly exposed.” Vice President Lacy expressed his confidence in the market’s adjustments and sentiment, stating that “encouraging day. The money is still here for the right horses.” Justify also had a strong showing during the sales, represented by a pair of weanlings, with a daughter being sold for $525,000.
Three Witches will remain in the US for her 2024 campaign, with various possibilities for her trainer still under consideration. Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan initially acquired Three Witches on behalf of e Five Racing, buoyed by the filly’s achievements. Buyers were surprised yet delighted by the $1.7-million price tag.
Selling at the same session was a Justify filly, the highest-priced one of the day, purchased by Paul and Sarah Sharp for $525,000. On the spur of the moment, the Sharps admitted to feeling the purchase was higher than they had initially intended, with plans to re-sell next summer. Another Justify colt, this time purchased by AAA Thoroughbreds, was sold for $425,000. Their interest in Justify’s foals was sparked by his stellar performance, comparing him to a potential successor to the late Scat Daddy. Through three sessions, they have invested in a total of 14 weanlings. With multiple Justify foals among its acquisitions, the operation’s financial commitment to the future of racing is evident.
With the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale concluded, it’s apparent that high-value horses are still very much in demand. The consistently robust sales during Book 2 of the event testify to the ongoing international interest in the marketplace. The event continues to be a strategic and economic barometer for the horse industry, and the strong showing has left both sellers and buyers confident about the market.
