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Graded Winner Mushka Fetches $2.4m at Keeneland - 11-05-08
November 5 - As a result of America's current financial and economic woe, the sale of top thoroughbred races horses is unfortunately suffering in a country that is passionate about its horse racing. However, there seems to be no shortage of money and buyers for the 'cream of the crop', as in the case of filly Mushka.
Yesterday (Tuesday, November 4th) in Lexington, Kentucky, the three-year-old filly was sold for a whopping $2.4-million at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale to Betty Moran's Brushwood Stable. This was despite pre-auction predictions that this year's sale would generate far less than last year's sale.
Earlier this week we reported on the sale of 2007 Broodmare of the Year, Better Than Honour - for a record $14-million - at Fasig-Tipton's Selected Mixed Sale. This served to highlight that although cautious in these tough financial times, owners and breeders are still willing to write out large checks for the right horses.
Despite the flurry of excitement that the sale of Mushka created yesterday - day 2 of the 15-day Keeneland sale - as expected sales were noticeably down from last year. The $42,006,000 in revenues generated by the sale of 150 horses on the day was down by 40 percent compared with day two in last year's sale.
In addition, the second-day average of $280,040 decreased by 25 percent compared to last year, while buybacks increased to 35 percent, compared with 2007's 20 percent. The message it seems is clear - US owners and breeders are only willing to dig deep in their pockets for exceptional quality thoroughbreds.
Although the highly-respected Moran was absent from yesterday's sale, Mushka's ticket was signed by National Steeplechase Association (NSA) president, Francis Abbott. The reason Mushka fetched such a high price is most likely due to the fact that she can win purses right now, and thus recoup her hefty sales price.
Mushka will continue to be trained by top class trainer Bill Mott. 'I am very pleased to continue my association with Mushka given that she is filly that has the whole package. She's got great size, she's correct, she can run, and she can run now. Plus, down the line she will potentially make a great broodmare,' said Mott.
Mushka was sired by Empire Maker out of Sluice.
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