Happily Unbridled

A small catalogue of boutique offerings combined with a dash of confidence from sale company officials and consignors could be the just the right recipe for the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select sale. The one-day auction begins at 3 p.m. at the sale company’s Newtown Paddocks near Lexington.

Three Chimneys Farm announced their 2009 stud fees Oct. 31, and dual classic winner Big Brown will stand his first season for $65,000.

Forego Handicap (gr. I) winner First Defence will stand the 2009 breeding season at Juddmonte Farms near Lexington for a stud fee of $20,000 live foal, the farm announced Oct. 31.

Leading Laurel Park rider Sheldon Russell, who has been plagued with injuries that have repeatedly interrupted his apprentice year, was hurt again when his mount broke down Oct. 31 during the second race.

Gemswick Park, third-place finisher in the Frizette (gr. I) a month ago in her stakes debut for trainer Tom Albertrani, returns in a more comfortable spot as the likely favorite in the $100,000 Tempted Stakes (gr. III) Nov. 2 at Aqueduct Park.

With the economy struggling and the buy-back/no bid rates at Thoroughbred auctions rising, the issue of unwanted horses is a growing concern. Antony Beck, president of Gainesway Farm in Lexington, decided to try to do something about by sponsoring an adoption service on the Web site of The Blood-Horse’s sister publication, The Horse (www.TheHorse.com).

Amongst all the equine sapphires and emeralds selling at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale, breeders are also going to be offered the chance to buy the equine equivalent of the Hope Diamond.

Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm will conduct a sale of 2-year-olds in training in March of 2009. Adena Springs’ representatives had previously announced a decision to discontinue the auction earlier this year.

A poor renewal of Book 4 of the Tattersalls October yearling sale in England generated a gross of only 130,300 guineas, down 73% from last year for the 50 horses sold. The average price of 2,606 guineas dropped 50%, and the 1,450-guinea median fell 43%. Only 45% of the lots offered were listed as sold.

Dogwood Stable’s Atoned overcame his hard luck status when he won the $200,000 Pegasus Stakes (gr. III) at the Meadowlands Oct. 24, and he now heads to the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida where he will have an easy month before preparing for the $1-million Sunshine Millions Classic Jan.24.