Breeding & Racing Magazine

Florida 2YOs: US$800k Empire Maker Colt

Reiley McDonald of Eaton Sales (acting for longtime client Betty Moran's Brushwood Stables) paid US$800,000 for an Empire Maker colt (the 1st foal out of dual Gr2-winning 9YO Wild Rush mare Bank Audit) in initial action early this morning (Australian time) at the Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2YOs-In-Training Sale at Calder Race Course. The colt clocked 10.6sec for 1 furlong during the pre-sale breeze-up session & McDonald told bloodhorse.com: "I just thought he was the best mover on the track. He was very smooth & very fluid; he did it easily & he galloped out easily. He's a lovely horse. We're partial to his sire; Betty, as you know, owns Mushka (a daughter of Empire Maker who won the 2009 Gr1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes)." Murray Smith (who consigned the colt) previously purchased him for US$150,000 at the 2009 Keeneland September yearling auction & commented: "I'm absolutely thrilled. This colt has gotten better & better every day; he's just a splendid colt. He's done everything perfectly."