Sheehan at her side, Abel Tasman takes record sale 'in stride'

When remembering the people behind famous racehorses, it's typically the owners who have spent the money, the trainers who have spent the time, and the jockeys who make the most of it who first come to mind. But what about those tasked with the animal's day-to-day care?

You probably know Eddie Sweat, the groom behind Secretariat. In recent years, Eduardo Luna has been recognized walking alongside the likes of American Pharoah, Arrogate and Justify. Connections to Abel Tasman, the champion mare whose $5 million sales price Monday equaled the record for a horse at auction in January, had another handler to thank in part. Seamus Sheehan, the Taylor Made Sales Agency employee seen with the daughter of Quality Road throughout her time at Keeneland, was in charge of one horse, etching himself into a tiny piece of history. Outside of his duties with Taylor Made, “I get a lot of off-the-track Thoroughbreds and re-home them," Sheehan said with a thick Irish accent, standing at Abel Tasman's stall. "Then I try to make them go eventing." Asked if Abel Tasman was a horse with which he’d be interested in working with in that arena, Sheehan shook his head and laughed. “No, my money couldn’t buy her," he said. “But [having her here] is pretty special because of all the races she won. She’s all class, just easy to deal with and very professional. It’s unbelievable. Just looking at her, you know she’s a champion." Coolmore's Dermot Ryan signed the ticket for Abel Tasman, a winner of six Grade 1 races including the Starlet at 2, the Kentucky Oaks at 3 and both the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign last year at 4. Trainer Bob Baffert conditioned the filly beginning in 2017 for former owners China Horse Club and Clearsky Farm, Abel Tasman's breeder. Going into Monday's Book A at the Keeneland Horses of All Ages Sale, Abel Tasman was a clear standout. And to Mark Taylor, vice president of marketing and public sales operations at Taylor Made, it was obvious why. “Every time she looks into the sky, she’s looking around like she’s trying to figure out something in the distance," Taylor said. "It’s like everything around her, she’s already got figured out, and she’s thinking about something else. She’s just got class, and all of these really great mares, they all act like that. It’s just uncanny to me.” Sheehan led Abel Tasman through the pavilion Monday afternoon, the 5-year-old mare donning a custom-made sheet with her name and biggest accomplishments on it. Her groom wore a matching jacket, and the pair walked in circles, providing a final glance before the bidding war began at $3 million. As the two walked, Sheehan often ran his hand over Abel Tasman's neck, making sure she was content with so many onlookers. When the gavel dropped, a round of applause broke out. Abel Tasman looked unphased, and Sheehan wasn't the least bit surprised. “She’s just very relaxed," he said, "and takes it all in stride.”