Coolmore lands California Chrome’s $1 million half brother

Sired by Tapit, the half-brother of Horse of the Year California Chrome on Monday reached $1.1 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, marking the afternoon's second seven-figure horse following an American Pharoah colt that hammered for $2.2 million.

The gray or roan colt, out of Love the Chase, sold to Coolmore from the Bedouin Bloodstock consignment as Hip 141.

Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier was on hand for the purchase.

“He’s by a very good sire and out of a good producing mare and a brother to a very good horse,” Magnier said. “So it’s a lot of money, but he probably deserved to make it.”

California Chrome, also out of Love the Chase, was twice Horse of the Year, winning Grade/Group 1 events such as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, the Pacific Classic and the Dubai World Cup. He retired with 16 wins in 27 starts and earnings over $14.7 million.

Siblings to California Chrome haven't had nearly as much success at the races. But each of Hope's Love, R Sunday Surprise and Faversham have been full siblings. Perhaps the leading sire Tapit's influence on pedigree can stem the tide on the racetrack.

Magnier is hoping the Love the Chase yearling can replicate a career similar to Coolmoore’s Cupid. Also by Tapit, Cupid picked up a Grade 1 win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita and now stands for $12,500 at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

“He showed a lot of quality,” Magnier said of justifying the purchase price. “He’s a big, scopey horse and a great mover.”

As for race plans, “Let’s hope he’s going to stay here and go to Todd Pletcher and let’s hope he’s good.”