Godolphin goes into millions for pair of Keeneland yearlings

The fireworks from Medaglia d’Oro's progeny continued Thursday at the Keeneland September Sale when Hip 893 hammered at $1 million. Godolphin, who purchased Dayatthespa’s Medaglia d’Oro colt earlier in the day for $1.6 million, was again the winning bidder.

The yearling filly was consigned by Runnymeade Farm, who purchased the dam Espirit de Vie with Haras d’Etreham for $500,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November Sale. Espirit de Vie, a daughter of Street Cry, was unraced and hadn't yet beared a foal but came from a proven family. The filly was bred in Kentucky in partner with Peter Callaghan and Ecurie des Charmes.

“The family, the depth of the family and Moglyare Stud,” Clay added, “they have a tremendous breeding operation and to be able to get in that family we thought it was worth to spend half a million dollars to get a barren mare to get into that family.”

Espirit de Vie was bred by Moglyare Stud.

The second dam, Irresistable Jewel was a Group 3 winner and Group 1 placed. She produced Princess Highway, Royal Diamond and Mad About You, all winners of grouped stakes in Europe.

As for justifying the price for Medaglia d’Oro yearlings, Clay said, “He's been producing on the track. His stud fees have been going up to reflect that and I think the market is just acknowledging what's happened.”