Deep into the fifth session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, a colt from the first crop of two-time grade 1 winner Vekoma lit up the board.
A partnership of St. Elias, Talla Racing, and Spendthrift Farm went to $775,000 to purchase the dark bay or brown colt who was consigned by Legacy Bloodstock, agent for the colt's breeder, Spendthrift Farm. Monique Delk, executive director of racehorse development for St. Elias Stable, said partnerships add buying power and St. Elias loves racing.
"We're really excited to partner up with Spendthrift Farm, with which we've done some things in the past; and Talla Racing, for the first time," Delk said.
The colt is the most expensive Vekoma yearling sold to date. Vekoma closed out his racing career with victories in the 2020 Carter Handicap (G1) and Metropolitan Handicap (G1).
As Spendthrift is the breeder of the colt, and the farm stands Vekoma, it's plenty familiar with the colt. Vekoma stood for $15,000 this season.
The yearling colt is out of the stakes-winning Include mare Summer of Fun, who finished third in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T). Summer of Fun has produced three winners from as many starters. Delk sees opportunity to build on that success
"He's just beautiful, a beautiful physical, beautiful body, and a beautiful walk; very correct," Delk said. "We like taking chances on first-year sires. It's a lot of fun to see the new babies coming around. We're super-excited about him. He looks special."
