The Keeneland September Yearling Sale is the biggest public auction of thoroughbred yearlings in the world and Newgate Farm’s exciting young sire The Factor (USA) more than made his mark when a colt from Aspen Light sold for $600,000 in the Book Two part of the sale.
Conceived from a service fee of $15,000, the star colt was bought by Zayat Stables, who have been making news this year courtesy of Triple Crown hero American Pharoah.
“He’s by The Factor and he’s a beautiful-looking horse,” said Justin Zayat said after signing the ticket.
“He’s athletic. He had all the parts. We loved him from the first second we saw him. He was a standout to us. He’s bred by Barbara [Banke] at Stonestreet, so we know they are going to breed a good horse. We’re looking forward to racing him.”
Other big results for The Factor at this sale include $310,000 for a colt from Happy Scene, $310,000 for a colt from Fancy Deed, $260,000 for a filly from Mir Cat, $250,000 for a filly from
Super Club and $250,000 for a filly from Charismatic Lady.
The Factor enjoyed a breakout sale at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale in August with a pair of colts selling for $750,000 and $600,000 with his popularity again coming to the fore at Keeneland.
A dual Group I winning son of War Front, The Factor has his first Australian foals being born this spring and is back at Newgate Farm for his second season at a fee of $16,500.