The 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale produced spectacular results for Gun Runner’s offspring, with the two-day sale yielding an average sale price of $806,818 and three lots bringing at least $1.5 million.
Topping the list was hip No. 146, a colt consigned by Lane’s End, agent for breeder Summer Wind Equine LLC, that went to M V Magnier and White Birch for $1.9 million. The chestnut colt, already named Paladin, is out of the unraced Tapit mare Secret Sigh, who is a half-sister to multiple Japanese Group 1 winner Mozu Ascot and stakes winner Kareena. This is also the family of Grade 1 winners To Honor and Serve and Angela Renee.
“For us it’s all about the Classic horse,” said Magnier. “It’s all about the Epsom Derby and Kentucky Derby. That’s what these guys really want to achieve.
“Gun Runner is a very good stallion. We’ve been very fortunate with that,” Magnier added. AHe was very popular [at the Saratoga Sale] last year. Everyone really liked the horse, so we were hoping to get him.”
Earlier in the second session, Gun Runner had the top filly of the day when hip No. 123 sold for $1.5 million to Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm LLC. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, the chestnut is out of multiple Grade 1 Pure Clan, who is also the dam of stakes winner Princess Carolina. The filly was bred by Three Chimneys Farm.
“She is gorgeous,” Pope said of the yearling. “She’s big and strong. She is very sensible from what we could see. We are just hoping for another Grade One Kentucky Oaks and an Ashland.”
During Monday’s session Gun Runner’s hip No. 75, a colt consigned by Bluewater Sales LLC, agent, went to Resolute Bloodstock for $1.7 million. Out of Lady Godiva, the gray yearling is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Leorific and was bred by Cypress Creek Equine.
