Lane’s End Has Success With Diverse Draft

The $1.35 million Tiznow–Dream Supreme transaction was another big success for Lane’s End at September. The Farish family operation also bred and sold Wednesday’s topper, the $1.45 million Dubawi (Ire)–Casual Look filly. Through Book 1, the operation offered a total of eight yearlings who eclipsed the $600,000 mark. One interesting aspect of the Lane’s End consignment is its diversity. Every large consignment will have variation, of course, but Lane’s End’s Book 1 draft was an especially interesting mix of international pedigrees. In addition to the Dubawi filly–who was produced by a G1 Epsom Oaks winner–Lane’s End sold a filly by European and Australian sensation Fastnet Rock (Aus) for $600,000. That filly, consigned as hip 268 and from a stakes-placed half to champion One Cool Cat, was purchased by Al Shahania Stud. Asked if it’s exciting to come to September with such a varied consignment, Lane’s End’s Bill Farish said, “It is–it’s different. We were a little nervous about it, particularly how the European pedigrees were going to go over. I spend a lot of time over there, and all I hear is who isn’t coming. But I think when they see the catalog, and that many viable options…” There’s been a lot of talk in recent years that American’s medication policies, including raceday Lasix, has had a negative impact on international participation at auctions like September, especially at the top end. Farish isn’t sure the issue isn’t more about which American sires currently work overseas. “I think they just like to say that,” he said. “The more stallions that fit that bill, the more Europeans will be here. Everybody likes to talk about medication and all that, but the bottom line is that if we don’t have the pedigrees for them, they’re not going to come. When we had the Kingmambos and those kind of stallions, they all came. We just have to have the right product.” It’s generally accepted that some of the best American pedigrees have been exported to Europe and Japan over the past three decades. Now, it’s Americans who are traveling abroad to access certain pedigrees, said Farish. “You’re starting to see more Americans going over and buy female families, and so you’re going to see more of those families over here,” said Farish, who noted it isn’t just auctions that are attracting Yankees. “Hopefully, you’ll see more people trying Royal Ascot and things like that,” he said. “I think our horses can compete anywhere in the world, and they’ve shown that, we just need to have keep people trying.” In general, Farish is happy with the action so far at September. “I think you’re seeing a lot of horses at $400,000, $450,000, $500,000–a lot of solid, solid sales,” he said. “It’s a very solid market, and I’ll take that any day over a few big numbers.” -LM