Grade 1 stakes winner POINT ASHLEY (Point Given), withdrawn from Keeneland’s
January Horses of All Ages Sale, has been sold privately for $1 million to
Katsumi Yoshida.
Four Star Sales consigned Point Ashley, in foal to Ghostzapper, for Mike
Moreno’s Southern Equine Stable. She was viewed by potential buyers throughout
two days of showing at Keeneland but withdrawn by Moreno, who felt she was worth
more to him than what he expected her to bring in the auction ring.
The transaction was facilitated by Nobu Araki of Polo Green Stable and by
Jamie Lamonica and Greg Harbut of The Stallion Company. Naohiro Hosoda signed
for the purchase as a representative for Mr. Yoshida.
“We are delighted to have Point Ashley and she will be bred to one of the
best stallions at Shadai Stallions in Japan,” Hosoda said.
A six-year-old daughter of the the Slew o’ Gold mare Golden Thatch, Point
Ashley won the 2006 Del Mar Debutante (G1). She produced fillies by Distorted
Humor in 2008 and 2009, both of whom are still owned by Southern Equine.
Point Ashley had been cataloged as Hip No. 706.
In addition to Point Ashley, Southern Equine’s SPOKEN FUR (Notebook), another
late withdrawal from the January Sale, was sold privately by Four Star on
Tuesday for $500,000 to Narvick International for Symboli Stud (Mr. Wada). The
winner of the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Mother Goose S. (G1) in 2003,
she was also in foal to Ghostzapper and was cataloged as Hip 405.
“We were proud to market such quality mares and are appreciative to Southern
Equine for the opportunity,” said Kerry Cauthen, managing partner of Four Star
Sales. “It’s great for everyone involved when you’re able to close the deal,
whether it’s in the ring or after the sale.
“Even though this sale occurred privately, it was accomplished because the
auction process brought everybody together,” Cauthen added. “The fact that Point
Ashley and Spoken Fur were cataloged and on the grounds for inspection at
Keeneland showcased them to a worldwide audience and announced they were
available for purchase.”
“We were disappointed when Point Ashley and Spoken Fur were withdrawn from
the sale, but we are delighted that the parties were able to negotiate private
sale agreements,” said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland’s Director of Sales.