Middle Eastern Influence Shines at Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale
The November Horses of Racing Age Sale at Keeneland in Central Kentucky showcased a strong Middle Eastern influence, with many high-priced horses being purchased by representatives for Middle Eastern buyers. The top sales included Bishops Bay (Hip 4014) sold to KAS Stable for $1.3 million and World Record (Hip 4184) sold to RRR Racing for $900,000. Both horses were sold as racing and/or stallion prospects and were the most expensive horses sold during the Wednesday session.
KAS Stable, owned by Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz, plans to race Bishops Bay in Saudi Arabia, while RRR Racing, the Dubai-centered racing operation of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, acquired World Record. Ed Prosser, Keeneland's European representative, facilitated the purchase of World Record on behalf of RRR Racing after discussions with one of RRR Racing's trainers, Bhupat Seemar. Seemar and RRR Racing have a successful track record of taking American sprinters to the United Arab Emirates, with Switzerland being a notable example.
World Record, a graded stakes winner, won the 2024 Amsterdam Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course as a 3-year-old and has shown promise in his recent races at age 4. He started the year with a win at Churchill Downs and has competed in graded stakes races at Del Mar and Keeneland. The Rudy Brisset trainee has had a successful domestic campaign, earning $504,540 for WinStar Farm and BBN Racing. He is one of three winners produced from the mare Marwa and was bred by Runnymede Farm.
David Hanley, senior vice president of bloodstock services for WinStar Farm, expressed satisfaction with World Record's sale at $900,000, noting that the horse is at an age where they are ready to move him along. The sale reflects the interest from Middle Eastern buyers in acquiring promising racing prospects from the United States, showcasing the global appeal of the racing industry.