Kentucky Derby
- Thread starter Charlie D
- Start date
by Rachel Pagones
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A DEAL worth tens of millions of dollars for the stud rights to Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown is expected to be concluded soon, and the successful bidder could be “one of the most widely recognised stud farms in the world,” said one of the three-year-old colt's owners, Michael Iavarone.
The quote, attributed by the Blood-Horse on Thursday, naturally brings to mind
two names – Coolmore and Darley. However, spokesmen for the two
organisations were keeping their lips sealed on Thursday.
“No comment,” said John Ferguson, whose employer Sheikh Mohammed bought three of last year's leading US three-year-olds, including Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense and the runner-up, Hard Spun. This year the Dubai ruler's Darley operation bought Pyro, a front-running contender for the Kentucky Derby early in the season, who finished eighth in the race.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry gave a similar response when asked if John Magnier's group had made a bid for Big Brown. Last year Coolmore acquired future stud rights to the once-beaten Group 1 winning juvenile Thewayyouare, as well as buying subsequent Group 1 winning two-year-old Myboycharlie and three-year-old Strategic Prince, now a Coolmore stallion.
It is understood that an offer of more than $25 million for a majority share in Big Brown was turned down before he won the Derby. The colt, who is just the seventh horse to stay unbeaten following America's most famous race, has been insured for $50 million according to Iavarone, who is co-president and co-CEO of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, the majority owner of Big Brown.
There are surely many other parties who would like to stand the colt upon his retirement, although the ability tostump up the required stake would naturally limit the field. The last Kentucky Derby winner to head to Japan, War Emblem – who won in 2002 – was purchased for a reported $17m by the Yoshida family. Smarty Jones, the 2004 winner, was syndicated for $39m to stand at Three Chimneys Farm in Lexington.
Big Brown, by Boundary out of the Nureyev mare Mien, had some pedigree pundits doubting whether he would get the 1m2f Derby trip. Boundary's two best runners, Minardi and Pomeroy, both won Grade 1 races at less than 1m while owned by Coolmore partners. However, Big Brown's romp of nearly five lengths in the Derby has many now thinking that the Triple Crown is within his reach. If that were to happen – and he became the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years – his stud value would soar again.
.
A DEAL worth tens of millions of dollars for the stud rights to Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown is expected to be concluded soon, and the successful bidder could be “one of the most widely recognised stud farms in the world,” said one of the three-year-old colt's owners, Michael Iavarone.
The quote, attributed by the Blood-Horse on Thursday, naturally brings to mind
two names – Coolmore and Darley. However, spokesmen for the two
organisations were keeping their lips sealed on Thursday.
“No comment,” said John Ferguson, whose employer Sheikh Mohammed bought three of last year's leading US three-year-olds, including Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense and the runner-up, Hard Spun. This year the Dubai ruler's Darley operation bought Pyro, a front-running contender for the Kentucky Derby early in the season, who finished eighth in the race.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry gave a similar response when asked if John Magnier's group had made a bid for Big Brown. Last year Coolmore acquired future stud rights to the once-beaten Group 1 winning juvenile Thewayyouare, as well as buying subsequent Group 1 winning two-year-old Myboycharlie and three-year-old Strategic Prince, now a Coolmore stallion.
It is understood that an offer of more than $25 million for a majority share in Big Brown was turned down before he won the Derby. The colt, who is just the seventh horse to stay unbeaten following America's most famous race, has been insured for $50 million according to Iavarone, who is co-president and co-CEO of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, the majority owner of Big Brown.
There are surely many other parties who would like to stand the colt upon his retirement, although the ability tostump up the required stake would naturally limit the field. The last Kentucky Derby winner to head to Japan, War Emblem – who won in 2002 – was purchased for a reported $17m by the Yoshida family. Smarty Jones, the 2004 winner, was syndicated for $39m to stand at Three Chimneys Farm in Lexington.
Big Brown, by Boundary out of the Nureyev mare Mien, had some pedigree pundits doubting whether he would get the 1m2f Derby trip. Boundary's two best runners, Minardi and Pomeroy, both won Grade 1 races at less than 1m while owned by Coolmore partners. However, Big Brown's romp of nearly five lengths in the Derby has many now thinking that the Triple Crown is within his reach. If that were to happen – and he became the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years – his stud value would soar again.
Powerscourt
At the Start
Announcement is due tommorow (Thursday). Darley have been trying to buy Big Brown all year long.
He will not run as a 4 year old.
Could be that Lane's End get him
He will not run as a 4 year old.
Could be that Lane's End get him
Sheikh
At the Start
I think it's because the premiums to insure them become too expensive to service as horse wins more and becomes more valuable as a stallion.
Powerscourt
At the Start
1/2 looks like a gift. I would expect him to be closer to 1/5 on the day.
Powerscourt
At the Start
Behindatthebar has been scratched from the Preakness.
Should be a stroll in the park for Big Brown.
Should be a stroll in the park for Big Brown.
trackside528
At the Start
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Was 1/9 in the States the last time I checked.
Belmont should be something to savour anyway.
Belmont should be something to savour anyway.
trackside528
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Very hard to see Big Brown getting a mile and a half, both on pedigree and the amount of speed he shows. In contrast, we know what Casino Drive is bred to do!
It'll take a performance of absolutely epic proportions for Big Brown to beat Casino Drive IMO.
It'll take a performance of absolutely epic proportions for Big Brown to beat Casino Drive IMO.
trackside528
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Wonder what price he'll be for the Belmont if/when he skates in tonight?
Apparently IEAH believe Big Brown is worth between USD$80-90 million. I would have imagined that his value would rocket even further were he to win the Belmont. I wonder whether the timing to get the stud deal done is in any way significant then? Then again, I would imagine the price may be conditional.
Apparently, Sheikh Mohamed tried to buy Big Brown after his maiden as well, with the stumbling block being that the original owner wanted to keep a minor share, which the Sheikh was not willing to facilitate. Shrewdies
Apparently IEAH believe Big Brown is worth between USD$80-90 million. I would have imagined that his value would rocket even further were he to win the Belmont. I wonder whether the timing to get the stud deal done is in any way significant then? Then again, I would imagine the price may be conditional.
Apparently, Sheikh Mohamed tried to buy Big Brown after his maiden as well, with the stumbling block being that the original owner wanted to keep a minor share, which the Sheikh was not willing to facilitate. Shrewdies
trackside528
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The farm involved vieing for the stud rights is Three Chimneys BTW. No idea if the deal is done though.
Not backing, but if I backed an outsider against BB it would be Gayego, who had a v bad draw in the Preakness and a nightmare run, so I'm not sure the race took a lot out of him unlike some of the others. I know RPRs aren't reliable, but he's got a far better one than anything else in the race save BB. He's trading at 19 right now, and a generous 2.44 for a place
But I see no reason why Big Brown would bounce
But I see no reason why Big Brown would bounce
trackside528
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Wonder if the price is absolute or dependent on future success/failure. If it is absolute, surely that is a clear signal of the confidence (or rather lack thereof) the connections have of winning the Belmont. I'd say the deal is closer to $70 million BTW.
These guys on NBC make Willie Carson look like a feckin' genius!
These guys on NBC make Willie Carson look like a feckin' genius!