A colt from the first Gainesway crop of Empire Maker brought a final bid of $1.35 million from Phoenix Thoroughbreds during the Sept. 11 second session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Gainesway stallion Empire Maker was represented by a $550,000 colt and a $420,000 filly during the Aug. 6 opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale. These were the first North American yearlings to be offered at public auction since Empire Maker returned to Kentucky for the 2016 breeding season.
Prominent classic sire Empire Maker, who returned from Japan to stand in Kentucky starting with the 2016 breeding season, is set to have his first Gainesway-sired yearlings offered this summer.
Gainesway has released stud fees for its 2018 roster, and Tapit, the leading North American sire in 2014, 2015, and 2016, will again command a $300,000 fee and his book will be limited to 125 mares.
The dream did indeed come true for the owners and connections of Always Dreaming in the 143rd Kentucky Derby. As the appropriately-named 3-year-old powered to a decisive 2¾-length triumph May 6 at Churchill Downs, it was a career-defining achievement for a colt whose preeminent classic sire line keeps finding roses.
With the final entries taken and post positions drawn for the 143rd Kentucky Derby, five contenders for the May 6 Churchill Downs classic have ties to Gainesway stallions.