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Spangled Banner, Dam Of U.S.S. Valor, A Seven-Figure Book 3 Firework At Keeneland November

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Spangled Banner (Tiz Wonderful) (hip 1912), the dam of GI Champagne Stakes winner and ‘TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard’ U. S. S. Valor (War of Will), was a late-night firework Saturday at Keeneland, bringing an even $1,000,000 from Bertie Butler on behalf of Al Ruwais Stables at the November Sale to close out Book 3.

Trade continued Saturday as the gross exceeded 2025’s figures  even as the day’s single-session numbers dipped. On Saturday, Keeneland sold 246 horses through the ring for $21,397,000, for an average of $86,980 and a median of $70,000. The gross was down 15.52% from $25,328,500 in 2025, while the median was 17.65% lower than $85,000.

Through the end of Book 3 with five sessions complete, 1,038 horses have sold generating gross sales of $217,742,700, an average of $209,772 and a median of $115,000. That total was 1.34% above $214,871,000 from the same period last year when 1,125 horses sold for $214,871,000. The average was 9.83% above 2025’s figure of $190,996, while the median dipped 11.54% from $130,000.

At $375,000, Saturday’s highest-priced weanling was a colt (hip 1945) by Tiz the Law purchased by Tioga Bloodstock. Out of the Will Take Charge mare Teasin’ Tesla, the colt was consigned by Blandford Stud and is from the family of Grade I winners Cotton Blossom and Ceiling Crusher; Grade II winner Moana; and Grade III winner Vicarage.

The day’s second-highest priced mare was Wellston (hip 1981), whose half-sister Sister Troienne (Munnings) won Keeneland’s GII Bank of America Valley View on Oct. 23, sold in foal to Sierra Leone to Springland Farm for $335,000. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the 4-year-old daughter of Speightstown is from the family of Grade I winners Sadler’s Joy and Sabin and Grade III winners Wolfie’s Dynaghost, Binya (GER) and Fatah Flare. Her dam is Dyna Passer, a winning stakes-placed daughter of Lemon Drop Kid.

A weanling filly by Golden Pal (hip 1634) consigned by Paramount Sales, agent, sold to Caitlin Dunne, signing on behalf of her father-in-law Wesley Ward, for $285,000. Out of Dawn Chorus, a winning daughter of Unbridled’s Song, she is from the family of champion Countess Diana and stakes winners Hillerito, Dawn Princess, Fighting Countess and Lotsa Mischief.

Shared Value (hip 1891), a 3-year-old daughter of Gun Runner in foal to Mindframe, sold to Four Star Sales, agent, for $280,000. Out of Grade II winner Salamera, by Successful Appeal, she is from the family of stakes winners and Grade I-placed runners Outadore and Piedi Bianchi.

Two horses brought $260,000 each. Cavalier Bloodstock paid the amount for a Vekoma weanling colt (hip 1730) consigned by Bluewater Sales. From the family of champions Housebuster and Straight No Chaser, he is out of stakes-placed Jill’s a Hot Mess, a winning daughter of Laoban.

Machmer Hall purchased the 5-year-old winning, stakes-placed American Pharoah filly Tahini (hip 1938) also for $260,000. Out of the winning Arch mare More Fun Again, a Grade III-placed runner, Tahini is from the family of Grade I winner Antiquarian; Grade II winner Speaktomeofsummer; and Grade III winners Silver Reunion and Fondly.

The day’s leading buyer was Al Ruwais Stables, who bought two horses for $1,110,000, including the topper. At $110,000, Al Ruwais’ other purchase was Wild Mint (hip 1985), a 12-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro in foal to Mindframe. Wild Mint, a full sister to leading sire Violence, was consigned by KatieRich Farms.

Gainesway led consignors by selling 39 horses for $3,364,000.

The November Breeding Stock Sale resumes Sunday and continues through Wednesday, Nov. 11 with all sessions beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

Meg Levy, of Bluewater Sales, visits with Spangled Banner | Keeneland

All ‘Star’: Spangled Banner A Win-Win Result For Bluewater
Continuing a purchasing spree that began Monday at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, Saleh Al Obitah’s Al Ruwais Stable made a splash early Tuesday in Keeneland’s Book 1, going to $2.4-mill to secure Eve of War (Declaration of War) (hip 65), the dam of last Saturday’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic runner up The Puma (Essential Quality). Saturday’s purchase of Spangled Banner was the operation’s third seven-figure mare bought this week, also joining Zee Drop (Lemon Drop Kid) (hip 717) who topped the Book 2 opener on Wednesday.

Consigned Saturday by Bluewater Sales, the 15-year-old Spangled Banner sold in foal to Tiz the Law. Barry and Kathleen Irwin, of Team Valor, purchased the mare as an 11-year-old for $225,000 out of the Fasig-Tipton August Digital Sale in 2022.

“We had Spangled Banner [on our old farm] for Team Valor,” said Bluewater’s Meg Levy. “So we were speaking with Barry [Irwin] and Team Valor about U.S.S. Valor, who is just unbelievable. Barry’s been in the business so long and he’s been so successful with racing and everything, and we’re just excited to follow along. He decided to put the mare in [the sale] and then see if [U.S.S. Valor] was as a good as everybody thought he was. It’s just amazing when everything falls into place.”

Spangled Banner is the 25th horse to sell for $1 million or more at this year’s November Breeding Stock Sale. In 2025, 18 horses brought seven figures.

“We just let her be placed where she would fit [in Book 3],” Levy said. “Once the updates happened, there was some chatter about maybe moving her to different book, but I’m sure glad we didn’t. I think it worked out great. There were some really wonderful people and some really good outfits that were on her and bidding. We’re so thrilled for Barry and Kathleen [Irwin].  They’ve been so kind to us over the years. They are people that have spent their whole lives in this thing. It’s great for them to have something like this happen.”

Spangled Banner was the first seven-figure offering to be sold in the sale’s fifth session.

“A horse is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it on any given day,” Levy said. “I think throughout the sales, from Fasig-Tipton through to Keeneland, there’s only so many really good [mares], or perceived good [mares]. And that ends up driving the prices up. I think she brought what she was worth. She’s carrying a colt, so if she gets a good Tiz the Law colt, and U.S.S. Valor goes on, it’s all blue sky.”

Through five sessions, Bluewater Sales has consigned 12 horses, with Levy noting that not a single offering they’ve led up as gone out with its reserve not attained.

“I [think] the market’s just been fantastic,” Levy said. “We don’t sell very many horses anymore. We don’t sell yearlings. We’ve just been selling broodmares, weanlings and racing prospects. But believe it or not, we have not had one single RNA. So that says a lot. It just goes to show you that if you bring good horses, the market will reward you.”

The post Spangled Banner, Dam Of U.S.S. Valor, A Seven-Figure Book 3 Firework At Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Stud Farms, Stallion Rosters Set For ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Showdown In New Churchill ‘Sire Power’ Competition

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Churchill Downs Racetrack will introduce a new element to its Stars of Tomorrow II program for 2-year-olds on Saturday, Nov. 28 with a first-ever golf-style skins competition among Kentucky stallion farms, the track announced Saturday.

The event, billed as ‘Sire Power’, has been created to showcase participating stud farms and their stallion rosters, to deliver a friendly and spirited (non-wagering) competition amongst the farms, and to provide a hospitable environment where farm managers and their staff can meet and mingle with breeders and owners.

Eight Kentucky-based stallion farms have registered to participate in the introductory ‘Sire Power’ event and have each paid a $10,000 sponsorship fee. All fees will go directly into an awards pool that will be distributed to the farms upon completion of the competition.

Juveniles that are sired by eligible stallions on the Nov. 28 card will earn points for finishing in first through fourth place. To be eligible and earn points for the farms, sires must be registered with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and have stood at the participating farm in the 2026 breeding season. (Additional rules are in place regarding pensioned/deceased and moved/exported stallions.)

Horses not sired by a stallion at a participating farm that finish in first through fourth place do not earn points and points for those specific finishing positions will roll over to the next race, which creates an exciting daylong competition for the stallion farms. That’s the “skins” component. Carryovers can potentially pile up across multiple races, making some finishing positions dramatically more valuable.

Points will be earned as follows:

• 1st place = 4 points
• 2nd place = 3 points
• 3rd place = 2 points
• 4th place = 1 point

Point totals at the end of the day determine the order of finish and monetary awards for the stallion farms–and bragging rights.

Participating farms:

• Airdrie Stud
• Claiborne Farm
• Coolmore America – Ashford Stud
• Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa
• Lane’s End
• Spendthrift Farm
• Taylor Made Stallions
• WinStar Farm

“We’re delighted to add a component to our longstanding Stars of Tomorrow II program that showcases the Kentucky breeding industry, with a focus on the ‘sire power’ that exists in our state,” said Churchill Downs General Manager Mike Ziegler. “We’ve been working closely with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) to introduce this idea, and we look forward to hosting and celebrating the farms, owners, and breeders at the track for a fun day.”

Chauncey Morris, Executive Director of the KTA, sees the occasion as an innovative marketing opportunity for the stallion farms and adds that breeders will benefit on the day as well.

“Churchill Downs is hosting the party and providing the platform to showcase the farms and their stallions,” Morris said. “It’s a unique idea and we’re excited to try something new. Plus, the Kentucky HBPA and KTA are awarding $360,000 in Breeder Bonuses on this day. Ideally, breeders will have some early discussions with farm managers about the upcoming breeding season while at Churchill Downs on Nov 28.”

The 12-race Stars of Tomorrow II program on Nov. 28 includes four stakes events led by the GII Kentucky Jockey Club and GII Fasig-Tipton Golden Rod for fillies. Each race is worth $400,000, run at the 1 1/16-mile distance and part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks series, respectively, which award points to the top five finishers (10-5-3-2-1).

The post Stud Farms, Stallion Rosters Set For ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Showdown In New Churchill ‘Sire Power’ Competition appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Spangled Banner, Dam Of U.S.S. Valor, A Seven-Figure Book 3 Firework At Keeneland November

---

Spangled Banner (Tiz Wonderful) (hip 1912), the dam of GI Champagne Stakes winner and ‘TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard’ U. S. S. Valor (War of Will), was a late-night firework Saturday at Keeneland, bringing an even $1,000,000 from Bertie Butler on behalf of Al Ruwais Stables at the November Sale to close out Book 3.

Trade continued Saturday as the gross exceeded 2025’s figures  even as the day’s single-session numbers dipped. On Saturday, Keeneland sold 246 horses through the ring for $21,397,000, for an average of $86,980 and a median of $70,000. The gross was down 15.52% from $25,328,500 in 2025, while the median was 17.65% lower than $85,000.

Through the end of Book 3 with five sessions complete, 1,038 horses have sold generating gross sales of $217,742,700, an average of $209,772 and a median of $115,000. That total was 1.34% above $214,871,000 from the same period last year when 1,125 horses sold for $214,871,000. The average was 9.83% above 2025’s figure of $190,996, while the median dipped 11.54% from $130,000.

At $375,000, Saturday’s highest-priced weanling was a colt (hip 1945) by Tiz the Law purchased by Tioga Bloodstock. Out of the Will Take Charge mare Teasin’ Tesla, the colt was consigned by Blandford Stud and is from the family of Grade I winners Cotton Blossom and Ceiling Crusher; Grade II winner Moana; and Grade III winner Vicarage.

The day’s second-highest priced mare was Wellston (hip 1981), whose half-sister Sister Troienne (Munnings) won Keeneland’s GII Bank of America Valley View on Oct. 23, sold in foal to Sierra Leone to Springland Farm for $335,000. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the 4-year-old daughter of Speightstown is from the family of Grade I winners Sadler’s Joy and Sabin and Grade III winners Wolfie’s Dynaghost, Binya (GER) and Fatah Flare. Her dam is Dyna Passer, a winning stakes-placed daughter of Lemon Drop Kid.

A weanling filly by Golden Pal (hip 1634) consigned by Paramount Sales, agent, sold to Caitlin Dunne, signing on behalf of her father-in-law Wesley Ward, for $285,000. Out of Dawn Chorus, a winning daughter of Unbridled’s Song, she is from the family of champion Countess Diana and stakes winners Hillerito, Dawn Princess, Fighting Countess and Lotsa Mischief.

Shared Value (hip 1891), a 3-year-old daughter of Gun Runner in foal to Mindframe, sold to Four Star Sales, agent, for $280,000. Out of Grade II winner Salamera, by Successful Appeal, she is from the family of stakes winners and Grade I-placed runners Outadore and Piedi Bianchi.

Two horses brought $260,000 each. Cavalier Bloodstock paid the amount for a Vekoma weanling colt (hip 1730) consigned by Bluewater Sales. From the family of champions Housebuster and Straight No Chaser, he is out of stakes-placed Jill’s a Hot Mess, a winning daughter of Laoban.

Machmer Hall purchased the 5-year-old winning, stakes-placed American Pharoah filly Tahini (hip 1938) also for $260,000. Out of the winning Arch mare More Fun Again, a Grade III-placed runner, Tahini is from the family of Grade I winner Antiquarian; Grade II winner Speaktomeofsummer; and Grade III winners Silver Reunion and Fondly.

The day’s leading buyer was Al Ruwais Stables, who bought two horses for $1,110,000, including the topper. At $110,000, Al Ruwais’ other purchase was Wild Mint (hip 1985), a 12-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro in foal to Mindframe. Wild Mint, a full sister to leading sire Violence, was consigned by KatieRich Farms.

Gainesway led consignors by selling 39 horses for $3,364,000.

The November Breeding Stock Sale resumes Sunday and continues through Wednesday, Nov. 11 with all sessions beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

Meg Levy, of Bluewater Sales, visits with Spangled Banner | Keeneland

All ‘Star’: Spangled Banner A Win-Win Result For Bluewater
Continuing a purchasing spree that began Monday at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, Saleh Al Obitah’s Al Ruwais Stable made a splash early Tuesday in Keeneland’s Book 1, going to $2.4-mill to secure Eve of War (Declaration of War) (hip 65), the dam of last Saturday’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic runner up The Puma (Essential Quality). Saturday’s purchase of Spangled Banner was the operation’s third seven-figure mare bought this week, also joining Zee Drop (Lemon Drop Kid) (hip 717) who topped the Book 2 opener on Wednesday.

Consigned Saturday by Bluewater Sales, the 15-year-old Spangled Banner sold in foal to Tiz the Law. Barry and Kathleen Irwin, of Team Valor, purchased the mare as an 11-year-old for $225,000 out of the Fasig-Tipton August Digital Sale in 2022.

“We had Spangled Banner [on our old farm] for Team Valor,” said Bluewater’s Meg Levy. “So we were speaking with Barry [Irwin] and Team Valor about U.S.S. Valor, who is just unbelievable. Barry’s been in the business so long and he’s been so successful with racing and everything, and we’re just excited to follow along. He decided to put the mare in [the sale] and then see if [U.S.S. Valor] was as a good as everybody thought he was. It’s just amazing when everything falls into place.”

Spangled Banner is the 25th horse to sell for $1 million or more at this year’s November Breeding Stock Sale. In 2025, 18 horses brought seven figures.

“We just let her be placed where she would fit [in Book 3],” Levy said. “Once the updates happened, there was some chatter about maybe moving her to different book, but I’m sure glad we didn’t. I think it worked out great. There were some really wonderful people and some really good outfits that were on her and bidding. We’re so thrilled for Barry and Kathleen [Irwin].  They’ve been so kind to us over the years. They are people that have spent their whole lives in this thing. It’s great for them to have something like this happen.”

Spangled Banner was the first seven-figure offering to be sold in the sale’s fifth session.

“A horse is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it on any given day,” Levy said. “I think throughout the sales, from Fasig-Tipton through to Keeneland, there’s only so many really good [mares], or perceived good [mares]. And that ends up driving the prices up. I think she brought what she was worth. She’s carrying a colt, so if she gets a good Tiz the Law colt, and U.S.S. Valor goes on, it’s all blue sky.”

Through five sessions, Bluewater Sales has consigned 12 horses, with Levy noting that not a single offering they’ve led up as gone out with its reserve not attained.

“I [think] the market’s just been fantastic,” Levy said. “We don’t sell very many horses anymore. We don’t sell yearlings. We’ve just been selling broodmares, weanlings and racing prospects. But believe it or not, we have not had one single RNA. So that says a lot. It just goes to show you that if you bring good horses, the market will reward you.”

The post Spangled Banner, Dam Of U.S.S. Valor, A Seven-Figure Book 3 Firework At Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Stud Farms, Stallion Rosters Set For ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Showdown In New Churchill ‘Sire Power’ Competition

---

Churchill Downs Racetrack will introduce a new element to its Stars of Tomorrow II program for 2-year-olds on Saturday, Nov. 28 with a first-ever golf-style skins competition among Kentucky stallion farms, the track announced Saturday.

The event, billed as ‘Sire Power’, has been created to showcase participating stud farms and their stallion rosters, to deliver a friendly and spirited (non-wagering) competition amongst the farms, and to provide a hospitable environment where farm managers and their staff can meet and mingle with breeders and owners.

Eight Kentucky-based stallion farms have registered to participate in the introductory ‘Sire Power’ event and have each paid a $10,000 sponsorship fee. All fees will go directly into an awards pool that will be distributed to the farms upon completion of the competition.

Juveniles that are sired by eligible stallions on the Nov. 28 card will earn points for finishing in first through fourth place. To be eligible and earn points for the farms, sires must be registered with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and have stood at the participating farm in the 2026 breeding season. (Additional rules are in place regarding pensioned/deceased and moved/exported stallions.)

Horses not sired by a stallion at a participating farm that finish in first through fourth place do not earn points and points for those specific finishing positions will roll over to the next race, which creates an exciting daylong competition for the stallion farms. That’s the “skins” component. Carryovers can potentially pile up across multiple races, making some finishing positions dramatically more valuable.

Points will be earned as follows:

• 1st place = 4 points
• 2nd place = 3 points
• 3rd place = 2 points
• 4th place = 1 point

Point totals at the end of the day determine the order of finish and monetary awards for the stallion farms–and bragging rights.

Participating farms:

• Airdrie Stud
• Claiborne Farm
• Coolmore America – Ashford Stud
• Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa
• Lane’s End
• Spendthrift Farm
• Taylor Made Stallions
• WinStar Farm

“We’re delighted to add a component to our longstanding Stars of Tomorrow II program that showcases the Kentucky breeding industry, with a focus on the ‘sire power’ that exists in our state,” said Churchill Downs General Manager Mike Ziegler. “We’ve been working closely with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) to introduce this idea, and we look forward to hosting and celebrating the farms, owners, and breeders at the track for a fun day.”

Chauncey Morris, Executive Director of the KTA, sees the occasion as an innovative marketing opportunity for the stallion farms and adds that breeders will benefit on the day as well.

“Churchill Downs is hosting the party and providing the platform to showcase the farms and their stallions,” Morris said. “It’s a unique idea and we’re excited to try something new. Plus, the Kentucky HBPA and KTA are awarding $360,000 in Breeder Bonuses on this day. Ideally, breeders will have some early discussions with farm managers about the upcoming breeding season while at Churchill Downs on Nov 28.”

The 12-race Stars of Tomorrow II program on Nov. 28 includes four stakes events led by the GII Kentucky Jockey Club and GII Fasig-Tipton Golden Rod for fillies. Each race is worth $400,000, run at the 1 1/16-mile distance and part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks series, respectively, which award points to the top five finishers (10-5-3-2-1).

The post Stud Farms, Stallion Rosters Set For ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Showdown In New Churchill ‘Sire Power’ Competition appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.