By B. Jason Brooks
Claiborne Farm is returning to the The Saratoga Sale at Fasig-Tipton with a trio of well-bred yearlings, marking the legendary Kentucky farm’s first consignment at the boutique auction since the 1970s.
Despite the recent absence, Claiborne has a rich history at the sale. One notable example came in 1921, when Arthur B. Hancock, Sr. consigned Claiborne-bred Marguerite, a daughter of Claiborne stallion Celt, to William Woodward, Sr. She went on to produce undefeated 1930 Triple Crown champion Gallant Fox, by Claiborne stallion Sir Gallahad III (FR), who in turn sired Woodward’s second Triple Crown winner, Omaha, at Claiborne. Identified by the late racing historian, journalist, and author Edward L. Bowen as one of the most influential mares of the 20th century, Marguerite’s influence on the breed continues today. She appears as the eighth dam of The Chosen Vron, by Vronsky – the 2023 and 2024 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) winner – and the seventh dam of Destino d’Oro, by Bolt d’Oro, winner of this year’s Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2) and Hillsborough Stakes (G2).
Another historic consignment at The Saratoga Sale came in 1925 when Hancock consigned Gladys Mills Phipps’ first ever Thoroughbred purchase, Sturdy Stella, by Sarmatian (FR), helping launch the Phipps family’s century-long breeding and racing dynasty that has been based at the Claiborne’s legendary Paris, Kentucky farm for four generations.
Below is a look into the pedigrees of the three yearlings from Claiborne’s consignment at The Saratoga Sale (located in Barn 8), occurring on Monday and Tuesday, August 10 and 11.
HIP 38 is a dark bay or brown colt by Not This Time and out of Not Sure, by Lonhro (AUS).
Graded an A++ by TrueNicks, the dam is a half-sister to stakes-placed Unbound, by Distorted Humor, producer of Woody Stephens Stakes (G1)-winning sire Arabian Lion, by Justify. Not Sure is also a half-sister to stakes-placed Mary Rita, also by Distorted Humor, who produced multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire Major Dude, by Bolt d’Oro.
Hailing from a deep Phipps family, the colt’s third dam is undefeated champion and Hall of Famer Personal Ensign, by Private Account. The colt’s second dam Possibility, by A.P. Indy, is half-sister to four-time grade 1 winner My Flag, by Easy Goer. Possibility’s other impressive half-siblings, all by Mr. Prospector, include Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)-winning sire Miner’s Mark, Oaklawn Handicap (G1)-winning sire Traditionally, and multiple grade 1-placed Our Emblem, sire of dual classic winner War Emblem.
Other grade 1-winning members of the family Eclipse Champion Storm Flag Flying, by Storm Cat, sire Mr Speaker, by Pulpit, and sire Seeking the Soul, by Perfect Soul (IRE).
HIP 106 is a chestnut filly by Gun Runner and out of Tapit mare Tap the Faith.
Graded a TrueNicks A+, the filly is bred on a cross that has produced 10 stakes winners, including seven graded winners and five millionaires. They include Cotillion Stakes (G1) and Ballerina Handicap (G1) winner Society, grade 1-placed/graded stakes winners Red Route One, Wicked Halo, Disarm, and Il Miracolo, and graded stakes winners Paladin and Recharge.
The filly’s second dam is Alabama Stakes (G1) winner Embellish the Lace, by Super Saver, who is half-sister to Travers Stakes (G1) winner Afleet Express, by Afleet Alex.
Other top performers from the family include Keeneland Turf Mile Stakes (G1)-winning Claiborne stallion Annapolis, by War Front; Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Leslie’s Rose, by Into Mischief; Florida Derby (G1) winner Materiality, by Afleet Alex; and, San Carlos Handicap (G1) winner Snow Ridge, by Tabasco Cat.
HIP 186 is a bay colt by Constitution and out of Dream It Is, by Shackleford.
The colt is half-brother to two stakes winners, including 2026 Victoria Stakes winner Uncle Dodo, by Uncle Mo, and Claiborne-consigned 2023 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes winner Otto the Conqueror, by Street Sense.
The dam won the Schuylerville Stakes (G3) by nine lengths and is a half-sister to graded stakes-placed mare Just Katherine, by Justify, who most recently won the 2026 Interborough Stakes.
The second dam Reve Enchante, by Medaglia d’Oro, is a half-sister to Logi Storm (JPN), by Unbridled’s Song, who won four stakes races in Japan, all contested at 1,600 meters on dirt.
Third dam Reve de Fille, by Storm Cat, is a half-sister to Rosberg, by A.P. Indy, winner of the Premier’s Stakes (G3).
The colt’s fourth dam is European champion Bosra Sham, by Woodman, who won three group 1 races in England, including the classic One Thousand Guineas. She was a full sister to French champion Hector Protector, winner of four group 1 races, including the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas). Bosra Sham is also a three-quarter sister to Shanghai, by Procida, who also won the French Two Thousand Guineas (G1).
Claiborne Farm is returning to The Saratoga Sale with three yearlings backed by elite sires, distinguished female families, and pedigrees rich in both racing performance and breed-shaping influence.
B. Jason Brooks is a Thoroughbred racing and pedigree researcher, writer, and social media manager residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, and can be followed on X at @bjbrooksNY