Connections

Champion Sales

Keeneland sold seven horses who received 2022 Eclipse Awards as North American champions: Elite Power, Epicenter, Forte, Malathaat, Nest, Regal Glory, and Wonder Wheel. Forte (right), who won the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland, is the early favorite for this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Popular Art

The 2022 Sporting Art Auction, which Keeneland holds in November with Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington, was the most successful in its 10-year history with more than 90% of lots sold. The event in Keeneland’s sales pavilion attracted 300 buyers from nearly a dozen countries and grossed over $2.5 million. Top sellers were Henry Faulkner’s “Floral” at $123,375 (right) and Sir Alfred Munnings’ “Hop Pickers at Hampshire” at $120,000.

PETE’S CORNER

Popular Keeneland bid spotter Pete McCormick died Jan. 26 in North Carolina at age 75. McCormick, who spent 40 years at Keeneland, was a boy when he received his frst job in the auction business from Tom Caldwell, the legendary head auctioneer at Keeneland.

Virginia Kraft Payson Dies

A successful Thoroughbred breeder who participated in Keeneland racing and sales, Virginia Kraft Payson died Jan. 9 in Lexington at age 92. Payson campaigned two homebred Keeneland stakes winners: Lac Ouimet, who won the 1990 Fayette (G2), and Rutherienne, who took the 2008 Jenny Wiley (now a Grade 1 race). She sold champion Farda Amiga at Keeneland’s 2000 September yearling sale.