Pioneerof the Nile weanling fetches session-topping $600,000 at KEENOV

Hip 174, a striking weanling colt by Pioneerof the Nile, fetched $600,000 from buyer R.C. Thoroughbreds on Day 1 of the annual Keeneland November sale in Lexington, KY, making him the highest-priced weanling of the session.

“The sire doesn’t hurt, and all the things you want to see are there physically: his scope, presence, athleticism, an easy-moving horse,” said Chris Baker, representing breeder and consignor Three Chimneys Farm. “He has a great mind. You saw what he did out there. He was standing there like, ‘This is about me.’ He’s got a lot of good things about him, a lot to like. We weren’t going to give him away.”

By Pioneerof the Nile, the colt is out of the multiple graded stakes-winning Vindication mare, Dust and Diamonds. Mentally, he carried himself with class throughout the entire process, and, physically, he wowed on-lookers and potential buyers with his ideal balance of size, leg, balance, and the poetic walk that pulled it all together to make for an exciting athletic prospect from a sire that’s becoming known for top classic-performing colts.

The $600,000 price was ranked No. 1 among weanlings, ahead of Tapit’s $525,000 and $410,000, War Front’s $560,000, and Curlin’s $360,000. Pioneerof the Nile also had a weanling filly sell for $360,000 during Tuesday’s opening session, and he sported an impressive average of $383,333 from three sold, second only to Tapit on Day 1 at KEENOV.