First Carpe Diem summer yearling sells for $150,000

Multiple Grade 1 winner Carpe Diem’s first yearling to sell in the ring at Tuesday’s Fasig-Tipton July Sale brought a top bid of $150,000 from prominent pinhookers Hartley/de Renzo Thoroughbreds.

Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as hip No. 38, the bay colt is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Royale Paradise, who has two winners from as many starters. Royale Paradise is a daughter of Barbara Fritchie H. (G2) winner Royale Michele.

Carpe Diem’s meteoric career included a win in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) in just his second start, and a subsequent second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). As a 3-year-old, he triumphed in both the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Tampa Bay Derby (G2). He retired to WinStar with earnings in excess of $1.5 million and has proven very popular with breeders, servicing more than 300 mares in his first two seasons at stud.