Shadai Farm Lands Eskimo Kisses for $2.3 Million

When Eskimo Kisses stepped into the ring Nov. 6 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Michael Hernon of Gainesway knew it was no time to get emotional. 

A 4-year-old daughter of To Honor and Serve, the filly performed admirably on the track for Gainesway Stable and partners Harold Lerner, Nehoc Stables, and Magdalena Racing, winning three of her 12 starts. 

"It's a little bit sad that she sold, but we brought her here to sell her," said Hernon. "It was a partnership dispersal, and she's a wonderful young mare." 

Trained by Ken McPeek, Eskimo Kisses won the Alabama Stakes (G1) at 3 and finished second in the Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) and Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) en route to earning $711,102. Offered in foal to Curlin , she was purchased for $2.3 million by Shadai Farm and will make the trip to Japan following the sale. 

"This mare is fantastic—very, very good," said Tetsuya Yoshida, who signed the winning ticket. 

Out of the Mr. Greeley mare Silver Colors, Eskimo Kisses is the product of a long-term breeding strategy for Gainesway that stretches back to Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Winning Colors, who was purchased for $4.1 million by Gainesway Bloodstock Services from the consignment of Eugene Klein to the 1989 Keeneland November sale. Winning Colors' last foal was Silver Colors, who raced only four times before retiring. 

"This is what the market said she's worth, and maybe we will take a trip to Japan to see her," Hernon said. "She's a pretty special piece of horseflesh. I'm glad she's gone to a great home. It's about remembering Winning Colors. Mr. Graham (Beck) bought her back years ago, and she is the result of that bloodline. Of course, we have the mare, Silver Colors. This filly breezed well leading into Saratoga—I remember it well before the Alabama—and she ran huge that day. There were a lot of principals on her, and she's got great character and determination. She's very kind." 

While Hernon said it will be hard to watch Eskimo Kisses go, the veteran horseman is convinced she will have every opportunity to make her own stamp on the breed just as her mother and grandmother have done. 

"It's a little bit bittersweet, but we're in the business of selling horses and breeding horses, and she's a really good one," Hernon said. "They got something special, and we will look forward to good news from her. I'm convinced she'll be a serious broodmare in her own right, and we wish them the very best. 

"You can probably tell I haven't let go of her yet, but maybe a glass or two of champagne will help that. You can't prepare for this, but she'll always have a little place in our hearts, that's for sure."