Machmer Hall Awarded Bonus After So Perfect's Win

So Perfect's victory in the Grangecon Stud Stakes (G3) at the Curragh in Ireland July 1 yielded a windfall for breeder Machmer Hall Farm.

As a result of the 2-year-old Scat Daddy filly's win, Machmer Hall will receive a $5,000 bonus from Keeneland as part of its September Sale Bonus Program initiated in 2017. Under the program, a bonus is awarded the seller of a horse that wins a grade 1, 2, or 3 stakes as a 2- or 3-year-old. So Perfect's bonus was the first to trigger the incentive.

Produced from the winning Songandaprayer mare Hopeoverexperience, So Perfect was purchased by M.V. Magnier for $400,000 from Select Sales' consignment last year and has won two of four starts. The filly races for the Coolmore Stud connections of Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor.

"I am thrilled the filly has done so well and getting a bonus is great," said Machmer Hall's Carrie Brogden, adding that it helps offset the increase in Keeneland commissions that began at the same time as the bonus scheme. "It's more money to pay the commissions and entry fees. I really appreciate the bonus, but I am concerned about the hike in commissions."

Brogden and her husband Craig and mother Sandy Willwerth operate Machmer Hall and Carrie Brogden is a partner in Select Sales, along with Andrew Cary.

"To breed a horse that rises to the top and wins a graded stakes in the U.S. or anywhere in the world is quite an accomplishment," said Bob Elliston, vice president of racing and sales at Keeneland. "Machmer Hall raises good horses at all levels and it's an honor for them to be the first out of the gate."

Elliston said any bonus program for this year's September sale would be announced later this week when the sales company details its sales format for the yearling sale and the November Breeding Stock Sale.