From Keeneland
VERSAILLES, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2018) — The late Ed Hudon loved the Thoroughbred industry in general and Keeneland in particular, according to those who knew him best. Hudon died Thursday, several hours after his Sierra Farm-bred American Pharoah filly sold for $1.4 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
“Keeneland gave us a bottle of champagne (to celebrate the million-dollar sale) and when we went back to the house we poured a glass for Ed,” said Farm Manager Michael Callanan. “We told him the filly sold for $1.4 million and we like to think he knew. We had a toast in his honor.”
Sitting with Sierra Farm’s consignment on Saturday, Hudon’s widow, Sharon, recalled his across-the-board generosity that extended to his horses. She noted that Sierra has a band of retired runners and about 30 active broodmares.
“I always wanted to sell a million-dollar horse so when Ed died the next day, I feel like that was his last gift to me,” she said.
Sharon recalled how much Ed loved Keeneland whether he was watching his horses train and race or buying and selling at auction. Their stable includes Nessy, runner-up in last fall’s Sycamore (G3) at Keeneland.
Hudon — who stood stallions Surachai and Stage Colony in California — was happier purchasing horses than he was selling them.
“At this past Keeneland November Sale, we had some weanlings to sell,” Callahan said. “It was cold outside, so he went to the Sales Pavilion. He came back with a (sales receipt) and told me to hook up the trailer. The next day, same thing, he bought another horse. We were there to sell, but he kept buying more.”
Callahan said selling the highest-priced yearling during the Wednesday session of the September Sale was special.
“Even if Ed had been with us at the sale, it would have been emotional, but given the circumstances, it was incredibly emotional.” Callanan said.