Unbridled Empire brought a bid of US$55,000 during the fifth and final session of Keeneland’s January Sale on Friday.  The 3yo Empire Maker filly was a distant fifth in a Prairie Meadows maiden at her only start in September.

Her residual value comes from being a half-sister to the Californian Group 1 winners Fourty Niners Son (Distorted Humor) and Cindy’s Hero (Sea Hero).  She is an extended relation of 1969 Horse of the Year Arts and Letters (Ribot).

Unraced A.P. Indy mare Vixenish (A.P. Indy), offered in foal to Forestry, was second best at 52,000.  She is a member of the family that has generated former Widden shuttler Twining (Forty Niner) and 1993 Sydney Cup winner Azzaam (Chief’s Crown).

With one less day of selling this year, the five-session turnover reached US$23.89 million.  The overall average was down less than 1% to $24,333.

The January sale strongly underscores the market reset that is taking place, both within our industry and the larger global economy,” Keeneland Director Geoffrey Russell said.  “Credit continues to be significantly constricted so buyers are being extremely careful.  It’s simply a reflection of continued anxiety over the state of the larger economy and the adjustment taking place to a new market reality within our industry.

Complete results can be found at www.keeneland.com.