Algorithms. Photo: Coglianese Photos
Her action rewarded when Algorithms wins the Holy Bull
Catherine Parke faced a dilemma at the 2010 Keeneland September yearling sale. A handsome Bernardini colt in her Valkyre Stud consignment wouldn’t allow his throat to be examined endoscopically.
If she didn’t force the issue, it could reduce his appeal to prospective buyers. If she did, he might injure himself and his handlers.
In the end Parke said she decided “to put the horse first” and let Algorithms avoid the close scrutiny. That choice hurt his value in the auction ring, but it paid off in the long run.
On Jan. 29, the bay 3-year- old romped to a five-length victory in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park. His beaten rivals included last year’s champion 2-year-old and Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner Hansen.
Download the story (PDF) BH6-CatherinPark, courtesy of The Blood-Horse
