Gun Runner had a spectacular opening session of the 2025 Keeneland September Yearling sale, with four lots surpassing seven figures, led by the session-topping $3.3 million colt.
Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, hip No. 177 went to M. V. Magnier, White Birch Farm and Winchell Thoroughbreds. The dark bay colt was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc. and Determined Stud.
“He’s by Gun Runner and the lads all really liked him,” Magnier said, while adding there will be additional partners on the colt. “We bought his brother last year, the Curlin, and [trainer] Chad [Brown] actually likes him quite a bit.”
“We have (Gun Runner’s Grade 1-winning son) Gunite at home at Ashford and he covered a big book of mares and he’s very popular,” Magnier added. “And Gun Runner is just flying at the moment. He’s by the right horse and everybody liked him.”
The subject colt is out of Adirondack S. (G2) winner Thoughtfully, who has three stakes-winning siblings, while third dam Furlough won the Ballerina S. (G1) and is a half-sister Grade 1 winners Fantastic Find and Dancing Spree.
Gun Runner had a total of 10 lots sell during Monday’s session, for an average of $988,500. He has an additional 47 lots cataloged in the sale that runs through Sept. 20.
