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Fresh from her crowning glory in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar, Moira brought the curtain down on a magnificent racing career when changing hands for US$4.3 million at Fasig-Tipton's November Sale in Lexington.
The 5YO mare, trained throughout her career by Kevin Attard, delivered an emotional farewell for connections after being secured by international breeding operation Bayles via telephone bidding.
Stellar Racing Career
The daughter of Ghostzapper established herself as one of Canada's leading lights, capturing the Queen's Plate en route to being crowned Canadian Horse of the Year in 2022. Her impressive race record features 17 starts in a stakes company, yielding seven victories, including three at graded level, alongside four Group One placings and earnings of US$2,996,017.
Previous winners of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf include champions Ouija Board, who went on to land the Hong Kong Vase, and multiple Group One heroine In Lingerie.
Bred by Adena Springs in Ontario, Moira hails from the influential Unbridled's Song mare Devine Aida, herself a multiple listed stakes winner. Her half-brother Jungle Cry, by Animal Kingdom, has already proven his worth as a stake’s winner.
"Having to watch her go, it's hard," said an emotional Attard. "Maybe it gets easier when you get more of these horses like this, but you don't know when the next one's coming if it ever comes. We knew this day was coming and it was tough."
The sale marked a significant success for consignors Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, who topped the day's proceedings with 14 horses selling for more than US$20.2 million. Their general manager Jared Burdine reflected: "She's a special filly, an incredible talent. We wish the new owners the best of luck and are glad Donato (Lanni) entrusted us with representing him again."
Fasig-Tipton CEO Boyd Browning maintained discretion regarding the buyers' identity but assured: "It's a well-known major buying and breeding operation. It’s 110% legitimate and major participants—international buyers."
The story carries added poignancy as Moira had previously been retained by her racing connections for US$3 million at the same sale in 2023, highlighting her exceptional value as a broodmare prospect.