Justify was an American thoroughbred racehorse who won the prestigious 2018 Triple Crown. His success not only made him a fan favorite, but also a valuable commodity in the horse racing industry. In this article, we will explore the question of how much Justify sold for after his victorious 2018 season.
Justify’s Career
Justify burst onto the racing scene in February 2018, winning the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Justify’s winning streak continued with victories at the Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby, making him the 13th horse to win the prestigious Triple Crown. After his historic win, Justify became the first Triple Crown winner in 40 years and one of the most valuable horses in the world.
Justify’s Value
Justify was an incredibly valuable horse, both in terms of racing success and potential stud fees. His value was estimated to be between $60 and $75 million, though experts disagreed on the exact figure. Justify was so valuable because of his potential to produce winning offspring, as well as his incredible pedigree.
Justify’s Sale
Justify’s owner, WinStar Farms, decided to sell the horse in 2019, after his Triple Crown victory. The sale of Justify was highly anticipated and the final price was expected to break records. In the end, Justify was sold to Coolmore Stud for a reported $60 million. This was the highest price ever paid for a thoroughbred racehorse.
Coolmore Stud
Coolmore Stud is one of the world’s leading thoroughbred breeding operations. Owned by the Magnier family, Coolmore is known for its success in producing champion horses. The Magnier family purchased Justify in order to take advantage of his potential as a successful sire.
What the Sale Included
The $60 million purchase of Justify included a one-time stud fee, as well as the right to breed the horse to Coolmore’s mares. WinStar Farms retained the right to breed the horse to their own mares. This arrangement was beneficial to both parties, as it allowed Coolmore to make a profit off of Justify’s offspring, while also allowing WinStar to continue to reap the benefits of Justify’s success.
Justify’s Offspring
Justify’s first foal was born in 2020. The filly, named Justify’s Dream, was sired by Coolmore’s champion sire, Galileo. Justify’s Dream is expected to be a successful racehorse and her success will be an indicator of Justify’s potential as a sire.
Reaction to the Sale
The sale of Justify for a record-breaking $60 million was met with both celebration and criticism. Many praised WinStar Farms for their shrewd business decision, while others criticized Coolmore for what they viewed as an over-inflated price.
Conclusion
Justify was an incredibly valuable horse, both in terms of racing success and potential stud fees. His sale to Coolmore Stud for a record-breaking $60 million was met with both celebration and criticism. As we await the results of Justify’s offspring, we can only hope that his success as a sire will justify the high price that Coolmore paid for him.