by Pete Denk

Zayat Stables will sell more than 70 horses of racing age at the upcoming Keeneland November breeding stock sale, scheduled for November 3 through November 17 in Lexington.

Eaton Sales will act as agent, and the ownership will be declared on the catalog pages. The list of horses for sale includes J Z Warrior, Mushka, Got the Last Laugh, Halo Najib, Marcavelly, Massive Drama, Premium Wine, Z Fortune, Baroness Thatcher, and many more.

“There are many owners who prefer to purchase ready-made racehorses, and starting this November, we will provide them a consistent opportunity,” said Ahmed Zayat. “Our focus remains on developing young horses. This approach means we can provide for an underserved market by allowing a broad ownership base to acquire quality racing stock from our stable every year. I have had a lot of fun racing these horses and I am hoping that other owners will experience the joy and pride those magnificent animals brought me.”

Reiley McDonald, of Eaton Sales, called the Zayat horses an outstanding group.

“These aren’t unproven yearlings that may be ready to race in a year,” McDonald said. “These are racehorses of quality that span the racing scene—from domestic stakes competitors to ones that can compete in the Dubai Racing Festival or in Europe next spring. There’s a lot of fun racing ahead for their new owners.”

Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said it is rare that a consignment of ready to race thoroughbreds of this quality and scope is made available at auction.

“We applaud Mr. Zayat’s initiative in providing buyers at all levels this unique annual opportunity,” Nicholson said.

Zayat maintains one of the largest and more successful racing programs in the sport with a portfolio of more than 276 horses, including 170 horses in training that have amassed $5.5-million in earnings and 15 stakes victories since 2008, according to statistics supplied by Zayat.

Zayat was fourth leading buyer at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale, purchasing 30 yearlings for $6,732,000.

Pete Denk is sales editor for Thoroughbred Times