Overbrook Farm to Disperse Stock

from Keeneland

Overbrook Farm, founded and developed by the late William T. Young into one of North America’s most successful breeding establishments, announced June 9 that it will completely disperse its yearlings, breeding stock, and the majority of its horses in training beginning at Keeneland’s September yearling sale.

“Over a period of more than 30 years, my father developed Overbrook Farm into one of the most successful and respected breeding operations in the world,” Bill Young Jr. said. “The decision to disperse is a personal one that came after a great deal of thought. I simply don’t have the same passion for the Thoroughbred sport that my father did, despite my respect for the business.”

Located near Lexington, Overbrook bred, raced, and has been the home of two-time leading sire Storm Cat, who was pensioned last year.

“The retirement of Storm Cat ended a phenomenal era at Overbrook,” Young said. “The dispersal will give buyers a unique opportunity to purchase (horses from) families that previously have not been available commercially.”

Overbrook has bred and raced a long list of champions, classic winners, and Breeders’ Cup winners, including 1996 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) victor Grindstone and 1999 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Cat Thief, along with champions Boston Harbor, Flanders, Golden Attraction, and Surfside. Overbrook also bred and raced dual classic winner Tabasco Cat in partnership; campaigned champion and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Timber Countryin partnership; and raced Belmont winner Editor's Note.

William T. Young received a 1994 Eclipse Award as outstanding breeder. The farm has bred 113 stakes winners, including 62 group/graded stakes winners, 21 of which are group/grade I winner.

Approximately 200 horses will comprise the dispersal. It will include approximately 75 broodmares, 50 weanlings, 50 yearlings, and 20 to 30 horses of racing age. Young said Overbrook will continue to campaign a small racing stable under the direction of his son, Chris.

“Our goal is to lease the farm as a Thoroughbred operation,” Bill Young said.

Young said Storm Cat will live out his days at Overbrook.

Overbrook plans to find new homes for stallions Grindstone, Jump Start , and Cape Town . Grindstone, whose son Birdstone sired this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird, and Jump Start will be brought back to Overbrook to live out their days after they are pensioned from stallion duty.

The dispersal, with Eaton Sales as agent, will begin with the sale of yearlings at Keeneland’s September sale. Weanlings, broodmares, and horses of racing age will be sold during the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. The dispersal will continue at the 2010 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale.

“The late W. T. Young established a tradition of excellence at Overbrook,” Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said. “Keeneland had the privilege of selling many sons and daughters of the great Storm Cat. Now we have the opportunity to offer our buyers horses from the outstanding Overbrook families.”

Copyright © 2009 Blood-Horse Publications. All rights reserved internationally.