In 2009, at the Keeneland All-Age Horse Auction in January, Machmer Hall purchased a mare with a very interesting name—I am special . Known for her Unbridled Song broodmare, Carrie Brogden had to add this one to her stable. This little gray mare cost just $6,000; and it might be the best $6,000 she ever spent.
“She created the show, a lot of shows, and the ability to have a show at that level,” Brogden said of Special Me’s significance. “I don’t know how many mares have two Grade 1 winners and two Grade 2 winners. She’s 18 and she’s still driving trucks.”
On September 10, Brogden will send out Hip 230, a mare Candy spinner from the blue mare Special Me, across the ring on day two of the Keeneland Yearling Sale in September.
“Twirling Candy has been really good to me. He’s having a great year; I think he’s a great value. He doesn’t always give you the prettiest horses, but he definitely gives you an athlete. They’re healthy, they’re boned,” she said.
Hip 230 is more than a full sister to Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Gift Box She is the half-sister of a series of ranked tournament winners, including Gina Romantic winner of the First Lady Stakes (G1) and most recently runner-up in the Ballston Spa Stakes (G2) at Saratoga; and many award winners are ranked Great stone And Special Forces .
Brogden sold Gift Box as a foal to David Ingordo for $135,000. She noted similarities between Hip 230 and her brother Gift Box.
“She goes like her brother, Gift Box is a great moving company,” she said.
“I actually think, as I recall, Peter (O’Callaghan) of Woods Edge, another great judge, was the underbidder when he was a foal.”
Machmer Hall sold his half-brother Into mischief last year to Coolmore for $1.2 million at the Keeneland September Sale. Now named Jousting He is in Ireland preparing for his first start.
“I’ve heard good reports from Coolmore about the half-brother we sold last year, they said he’d be starting work here soon and he’s doing really well,” said Brogden.
I have one in particular Flight route The weanling mare Brogden said was in excellent physical condition, and she re-tested Into Mischief’s foal.
“She had these old, arthritic knees, and if you looked at her, you’d think, ‘Oh my gosh, is that a horse or a donkey?’ But, she was really… well named,” Brogden said.
