MINORITY INTEREST IN VA-BRED DERBY CONTENDER SOLD

(Reed Palmer Photo)

From the Paulick Report:  Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables confirmed today that a minority interest in Kentucky Derby hopeful (Virginia-bred) Bodemeister has been sold to Mike and Tiffany Moreno of Southern Equine Stables, reports the Blood-Horse. Zayat declined to comment on the sale price but said it was "a very healthy, lucrative arrangement for us."

Bodemeister will continue to be managed by Zayat Stables and will still race under the Zayat silks.

Zayat said he agreed to the deal with Southern Equine because the owners have “spent a great deal of time and money building up a high-quality broodmare band which will be good support to the colt when he eventually retires to stud.”

Among the broodmares owned by Southern Equine is Better Than Honour. Better Than Honour is the dam of Jazil and Rags to Riches, both of whom won the Belmont Stakes. Southern Equine purchased Better Than Honour for a record $14 million at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall mixed sale.