Spring Haven Farms coming into Lexington off terrific Ohio Jug Sale
by Chris Lomon
Senena and Jeff Esty’s Spring Haven Farm is on a roll.
The Utica, OH-based operation arrives at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale off record-breaking success at the recent Ohio Selected Jug Sale on Sept. 12.
Spring Haven Farm was the consignor and breeder of the sale topper Blue Ranger, a full sister to Next Generation Stakes winner Big Ranger. Sold as Hip #106, the In Range-Big Blue Bird filly was the highest-priced trotter ever sold at public auction in Ohio, at $210,000, and was purchased by Reijo Liljendahl of Vero Beach, FL, acting as agent.
“We are very, very happy,” Senena said. “She went to a wonderful trainer. She is a fabulous filly for sure.”
Spring Haven Farm also topped the consignor gross sales category with $1,271,000 in total for 43 yearlings sold.
The operation will look to continue their good fortune and hard work with a diverse group of 26 yearlings, eight of their own and 18 as agent horses, featuring babies from top names including Bulldog Hanover, Captain Corey, Cattlewash and Sweet Lou.
“People are certainly wanting to buy horses,” Senena said. “There was a lot of excitement here in Ohio and a great vibe at the sale. We have a really nice selection of horses available, including some very attractive Ontario-eligible ones. I was at the Little Brown Jug with friends from Ontario and it sounds like many Ontario folks will be making the trip to Lexington. If someone is interested in a Bulldog Hanover or Cattlewash, we hope you come and visit us. We have some very nice ones.”
Senena’s sister, Stephanie, has Hip #473 Cow Cow Boogie, a full sibling to Tilthecowscomehome, winner of this year’s Nassagaweya Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park, in the consignment.
“She is a very special filly,” Senena said.
Two other Cattlewash offspring should also garner a closer look, she said.
“[Hip #372] Shadow Wash is the first foal out of the mare [Shadows Mystery], who is a Shadow Play mare,” Senena said. “And the other one, [Hip #703] Charolais Cattle is out of a very well-bred mare [Final Decision]. Again, we really feel that these ones will attract attention.”
Spring Haven also boasts some top-shelf Bulldog Hanover offerings in both colts, Hip #153 Spradley, Hip #607 Spike and a filly, Hip #515 Hang Tight Honey.
“We are very proud of the positions they were slotted in for the sale,” Senena said. “They look the part, and they are very nicely bred horses, so that is another group we are tremendously excited about.”
Just as Spring Haven is to present the lineup of Stonebridge Farm (London, ON) colt and fillies at Lexington.
Senena anticipates there will be a lot of eyes on the Stonebridge roster, namely, Hip #89 Stonebridge Sauve, Hip #377 Stonebridge Blitz, and Hip #528 Stonebridge Kingly.
“We’re so fortunate to be able to raise these horses this year, which is great because we really get to know them now,” Senena said. “They have three stellar colts. Stonebridge Sauve is one of only four Downbytheseasides on the first night of the sale and he is something. He is a beast.
“Sweet Lou (sire of this year’s Little Brown Jug winner Louprint) will definitely bring some buzz to the sale and Stonebridge Kingly is a beauty. He is a standout.”
Spring Haven will also be presenting six Pin Oak Lane Farm (New Freedom, PA), four of which are Captain Corey offspring.
Also in the Spring Haven lineup are a pair of Pebble Beach fillies, Hip #815 Banana Beach and Hip #896 Pebbles Forever, and a Pebble Beach colt, Hip #713 Muirfield.
In terms of under-the-radar types Senena believes will catch the attention of prospective buyers, Hip #206 Bad Reputation quickly comes to mind.
“He is a Papi Rob Hanover colt, who is the first foal out of the mare [Bad Night Mare]. He is a very, very impressive colt. People from Pennsylvania will hopefully give this guy a long look. He is not dual-eligible, and that is what makes him probably a more affordable type. He would not be one to overlook and perfect for someone who is looking to race in Pennsylvania. I really got excited over this guy on video day. He really wowed us.”
As has the filly Hip #535 Seven Krum Cakes.
“She is by Father Patrick out of Kolachke,” Senena said. “She is a beauty – just a beauty. Very correct, very smart. She has it going on. She is Kentucky-eligible as well, so she would fit anybody’s list. The second dam is the dam of Chapter Seven.”
Senena, as always, is heading into the sale with an optimistic outlook.
“You want to go in with a well-rounded group of horses and we are fortunate to have that,” she said. “I think there is a good overall feeling for this year’s sale.”
