Henman Sells for $142,000 to Become 2026's New Sales Topper

The son of Fortify and Group 2 winner Henestrosa topped the Haras Pozo de Luna Gran Venta de Productos, establishing a new benchmark for the year

It did not take long for Oriolo (Il Campione) to lose his status as the most expensive member of the 2024 crop sold at public auction in Argentina this season.

Just five days after reaching that distinction, the chestnut colt was surpassed by Henman, the star attraction of Tuesday's annual Haras Pozo de Luna sale.

Last Friday, during the Haras Santa Inés Gran Venta Selecta, Oriolo brought $136,000. That figure was quickly eclipsed when Henman sold for $142,000 to trainer Juan Carlos Bianchi, acting on behalf of a client. In both cases, the auctions were organized by (Arg) Sales.

The breeding operation of José Cerrillo has long prioritized quality over quantity, and this year's catalog once again reflected that philosophy. Of the 21 yearlings offered, three surpassed the six-figure mark, a clear indication of the strong demand generated among owners and investors.

Foaled September 12 and blessed with an imposing physique, Henman is a son of Fortify (Distorted Humor) and represents the second foal out of Henestrosa (Treasure Beach), winner of the Clásico Miguel Ángel y Tomás Juárez Celman (G2) and the Clásico Bullrich (G2), who also represented Argentina in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) at Hipódromo Chile.

The female family adds further depth. Henestrosa is a sister to Group 1 winner Huapango Torero (Suggestive Boy)—now standing at Haras María Alicia—as well as stakes-placed performers Huetzca (Easing Along) and Hontoria (Suggestive Boy). All are out of the Group 3-winning Happy Queen (Roy).

The second-highest price of the day belonged to Solanas Law, one of the three offspring by Tiz the Law (Constitution) offered during the sale. The colt was purchased by Stud La Rosaura for $131,000.

Foaled October 16, he is the first produce of Sopa de Lima (Easing Along), winner of the Clásico Los Criadores (G2) and runner-up in both the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (G1) and Gran Premio Selección de Potrancas (G1). She is a full sister to Group 1 winner Serenata Huasteca and Group 2 winner San Onofre, while also being the dam of Group 2 heroine Schilleriana (Roman Ruler). The family traces back to Chilean dual Group 1 winner Hush Money (Hussonet).

Completing the top three was Strict Law, another son of Tiz the Law, for whom Bianchi again signed the ticket after a final bid of $116,000.

Foaled October 6, the chestnut is the first foal from Sofrita (Roman Ruler), winner of the Handicap Rafale and placed in both the Clásico General Las Heras (G3) and the Clásico Fallow. He also belongs to the family of Group 3-placed Kuiper (Interaction) and the outstanding Suggestive Boy (Easing Along).

In total, the 21 yearlings sold generated $723,600 in gross receipts, with an average price of $34,457 and a median of $18,909, figures that left Pozo de Luna's connections more than satisfied.

With an aggressive investment strategy—the three Tiz the Law yearlings were produced from mares specifically sent to Chile to be covered at Haras Paso Nevado—and a rigorous approach to genetic selection, José Cerrillo's operation continues to display a combination that is not always easy to achieve: success both on the racetrack and in the sales ring.