The legacy of Argentine superstar Candy Ride continues to hold strong value in the United States

One of his sons fetched $850,000 at Fasig-Tipton, the highest price of the third session of the October Yearlings Sale

The Candy Ride colt who topped Day 3 at Fasig-Tipton / FASIG-TIPTON

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The passage of time only serves to elevate the legend of Candy Ride, the Argentine superstar who continues to leave an indelible mark on international breeding from his base at Lane’s End Farm. Now 26 years old and nearing the twilight of his stallion career, the champion bred by Haras Abolengo was once again in the spotlight at auction when one of his sons brought $850,000 during Wednesday’s third session of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale.

Consigned by Gainesway and bred by Liberty Road Stables, the colt was purchased by Jon Green of D J Stable after a spirited online bidding duel that made him the day’s top-priced yearling. Out of Unrivaled Princess (Tapit), a daughter of champion Unrivaled Belle (Unbridled’s Song) and half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Unique Bella(Tapit)—one of the most admired racemares of the past decade in the U.S., bred by Don Alberto—the colt boasts a pedigree steeped in class.

“This colt looks more like a son of Gun Runner than of Candy Ride,” said Green. “He’s balanced, he moves beautifully, and he impressed us from the first moment we saw him. We followed him all week, comparing him to others in the catalog, and as the days went by, we became more convinced that he was the best athlete of the group.”

Green added that he and his father, Leonard Green, debated until the last moment where to set their bidding limit. “Both Mark Casse and Kim Valerio told us—independently—that if we wanted to buy a colt with the potential to excel around two turns at the top level, the list started and ended with this one. That sealed it for us.”

Beyond the excitement, the price also underscores the symbolic value of owning a son of Candy Ride, a stallion whose legacy continues to shine through the likes of Gun Runner, Twirling Candy, Vekoma, Leofric, and Game Winner. “We believe a Candy Ride is worth every penny,” Green said. “His stud career is nearing its end, which only makes each of his offspring more meaningful.”

The market followed the year’s strong trend, with 271 yearlings sold Wednesday for a total of $19.5 million and an average of $72,127, nearly 50% higher than in 2023. “There was strong activity from start to finish,” said Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton.

Other highlights included a Nyquist filly and a Justify filly, each sold for $500,000—further proof of a vibrant market and sustained demand for proven bloodlines.

Still, the enduring legacy of Candy Ride took center stage once again. Two decades after retiring unbeaten from the racetrack, the son of Ride the Rails continues to prove that his influence remains as powerful as ever—and that each of his progeny remains a coveted gem in the world of Thoroughbred racing.