Walden Dispersal a Keeneland Highlight

Media Release - Tuesday August 15
After more than 30 years as a staple in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing community, Ben Walden Jr has announced the full dispersal of more than 50 horses owned by he and his wife, Elaine, at the upcoming Keeneland September and Keeneland November sales.

Ben, Elaine and Hope Walden"The last two years have brought forth several Christian Ministry opportunities in which I have found myself investing more and more time," said Walden. "Elaine and I have become the host of an inventory and distribution facility for FirstLove Publications, a Simi Valley, California-based book ministry that distributes titles on sound Biblical doctrine and evangelism all over the world, free of charge. It is very difficult to be successful today in the Thoroughbred industry without a singular focus and relentless commitment. Our farm, Paul's Mill, is on the market, so this step is a natural part of our progression.

"A recent month-long mission trip to the Philippines had a unique impact on the decision to walk away from the horse business," he added. "It has been a blessed vocation for me and Elaine that no doubt has been a gift from the Lord. I wrestled with him on this decision for some time, failing to believe that He wanted us to give it up. But we believe He does."

The Waldens' full dispersal will include six yearlings at Keeneland September, including two Tiznow fillies and an Arch colt. At Keeneland November, his dispersal will consist of 18 weanlings and 27 mares and/or fillies in training. Among the Waldens' collection of broodmares are some deep Claiborne Farm families and mares in foal to leading sires like Uncle Mo, Pioneerof the Nile, Kitten's Joy, Distorted Humor, among others.

A major component of Walden's business approach through the years has been to buy and develop horse farms. He founded Vinery in 1985, and over the next 12 years built it into a successful commercial farm with over 30 stallions and a huge sales presence at the annual Keeneland September sales. Among Vinery's three leading freshman sires was Red Ransom, who Walden purchased from Paul Mellon's Rokeby Stable by "sealed bid" as a non-stakes-winning son of Roberto that had set a track record at Saratoga in his first start as a 2-year-old.

In 2000, the Waldens purchased 200 acres on the corner of Iron Works Pike and Newtown Pike from Castleton Farm. Named Gracefield, they developed the farm over a seven-year period before selling it to Lisa Lourie, who renamed it Spy Coast Farm. On behalf of Brad Kelley, Walden purchased Hurricane Hall from Dinwiddie Lampton in 2005, and he became partners in the business with Kelly, Pat Madden and David Hanley. Several restorations were made to Hurricane Hall under Walden's management, including the addition of a one-mile Polytrack uphill gallop, and such top racehorses as Artie Schiller, Bellamy Road and English Channel were brought in off the track and given their respective starts at stud.

After the partnership at Hurricane Hall was dissolved in 2008, Walden acquired Pauls Mill in Versailles. The 265-acre farm was virtually rebuilt for horses after Walden acquired the property in 2008. Pauls Mill is currently for sale.

"Part of my passion for this business was building farms from the ground up, and finding broodmares from female families with lasting value," Walden said.

Walden is responsible for breeding over 100 stakes winners to date. Among the Grade 1 winners he bred are Breeders' Cup champions Corinthian and Artax, the latter capturing an Eclipse Award in 1999 as Champion Sprinter.

Advertisment
More Reading...
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
G1 Older Milers and Stayers- No Wonder Owners Look Overseas
The Australian G1 season has concluded and there were 26 Group I races won by older horses at a distance of 1600m or more and they were won by 17 different horses with Via Sistina (IRE) and Mr Brightside (NZ) the only horses to win G1 races as sprinters (less than 1600m) and also as mile/middle distance/staying horses.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 30
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday July 1
Here is the full list of 8 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
Many Pedigree Paths Lead to Helen Street
Jane Henning of Pedigree Dynamics offers her thoughts on an Irish Oaks winner that has become a remarkable producer and is now emerging as a great candidate for line breeding.
Vale, Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.
Matahga Makes it a Memorable Weekend for Lawson
Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend.
G1 3YOs - Where the Real Action Is
2YO racing might garner a lot of attention, but the reality is G1 races run for this age group are shining a light on a comparatively small slice of that foal crop, whereas 3YO racing is where the real action lies as the good horses from the season before have to step up or slide out of contention.
G1 Older Sprinters- Are Our Sprinters the Best in the World?
The Australian G1 season has concluded and there were 23 Group I races won by older horses at a distance less than 1600m, but one race that fits the category but is yet to be given G1 status is the $10million Golden Eagle (1500m) and form out of it would suggest it was the best of them all.