Consignors Dean DeRenzo and Randy Hartley of Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds made headlines by selling a son of 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline for a record-breaking $10.5 million at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, surpassing the previous OBS record of $3 million. They also sold a Jackie’s Warrior filly for $2.3 million, the highest price ever paid for a filly at OBS. The Flightline colt, named Zedan, was originally purchased as a weanling by Texas auto dealer Tom Durant for $575,000. Durant, who transitioned from Quarter Horse racing to Thoroughbreds in the 1990s, has a successful background in horse racing, including multiple leading owner titles at Lone Star Park.
Durant partnered with DeRenzo and Hartley seven years ago and trusts their expertise in selecting promising horses. Although Durant had aspirations to race Zedan in the Kentucky Derby, he chose to sell the colt due to the high risks involved and the lucrative offer received. Durant remains passionate about racing and sales, aiming to develop big horses despite setbacks with injuries to other promising horses. He believes Zedan has the potential to become a leading stallion and plans to continue investing in young talent at upcoming sales, driven by his love for the sport and desire to own top-quality racehorses.
