Multiple graded stakes winner Messier has been sold to an entity in Saudi Arabia, according to Rockridge Stud in New York, where the son of Empire Maker entered stud last year.
International bloodstock agent Mostafa Bahassan brokered the deal.
Out of stakes winner Checkered Past, Sam-Son Farm bred Messier in Ontario and sold him for $470,000 at Fasig-Tipton's Selected Yearlings Showcase during Covid-ravaged 2020 to Donato Lanni, agent for SF/Starlight/Madaket. The colt raced for a partnership including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable, and Siena Farm.
Messier got his first win by 6 1/2 lengths and became a graded stakes winner in his next start in the 2021 Bob Hope Stakes (G3). Initially with trainer Bob Baffert, he started his 3-year-old campaign by winning the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) by 15 lengths and then ran second to Taiba in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Messier started in the Kentucky Derby (G1) with trainer Tim Yakteen, who filled in for Baffert who was in the midst of a two-year ban by Churchill Downs. Messier finished unplaced in the Derby and did not regain his winning form until he was 5 when he won the 2024 Westchester Stakes (G3) with trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.
Messier retired with a 4-5-1 record from 15 starts and earned $593,690. He entered stud at Rockridge at $5,000 and covered 51 mares in his first book, according to The Jockey Club.
