Ciao Bella to Don Alberto Corp. for $1.6M

Reprinted from BloodHorse.com

Ciao Bella, a 5-year-old Giant’s Causeway mare in foal to Speightstown , was purchased for $1.6 million by Don Alberto Corp. Nov. 5 at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

Ciao Bella, a grade III stakes winner, was consigned by Four Star Sales.

Don Alberto has been rather active at Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland in November. Don Alberto director Fernando Diaz-Valdes said the operation, based at the former Vinery, is breed-to-race.

“The whole idea is, if you invest in such a wonderful place and you are in Kentucky, we came here from the beginning with the idea of getting great stock, if we want to be competitive,” Diaz-Valdes said. “So far, we’re trying to get the best mares that we can afford.

“We have a good bunch of mares, so now we have to see the results in years to come. But I think we’re going to have opportunity.”