by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

Yankeeland Farm is closing its gates after a half-century of breeding Standardbreds.

USTA Photo

Charles Keller III

The Maryland farm, started in 1955 by famed New York Yankee slugger Charlie Keller, released a statement today which reads: “The distinguished broodmare band, representing 50 years of breeding champions, will be sold at public auction in November. This offering is a complete dispersal of broodmares in foal and will be an absolute auction with no reserves.”

The statement went on to say that the Yankeeland yearlings would be sold at the Kentucky Select Yearling Sale, as usual, in 2006 and that the remainder of the Yankeeland Farm broodmares and yearlings would be sold in 2007.

The farm has been operated by the Keller family since the death of founder Charlie Keller in 1990. It is located outside of Frederick, Maryland.

Among the graduates of Yankeeland are the legendary mare Fresh Yankee, a winner of almost $1.3 million in a career that spanned from 1965 through 1972. The farm also bred two Hambletonian winners, Muscles Yankee (1998) and Yankee Paco (2000). Muscles Yankee is now the leading trotting sire in North America. Another Yankeeland product Yankee Glide also ranks among the leading trotting stallions.

USTA Photo

Yankeeland yearlings.

The farm has produced many standout pacers, including Yankee Cruiser, winner of $1,150,123 in two seasons at the races.

One of the farm’s outstanding young broodmares is Windylane Hanover 3,1:53, winner of the Hambletonian Oaks and more than $1.1 million on the track. She is currently in foal to Andover Hall.

For more information, contact Yankeeland Farm at (301) 694-6113.