Good-Bye David

David Mullins wasn't the most successful or the most famous person in the Thoroughbred business. But he made a good living in his chosen profession, and he probably enjoyed it more than anybody I have ever met.

Just about anywhere I went in Central Kentucky, if it had something to do with Thoroughbreds, David was there. If there was racing at Keeneland, David was there. If there was a sale at Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton, David was there. If there was a party at a farm, David was there. If there was a meeting of an organization, David was there.

David , who marketed horses under the Doninga banner, had some big moments in the Thoroughbred auction business. Doninga sold the highest-priced yearling filly in North America in 2002: Platinum Heights, who brought $2.8 million at the Keeneland July select sale. Doninga also sold Canadian champion Saoirse (in foal to Seeking the Gold) for $2.2 million at the 2001 Keeneland November breeding stock auction. In addition, Doninga bred grade I winner The Groom Is Red.

In addition to profiting from the Thoroughbred industry, David also gave back, contributing his time and efforts to many charitable ventures.

David's seat at Keeneland for the sales was in front of the press box. It will be strange - and sad -- not to see him sitting there during the September yearling auction.