Are Bobby Flay's restaurant plans simply idle chat while he peddles fine horse flesh? On Wednesday Flay sold his second yearling of the week for $1 million or more at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, and was much more definite about his breeding program than his restaurant plans. After his Tiznow filly out of his Storm Cat mare Countess Lemonade sold for $1.1 million to Stonereath Stud of Paris, Ky, and another Flay filly went for $1 million to Chiefswood Stables of Toronto, the chef told the Courier-Journal that the sales prove "that if you buy quality racehorses and mares, that the blood continues on." Affirming he was in the horse business "for the long run," Flay, who owns about 20 horses including about eight broodmares, noted he was not as "lucky" as some of the other participants in the sales, saying:
some people here ... are lucky enough to be able to hold on to everything that they breed, I can't do that. I have to sell. I love to race (horses), but I have to sell some things that are good as well.
While continuing to muse about money and genetic manipulation, Flay reaffirmed he "looked at restaurant sites" in Louisville, and said he'd "have to go back and make out a short list." However (possibly under the influence of geography and/or money) Flay said he'd also consider a restaurant in Lexington. "Obviously, Lexington is a special place to me," Flay told the CJ. "I spend a lot of time here. It's definitely a possibility for sure."
The CJ is now running a poll asking for votes on whether Flay should pick Louisville or Lexington, and asking for reasons why. Given his recent comments, Flay would quite possibly more appreciate tips on the ponies.
· Flay says Lexington also an eatery possibility [Courier-Journal]
· All Eater Bobby Flay Coverage [-E-]