Elite Stallion A Tale Of The Cat Sells in the Solo Select Labor Day Sale
- Taylor Zimmerman
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 28
A Tale Of The Cat, the 2011 chestnut stallion by High Brow Cat out of Autumn Boon, sells exclusively in the Sept. 1 Solo Select Labor Day Sale, offering breeders an unprecedented opportunity to purchase one of the most royally bred and well-established stallions in the industry.
Known in the barn as “Torch,” the stallion boasts lifetime earnings of $123,818 in the cutting pen and a pedigree that has become synonymous with performance horse royalty. His sire, High Brow Cat, is the all-time leading cutting sire with more than $90 million in offspring earnings across five disciplines. His dam, Autumn Boon, is a Super Stakes Champion and one of the all-time leading producers, with progeny earnings surpassing $2 million. Together, this legendary cross has shaped the foundation of modern cutting, and Torch stands as one of its most accomplished sons.
“Torch is the kind of horse that instantly elevates a program. He’s royally bred, he’s proven in the show pen, and he’s already established in the breeding barn. Opportunities like this don’t come around often.”— Melanie Smith, owner, Solo Select
Robert Charles Brown originally purchased Torch as a 2-year-old, sending the horse to NCHA Hall of Fame trainer Jason Clark. The young stallion quickly made waves and entered the 2014 NCHA Futurity as one of the favorites. A sudden colic episode during the semifinals altered the trajectory, but even so, Torch finished seventh overall and went on to collect major checks at the Breeders Invitational, the Summer Spectacular and the Cotton Stakes.
In addition to his pedigree and show record, Torch has already proven himself as a sire. He has multiple winners on the ground and highly anticipated foal crops coming up the pipeline. His progeny are noted for their cow sense, athleticism, and easy trainability — qualities that reflect the very best of both High Brow Cat and Autumn Boon.
In 2024 alone, Torch booked 43 domestic breedings as well as 24 paid breedings in Australia, a sign of his international reach and the value breeders place on his genetics. His frozen semen program adds further income potential, with extensive evaluations, veterinary records and marketing materials included in the sale package.
At 14 years old, Torch represents something rarely seen in today’s market: a stallion who is already proven in every arena that matters. He has the show career, the pedigree, the production record and the established commercial demand.
“This is one of the most unique opportunities we’ve ever offered. Torch checks every box, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next.” — Melanie Smith
