Auctioneer Keith Babb Retires After A Distinguished Tenure In A Unique Profession

Long-time Auctioneer, Keith Babb, was honored on Friday, August 2 in a presentation at the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale for over 40 years of service to the industry.

© Susan Bachelor/Speedhorse

KINDER, LA-AUGUST 3, 2024-The 2024 Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) Yearling Sale will have its usual two days of excitement, thrills, and potential stars of Louisiana Quarter Horse racing, but one key element will be missing: the voice of auctioneer Keith Babb.

After over 40 years of ushering in 500-plus young horses into the sale ring, Babb, who celebrated his 80th birthday early this year, has retired. He was honored on Friday, August 2, in a presentation at the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

The son of a Baptist preacher, Babb remembers attending farm machinery auctions as a child. He has sold farm machinery, personal property, real estate, and many other goods since graduating from the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University.

It is certainly a profession that requires vocal talent, tremendous focus, and charisma, and Babb had it all. He credits an important mentor, Colonel Ike Hamilton, for sharing his experience in the auction ring.

"He was a great guy, and we worked together on the first edition of the LQHBA Yearling Sale at Delta Downs in 1976," recalled Babb.

Traversing the country in the early stages of his career, Babb remembered some of the less sophisticated auction rings rather than the state-of-the-art set-ups in California, Oklahoma, and, of course, Louisiana.

"I was selling Thoroughbreds many years ago at Louisiana Downs, with just a banner in the front of the stand," he shared. "A horse kicked me, and I was rushed to the hospital for treatment; they wrapped up my leg, and I returned to finish the sale!"

Babb was the auctioneer at the 1985 Phillips Ranch Yearling Sale when he sold First Down Dash, one of the most prolific stallions in Quarter Horse history. His first million-dollar sale had a Louisiana connection when Queen For Cash was purchased by AQHA and LQHBA Hall of Fame member J. E. Jumonville in 1979.

Babb smiles when he recalls a compliment from the late Scoop Vessels, who stood quietly in back when one of the Vessel's homebred entered the ring.

"Scoop came to me after we wrapped up and told me that he was hoping his yearling would bring $150,000," said Babb. "He was thrilled that he sold for a half-million dollars!"

Of course, the Louisiana sale grads hold a special place in Babb's career with Mr Jess Perry, a prime example, who sold for $16,500 in the 1993 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

"You have no earthly idea what a horse will accomplish in their racing career, but it is incredible to see them emerge as one of the top runners and then stallions in the future," stated Babb.

Tim Rogers of Rogers Farm is a LQHBA board member and a longtime friend of Babb.

"I've known Keith over 40 years," explained Rogers. "I met him when I was doing business in farm equipment, but once Jennie and I began breeding horses, Keith sold many of our stock."

The highlights included Miss Stoli Fast, who sold for the second highest price of $120,000 in the 2014 LQHBA Yearling Sale, and RF Delta Jet, which sold for $49,000 in 2021. Renamed San Lorenzo Jet by owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr., the son of Jet Black Patriot, San Lorenzo Jet eclipsed the $1 million earnings mark earlier this year with a victory in the Winner's Circle Church Stakes at Louisiana Downs.

"It takes a special talent to be a top auctioneer," added Rogers. "There is a lot of pressure and Keith has done an incredible job. He is a real good person and a wonderful friend."

Natalie Montgomery and her husband Jim, have bred and sold many successful Louisiana-bred, including multiple graded stakes champion Open Me a Corona.

"I have always enjoyed listening to Keith at the sales," she said. "I think he's done a great job for the LQHBA. We are thankful that he has worked the auctions for so many years. He will be greatly missed!"

Babb knows that his success in the auction ring would not be possible without the breeders who continue to acquire quality mares and stallions.

"This job can be pretty demanding, but I have to credit the breeders for improving their consignments," he said. "Also, the research and work that goes into the catalog pages plays a big part in how we present a yearling entering the sale ring."

Jude Robicheaux, the patriarch of leading LQHBA Yearling Sale consignor Robicheaux Ranch, has cherished memories of Babb selling the Robicheaux yearlings each August.

"Keith has been there since the beginning," said Robicheaux. "He does a wonderful job and our family always hoped he would be at the gavel when our yearlings entered the ring."

Babb kept the bidding going for several Robicheaux top sellers through the years and a banner 2019 edition of the sale in which A Real Train, sold for $550,000 and Son of A Rogue fetched the all time sale topper bid of $605,000.

That was an unforgettable moment for the Robicheaux family, one that Jude will never forget.

Keith keeps the crowd on their toes," added Robicheaux. "He has ​been a blessing ​t​o our association!"

Bruce Salard, LQHBA executive director​, saluted ​Babb's legacy.

"Keith has played an iconic role in the history of the LQHBA Yearling Sale," acknowledged Salard. "His talent and professionalism elevated the success of our event in so many ways. Tim, Natalie and Jude shared what Keith meant to everyone in our association. We thank Keith for his service and wish him all the best!"

Babb lives in Monroe, Louisiana and will spend some time in his vacation condominium in Orange Beach, Alabama. He deeply appreciates the accolades from breeders and men and women who have devoted their time, money and dedication to growing the Louisiana Quarter Horse industry.

"It's been a wonderful career," stated Babb. "What I will miss most is the consignors, co-workers and friends I've met over the years. I have been all over the country and can honestly say that yearlings passing through the Louisiana sale can match the quality in any state!"

Martha Claussen has been involved in the Quarter Horse industry since 1997. She continues to be active in writing, fan education, and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and other regions in North America