Myah Araki had accompanied her father, Nobu Araki, to plenty of sales while growing up in the heart of horse country in central Kentucky. Yet at this year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, held Feb. 3, what started as a simple trip to drop off a colt at the sales grounds led to a pivotal moment for the 12-year-old girl.“I said, 'You know what, let's look at [some horses] and see what we come out with.' So, we went to the Taylor Made Sales consignment and asked for an all-show. When we went back to the pavilion and sat down, I said, 'So, which one did you like?' And she had actually marked them in her book,” said Nobu.Leading up to the sale, Myah had been saving up her money earned while helping out on her family's farm with one goal: buying an early yearling to pinhook and resell at a yearling sale later in the year. Though her budget was modest, with $3,000 to spend at-most, Myah was determined to put in the work to find a prospect.In the end, it came down to a New York-bred Vino Rosso filly out of Union Tatters (Union Rags). Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, she had walked out of the ring a $7,500 RNA after failing to meet her reserve.“I called up Marshall [Taylor] and said, 'I only have two or three thousand to spend. It's not for me; it's for my daughter.' He called back and said, 'They'll take $3,000.' So, we went up and when I signed the ticket, I wrote 'Polo Green Stable, Agent for Myah Araki,'” explained Nobu.Nobu Araki with daughter Myah and wife Brenda, with Vino Rosso filly | Sara GordonWhen they returned the following day to pick up Myah's new purchase, the young girl led the bay filly out of her stall and embraced her neck before walking her onto the trailer bound for her family's farm.In the months that have followed, Myah has spent day in and day out working with her filly—from hand-walking to grooming and assisting with the filming of the walking video—to prepare her for the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. It's been a special chapter for her parents, Nobu and Brenda, to witness and guide her through, reminiscent of their early days in the industry.Nobu was born in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. Though his father was involved in the Thoroughbred racing industry, Nobu did not pursue his own path into it until after college, when he returned home after time spent in Houston, Texas. He first worked for Dr. Masatake Iida of Chiyoda Farm, one of Japan's leading breeders and owners, before he returned to the states, this time as an intern for Taylor Made Farm in 1996. That experience not only led Nobu to a full-time role at Taylor Made for five years, but also to meeting his future wife, with Brenda working there as an intern the year after.In 2003, the couple purchased a 64-acre farm in Versailles, Kentucky, officially founding their own Polo Green Stable. It's a place where they've raised their daughters, Hannah and Myah, alongside generations of Thoroughbreds, both homebred and client-owned alike.Growing up on the farm instilled a sense of appreciation and homegrown work ethic in 12-year-old Myah, but the passion for the horses is something she developed all on her own.“While growing up, I've always really loved horses. We had a horse named Hishi Amazon, [a three-time Japanese champion], and she was probably the first horse that I ever rode. I've been riding since I was in diapers,” said Myah. “I really love being out in the countryside with all of the horses because I get to feel free. I didn't really like the city; it wasn't the place for me.”Though she's had riding horses, and a couple of miniature horses along the way, the Vino Rosso filly she purchased in February is the first horse she's owned herself. And it's something she's very proud of.“It was a little stressful saving up the money, but I was relieved when I got her. It's nice that I finally have my own horse. It's been exciting to work with her and get her ready for the sale. I didn't want to let her go, but it's the best for her,” said Myah. “There was just something in her eye that was really fascinating. She's so calm compared to all of the horses, yet she's so sassy. I learned how to walk her properly and I've also learned that different horses have different attitudes, which is interesting to me.”Already named Aphmau, the filly is part of the Taylor Made Sales consignment as Hip 4451, selling in the final session of the Keeneland September Sale on Saturday, September 20.Myah and her family will be on-hand to watch her sell. Though it will be bittersweet, the experience has been a special one for both Myah and her parents, watching the next generation grow before their eyes.“What I probably wish the most is that she goes home with a family that has a kid,” said Myah.The work that Myah has put in with the filly is apparent in the young horse's quiet demeanor, sensible behavior on the ground and overall kindness. And when it comes to the progress Myah has made herself as a young horsewoman, it gives Nobu a bigger hope for not only the future of their family's Polo Green Stable, but the industry as a whole.“When she works the whole day on the farm, I give her $20, and if she works a half-day, I give her $10. If she does a night feeding, I give her $5. I don't think she does it for the money, but I wanted to give her a preview of what it's like to work in this. That's how you survive in the future,” said Nobu.“I'm getting older, so is my wife, and I don't know if we're going to stop here or keep going. I've taught Myah to see how she does, helping her understand the industry. When I started in the '90s, there were not many women involved, and now there are more involved with plenty more opportunity. If we were talking 30 years ago, having the same conversation as a farm owner with a daughter, I don't know if they'd take over the farm. But now, I think we have a chance.”Just as the yearling sale season inspires excitement for the future racehorses to come, it also offers an opportunity for aspiring horsemen and horsewomen to establish themselves in the Thoroughbred industry.“I'm proud of her,” said Nobu, glancing over at his daughter in the aisle of their main barn. “Whether this filly is going to sell or not, I'm still proud, and that's the main part of this experience. So, we'll try to keep doing it.”The post 12-Year-Old Myah Araki Making Sale Debut, Offering Vino Rosso Filly At Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.