'Somewhere between thrilled and ecstatic' - Fasig-Tipton ends yearling sale season with record trade

The American yearling sales season concluded on Thursday with a record-breaking Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale. The gross and average surpassed the previous record set in 2022. 

The sale produced a gross of $58,585,500, including private sales, from 1,123 head sold, with an average of $52,169. The median was $20,000, the fourth-highest median in the history of the sale according to Fasig-Tipton. A 17 per cent RNA rate represented the 229 horses who failed to meet their reserve, making it the lowest RNA rate since 2013.

There were 185 yearlings sold for $100,000 or more over the four-day sale, up from the 156 sold in 2022.

"There was literally activity all the way through, from the very first horse in the ring to the very last horse in the ring," said Boyd Browning jr, president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton. "Very, very broad participation. I'm ecstatic with the results of these four days.

"The consignors continue to bring us a higher-quality horse each and every year, as reflected in these results and statistics. I would sure look forward to some very successful graduates from the sale this year. So all in all, somewhere between thrilled and ecstatic."

The previous record set in 2022 produced a gross of $55,426,500, including private sales, and an average of $50,388. The median was $25,000.

"I think it's probably better than we had thought going into the year," said Browning on the yearling market. "The resiliency of our market is pretty amazing. But, I also think it reflects some increased confidence in certain areas and certain regions. Purses are very, very good in a number of major racing jurisdictions, and we see some serious capital commitments being made in a number of racing jurisdictions.

Hip1288, a Curlin colt, made $500,000 on ThursdayCredit: Fasig-Tipton Photo

"There was demand for horses through October 24 and started in July," added Browning. "That kind of gives you some confidence heading into the November marketplace. I think there's going to be tremendous competition for what are perceived to be the better-quality weanlings."

Taylor Made Sales Agency was the leading consignor of the sale selling 110 yearlings for a total of $7,904,000. Agent Mike Ryan was the leading buyer with nine purchases totaling $1,630,000. 

Two colts topped the fourth session of the sale at $500,000.

Hip 1288, a colt by Curlin sold to Jones/Everett, agent. He was bred in Kentucky by Cypress Creek Equine out of the Grade 1-winning Bernardini mare A Z Warrior, and consigned by Eaton Sales, agent. The colt was a buy-back at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale at $575,000. 

"We've loved him since September," said Megan Jones, bloodstock agent for Danny Gargan. "I thought he was a faster-looking Curlin that has speed. We love the Curlin over Bernardini over Carson City, and it's just a very reliable family and page. We just thought he was very athletic, a quicker-looking Curlin. He did everything right, and we loved him since Keeneland; so we were always on him here.

"I thought he was the strongest colt here. He was the one we wanted, and we expected to go there," said Jones on the $500,000 price tag. 

"He'll go down to Raul Reyes' King's Equine, and go down there for the winter, and then he'll be trained by Danny Gargan. He'll probably go up to Saratoga in May."

Hip 1280, a colt by Not This Time, sold to Case Clay for $500,000 during the final session. He is out of the Medaglia d'Oro mare Aureum, who is a half-sister to the dam of May Day Ready, winner of the Jessamine Stakes and a Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf hopeful.

Megan Jones signed for the session's joint top lotCredit: Fasig-Tipton Photo

The colt was bred in Kentucky by Barronstown Stud, and consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent. Cherry Knoll Farm purchased him at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale last year for $200,000. "We really liked the colt, active family, great sire, we're excited to get him," said Clay.

A pair of fillies sold for $400,000 during the final day of the sale; hip 1276, a filly by Practical Joke, sold to Ryan. She was bred in Kentucky by Wildwood Farm and Indian Creek, and consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent. Cherry Knoll Farm purchased the filly for $190,000 from the 2023 Keeneland November Sale.

"She reminded me of Ways and Means," said Ryan, who signed the ticket on behalf of client Seth Klarman, owner of Grade 1 winner Ways And Means. "She's a serious filly this one. She was in the top three fillies in the sale; I think we'll get two turns. Big stretchy filly, great depth, great strength, but a lot of quality and class about her. She was one we really wanted to get.

"It's still solid for the quality horses," said Ryan on the market. "I felt we've bought some nice horses through the week at reasonable prices by proven sires. It's always nice when you can lower the average a little bit. We've spent so much at previous sales; but quality sells, that's what it's about, period."

Terry Knight signed the ticket for hip 1231, a Charlatan filly, on behalf of Legacy Ranch for the same price. She was consigned by Indian Creek and bred by Magic Cap Stables in Kentucky.

Fasig-Tipton now sets its sights on The November Sale in Lexington. The boutique breeding stock event is held the Monday after the Breeders' Cup and there are 70 Graded stakes winners or producers cataloged, 24 of of them at the Grade 1 level.

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