The CANADIAN THOROUGHBRED HORSE SOCIETY, ALBERTA, held its annual yearling sale Friday September 18 and unofficial results show an increase in average and median price.
This year’s catalogue was a bit smaller than usual (some 20 yearlings from Pierre Esquirol were offered for sale at his own farm sale Sept 12 and 13) but the small group led to slightly higher prices for horses.
In addition, an announcement from Horse Racing Alberta about an increase in in breed programs and funding fueled business.
Horse Racing Alberta CEO Kent Verlik started the sale with an update on the state of the industry.
“Since re-opening Horse Racing and our RECs our handle and slot machine revenue has been far better than we expected. Century Downs, Century Mile and Evergreen Park set new records for handle. Now that our financial position has stabilized we are able to responsibly grow and enhance the Horse Racing and Breeding industry for the benefit of all Albertans.
Over the course of our 2021-2023 business plan, we are planning to make significant investment in our Horsepersons.
Next year, increases in both breed improvement and purse funding will be increased by more than 16% over what was planned BEFORE the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Similar increases are being planned for in 2022 and 2023.
We want to encourage horse owners, trainers and others that may have either left the industry or wish to join it, to look at making Horse Racing in Alberta a part of your future. We now find ourselves on stable ground, rejuvenated and brimming with optimism for an even stronger 2021 and beyond.”
A filly by EXHI (Maria’s Mon from the multiple stakes winning Forestry mare Eustacia topped the sale at $44,000 and was sold by Highfield Investment Group, agent and purchased by Greg Tracy, agent.
A Kentucky-bred filly by Laoban – Kimono by Bernardini brought a bid of $26,500 from True North Stable and the filly was consigned by Stone Ranches Ltd.
Another filly that brought $22,000 was the third highest priced offering. The War Correspondent gal from Swaying by Stormy Atlantic was purchased by Greg Tracy agent and the Alberta bred was sold by Highfield.
The top colt or gelding was an Upstart gelding – Ron’s Girl by Lawyer Ron who sold for $18,500 to DHA Thoroughbreds and consigned by Stone ranches Ltd.
Sale Summary 2020 2019
Sold 40 67
RNA 24 44
Gross $327,400 $451,300
Average $8,394 $6,735
Median $4,500 $2,700
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