There was some old-time auction action at the 2016 Hastings Paddock Sale when 18 thoroughbreds of racing age were sold for a total of $150,000 at Hastings Racecourse Saturday afternoon.
With Paddock Sales Manager Mike Heads and track announcer Dan Jukich directing proceedings under brilliant sunshine from a stage on the tarmac at Hastings, two horses – Merlot and Color Me Gold – each attracted the highest prices at $30,000 CAD.
Merlot, a 4-year-old by Rosberg who finished third in the $50,000 Chris Loseth Handicap at Hastings last season, created the loudest buzz early into the Sale when prominent horse owner Peter Redekop and Richard Yates, manager of Hastings Racing Club Two, went head-to-head in a bidding frenzy.
“My limit was $30,000 and not a dollar more,” a relieved Yates said later with Merlot’s new trainer Nancy Betts standing at his side.
Redekop, an honoured member of the B.C. Horse Racing Hall of Fame and a four-time winner of the BC Derby at Hastings, purchased Color Me Gold later in the Paddock Sale.
A 3-year-old Washington-bred filly that recorded a third-place finish for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in a $25,000 maiden claiming race at Golden Gate on March 15, Color Me Gold will be trained by Anita Bolton. She was the trainer of record for Alert Bay and Title Contender with Redekop’s Derby victories in 2014 and 2013, respectively. His other Derby winners were Second City (2012), trained by Craig MacPherson and Squire Jones (1994), trained by Lance Giesbrecht.
Heads said he was pleased with the result of the Paddock Sale that was organized by the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA) and B.C. Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association (BCTOBA). “The concept is to keep as many horses as we can racing at Hastings Racecourse and staying in British Columbia,” Heads noted.
The 2016 thoroughbred racing season begins Sunday, April 17 at 1:50 p.m. at Hastings featuring two $50,000 stakes: the Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural for 3-year-olds & up and the Brighouse Belles for fillies and mares for 3-year-olds & up. The complete 53-day racing schedule at Hastings Racecourse is available at www.hastingsracecourse.com
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