Significant Demand for New York Bred Yearlings

The first session of the 2018 New York Bred Yearlings sale ended Saturday night with increases in gross and average over the first session last year, and a record for a filly sold at this sale toppled by a daughter of popular first crop sire American Pharoah.

The session topper was Hip 329, a filly from the first crop of Triple Crown hero American Pharoah who set a New York Bred Yearlings sale record price for a filly when sold for $450,000 to Hartley/De Renzo from the consignment of Summerfield, agent for Sunnyfield Farm (video). The leading filly, bred by Joanne T. Nielson, is a half-sister to four winners, including two stakes winners, out of the Disrtored Humor mare Visions of Annette. That mare is also a half-sister to Jewel of the Night, dam of multiple Grade 1 winning millionaire Evening Jewel, and to Maggie McGowan, who produced Grade 1 winner Denman’s Call.

“We saw continued strength at the upper end of the market tonight,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “The average over $100,000 [is] a record for any night of the New York Bred sale.”

The session’s top colt was Hip 384, a son of Ghostzapper, purchased for $400,000 by Tracy Farmer from the consignment of Thomas J. Gallo III Sales Agency, agent (video). The colt, bred by Anjes Farm, is the second foal out of Clear Pasaj, a multiple stakes winner by Smoke Glacken, and is from the immediate family of champion Gentle Thoughts and Grade/Group 1 winners Junius, Treizieme, and Bequest.

“There continues to be significant demand for what are perceived to be the higher quality offerings,” added Browning. “It’s still a selective marketplace and we’re going to see that selectivity continue all year long. I think we’ll continue to see strong demand for most of the horses.”

Overall, 80 New York-bred yearlings changed hands for $8,326,000, up 2.1% from last year’s first session, when 93 yearlings sold for $8,155,000. The average was $104,075, up 18.7%  from $87,688 during the first session in 2017, while the median held steady at $75,000. Thirteen yearlings sold for $200,000 or more, up from six during the first session last year.

The New York Bred Yearlings sale continues August 12, 2018 at 6:30 PM.

Catalogue and results are available online.