Significant Demand for New York Bred Yearlings

Hip 329 Fasig Tipton NY Bred Sale
Fasig-Tipton Photo

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.