Fasig-Tipton Revamps Timonium Yearling Sale for 2026
Fasig-Tipton is revamping its annual fall yearling sale in Timonium, Maryland for 2026, introducing a new format, date, and restored name to the venerable auction. The sale will once again be known as Eastern Fall Yearlings, reflecting the sale’s deep roots and enduring importance to breeders, owners, and trainers in the region—at a time of positive momentum for Eastern racing.
“Fasig-Tipton has a long, storied history of selling horses in Timonium, and this sale has been an important fixture in this racing-rich area for decades,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “There is a bright future ahead for the region, and we feel that now is an opportune time to reorganize our yearling sale to promote this regional momentum and bring renewed focus to the strength of Eastern racing and what it offers.”
Major regional developments—including new racetrack construction at Pimlico Race Course and Belmont Park—mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the Midlantic and Northeast racing circuits. Other positive developments include a new Maryland Million starter bonus series throughout the year; a record 48 days of racing at Colonial Downs this year; and purse parity for New York-breds, now matching open company levels on the NYRA circuit.
“We are going to reorganize the catalogue to bring increased focus to each of the state-bred programs represented in the sale each year,” said Browning. “We are also shifting the sale to late October to tie it to Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, an important race day that is also being enhanced for 2026.”
Regional Focus and Catalogue Reorganization
The reorganized Eastern Fall Yearlings catalogue will spotlight the region’s six state-bred programs: Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The catalogue will be structured to provide each state-bred program with its own dedicated section, with all yearlings from that state grouped together. Each section will begin with an introductory page outlining that state’s breeding and racing incentives.
In addition, informational pages will detail the Delaware-certified and Virginia-certified programs, providing buyers with expanded insight into additional regional incentive opportunities.
“This revised structure is designed to let every state-bred program shine,” Browning noted. “It should be of particular interest to New York breeders, offering them a smaller but similar feel to our New York-bred yearling sale in the summer, as all the New York-breds are catalogued together.”
Strategic Timing with Maryland Million
The 2026 Eastern Fall Yearlings sale will take place Tuesday, October 27, strategically scheduled around Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, which will be held the preceding Saturday at Laurel Park.
“Conducting the sale around Maryland Million is a natural fit, connecting it with one of the region’s most important race days,” Browning said. “We are pleased to work with Maryland Million and hope this partnership will bring increased visibility to both of our events, at a time when Maryland Million is making exciting new enhancements to its program.”
Fasig-Tipton to Sponsor Both Divisions of Sandy Bottom S. on Virginia Derby Day
As part of Fasig-Tipton’s continued investment in and commitment to Eastern racing, the company will sponsor both divisions of the Sandy Bottom S. for older fillies and mares on the Virginia Derby undercard at Colonial Downs on March 14.
Fasig-Tipton staff will be on-site at Colonial Downs to answer questions regarding the Eastern Fall Yearlings Sale and its new format.
For further information:
Paget Bennett
(410)392-5555
