The Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale kicked off with a bang, attracting a plethora of enthusiasts and experts alike. The opening session on Sunday night was a spectacle, with 63 yearlings selling for a gross of $7,622,000. The session average of $120,984 and the median of $100,000 were particularly impressive, especially considering the slight dip from the previous year's figures. The cumulative average and median from the 2025 auction were a record-breaking $119,950 and a record-tying $85,000, respectively. This year's figures were just ahead of those records, indicating a healthy and vibrant market.
One of the standout moments of the sale was the $360,000 purchase of a colt by Cody's Wish. The colt, consigned by Sequel, was bought by Lee Lewis through bloodstock agent Phil Hager. This purchase was particularly noteworthy given the colt's lineage and the incentives offered by the New York-bred program. Cody's Wish is a champion, and his first foals have already shown promise, with several selling for substantial amounts.
Sequel, owned by Becky Thomas, had a successful day, selling the top-priced filly, a daughter of Golden Pal, for $320,000. This filly was particularly intriguing due to her lineage and the fact that Sequel bred her after dissolving a partnership with the estate of the late Lewis Lakin. The filly's half-sister, My Magic Wand, finished second in the Dashing Beauty Stakes, adding to the filly's allure.
Saffie Joseph Jr., a new homeowner in Saratoga, also made a significant purchase at the sale. He bought a colt by Forte for $350,000, showing his commitment to the New York racing scene. Joseph plans to keep a lot of horses in New York next year, indicating a long-term investment in the state's racing program.
The sale also saw the purchase of a filly by Elite Power for $300,000. Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan acquired this filly, praising her beauty and potential. Elite Power is a two-time Breeders' Cup winner, and his first crop has already shown promise, with several selling for substantial amounts.
Fred Hertrich, a breeder, had a delightful score with the purchase of a filly by Liam's Map for $220,000. Hertrich had previously bred and sold the mare, Delightof the Nile, for $65,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November sale. The mare's first foal, by Prince of Monaco and co-bred with John Fielding, sold for a substantial amount, indicating a healthy market for her offspring.
In conclusion, the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale was a resounding success, with several notable purchases and a vibrant market. The sale attracted a diverse range of buyers, from seasoned breeders to new homeowners, all eager to capitalize on the incentives offered by the New York-bred program. The future looks bright for the New York racing scene, with these purchases setting the stage for exciting times ahead.
