b'YEARLINGS LEAD ROBUST US AUCTION MARKETTMitchell & eRic Mitchell$369,376 that was second-highest ever. The 2-year-olds in training market was By RonAssuming there are no dramatic changesagain dominated by Ocala Breeders Sales, The US yearling market in 2018 soaredin the worldwide economic climate or world- which commanded a 67.8% share of the to its highest level since the global recessionwide political climate, I would expect to seemarket, followed by Fasig-Tiptons 26% share of 2008. a similar marketplace in 2019, with emphasisand 3% for Barretts, which ended its 20-year Underscoring brisk demand fromon quality, said Fasig-Tipton president Boydexistence effective with this years auctions.end-users and pinhookers upping theirBrowning Jr. Its just a matter of producingThe juvenile auctions landscape will game, the $543.8 million gross receiptsthe product the market demands. change in 2019, as the exit of Barretts were the highest since 2006, with aWith a revamped format that beganin California will be filled by a June sale record average of $84,442 for the 6,441with a select four-day Book 1, Keenelandsat Santa Anita Park to be conducted by yearlings reported sold and a medianSeptember sale attracted a broad group ofFasig-Tipton. Also new to the calendar price of $23,000just off the 2013-14international buyers, including Sheikh Mo- is a revival of Keenelands April juvenile high of $25,000. hammed, who made his first appearance atsale, which will be enhanced by a horses of The number of seven-figure yearlingthe Kentucky auction in nearly 10 years. Itracing age section. Keeneland last held its transactions more than doubled in 2018,was Ireland-based Coolmore Stud, however,2-year-olds in training sale in 2014.with 33 such individuals selling at this levelthat took home the top-priced yearling ofAnother strong year for weanlings was compared with 16 in 2017. Just below the2018, going to $2.4 million for a War Frontdriven by stiff competition between pin-top, the market produced 48 yearlings soldcolt consigned to Keeneland by John Sikurashookers looking to re-sell at future auctions within the $750,000-$999,999 price range,Hill n Dale Sales Agency.and end-users seeking to lock into per-which was up from 33 in 2017. The 2-year-olds in training sales retreatedceived lower prices than they might have to The Keeneland September Yearlingfrom the record 2017 heights, with slightgive for the same stock as yearlings.Salethe worlds largest yearling market- declines in gross and average prices, but itGross weanling receipts of more than placeembraced the bull market withwas still a robust and vibrant segment of the$76.6 million were up over 2017 due to 2,916 horses grossing more than $377.1equine auction landscape. increased numbers offered and sold, the million, the fourth-highest gross in saleJuvenile sales sold 2,094 juveniles foraverage and median prices of $63,755 and history and largest since 2007. The cumu- a total $187.5 million, which was down$27,000, respectively, were down slightly lative average of $129,335 was a record. 4.3% from the $196.1 million gross a yearfrom the records set last year.I dont know how we could haveago. The cumulative average declined 6.3%At Keenelands marathon November predicted it to be as successful as it hasfrom $95,542 to $89,549 while the medianBreeding Stock Sale, 937 foals were report-been, said Bob Elliston, Keenelands viceremained constant at $40,000. ed sold for more than $63.1 million, an president of racing and sales.The market downturn was most no- average price of $67,384, with a $30,000 The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tiptons two- ticeable at the top, with five seven-figuremedian. Fasig-Tipton Kentuckys one-day day boutique sale in Saratoga Springs,transactions this year, compared with aThe November Sale saw 60 weanlings N.Y., that is a social event as much asdozen such individuals in 2017. Last yearsaverage $161,300 on total receipts of $9.6 a horse sale, produced a record gross oftoppers were three juveniles that broughtmillion and a $112,500 median.$62.8 million, with a record-equaling me- $1.2 million each; in 2017, the top price wasThe sole seven-figure weanling of 2018 in dian of $300,000 and an average price of$2.45 million. North America (compared with three at $1 8311_Sales_use.indd 83 3/20/19 4:47 PM'