In that the final number of sales entries will prevent the usage of conventional auction techniques, two-year-olds slated to be auctioned on Sunday (Jan. 25) in the inaugural Sunshine Select Sale will not be sold that day.
Instead, those horses will be sold either privately or via utilizing the existing internet network of ongait.com.
According to sales manager Bob Marks, “We had significant interest from potential buyers but just not enough quality consigned horses other than a number of unacceptable potential culls to make a go of it this year. Plans are to shoot for next year and purchase at least 35-40 pin hook quality yearlings from the 2015 yearling sales in order to provide the necessary nucleus to get this project off the ground in 2016.”
The principals, Eric Cherry, owner of South Florida Trotting Center, and Tom Grossman, owner of Blue Chip Farms, remain committed to the gaited and going in training sales concept but regretfully recognize that a change in approach is in order at this time.
While we regret the postponement of the Sunshine Select Sale to next year, we feel it will greatly benefit the industry in the long run with a proper liftoff.
(with files from the Sunshine Select Sale)