A total of 166 yearlings are to be offered at the ASHA yearling sale on Sunday, October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m. in Halls 'A' and 'D' at the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton, AB.
"We've got 161 of those yearlings which have been foaled and raised here in Alberta. Of those, 147 are Alberta-sired as well. I think that's a strong statement of support for the Breed Improvement Program," Brandy Moerke, ASHA's project co-ordinator, told Horse Racing Alberta.
Allamerican Merlin, Brandons Cowboy, Camystic, Dudes Leaving Town, Ludwigpan Beethoven, Raining Again, and Rescue Me, all Alberta sires, are represented in the sale for the first time. Hall of Famer As Promised has no fewer than 33 yearlings in the sale. Another veteran sire, Freedom's Pass, has 18 yearlings available.
There are first foals from the stakes winning mares Blue Star Wonder, Magically Swift, Outlawcantcatchme, and Prom Miss. There are Alberta sires siblings to such outstanding racehorses at Mattnifesto, Weekend Bernie and Blu Star Treasure.
There are also 19 yearlings by outside sires including siblings to Image of Jate and 2008 stakes stars Hail Storm and Shipps Bikini.
Four of the yearlings are part of the 4H standardbred program which means that the youngsters who shared in the care and raising of those yearlings, will also share in the proceeds from the auction.
The sale is taking place on the opening weekend of the fall harness meet at Northlands. A preview and 4-H presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 following the live racing card, in the Agricom.
Catalogues are available at Alberta racetracks or through the ASHA office in Calgary, which can be reached by calling 403-263-7765.
(HRA)