The Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA) held their 2015 Yearling Sale on Friday afternoon in Olds, Alta.

The results of the ASHA Yearling Sale were very positive, which showed the continued optimism within the Alberta harness racing industry.

"On behalf of ASHA’s President Norm Kennedy and the Board of Directors, we would like to thank all the breeders and the Alberta horsemen for their continued support and the resilience these past few years," said sale coordinator Orianna Scheck. "We are very pleased with the sale results. Some very sharp looking individuals walked through the sales ring, which reflected in the purchase prices."

ASHA has reported that a total of 70 yearlings were sold for $558,200, producing an average price of $7,974.

Beer Bribe, Hip 16, was the sale topper with a final bid of $37,000. Beer Bribe was purchased by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Keith Clark and was consigned by Meridian Farms. The handsome bay colt is sired by Alberta’s sire Camystic and is the first foal out of the Western Ideal mare Bridgette Hanover, who made $148,402 and took a mark of 1:53.1.

Cold Case, Hip 21, went to Kelly Hoerdt for $35,000. This striking son of Mystery Chase was also consigned by Meridian Farms and is out of the Grinfromeartoear mare Cool Grin. Cold Case is a half brother to Cool One, who made $106,769, and Alberta champion Cool Cowboy.

Exceptional, Hip 49, was purchased by Lorne Duffield for $30,000. Bred by Dr. Larry Hanson, the Mystery Chase colt is out of the Alberta stakes winning mare Prairie Tracker (by Presidential Ball).

There was a lot of buzz and excitement around Hip 43, Pickles On Top, who was the fourth highest priced yearling at the sale. The Meridian Farms ‘Name That Foal’ yearling brought in a very lofty bid of $24,500. This flashy looking Camystic-Real Chop filly was purchased by top Alberta horseman Travis Cullen. Bill Andrew from Meridian Farms has donated 100 percent of Pickles On Top’s sale bid to charity. Pickles On Top was named by six-year-old Rachel Ratsoy, who was in attendance and watched the beautiful yearling enter the ring.

To view the complete sale results, click here.

(With files from ASHA)