Is the dam more important to a horse’s pedigree than the sire? What sort of conformation flaws should I look for? What conformation faults won’t impact a horse’s performance? Is it better to buy a pacer or trotter? What does the bold black type in a pedigree mean?

These were some of the questions asked during the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club’s Yearling Sale Workshop hosted prior to the Canadian Yearling Sale on Sunday.

Fifteen prospective buyers took part in the workshop with some people driving in from as far away as Windsor and Huntsville.

Following breakfast, an overview of the Canadian Yearling Sale was provided by Caren Brown-Stockwell, which included the history of the sale, an explanation of how the order of the sales catalogue is determined and some of the sales operations.

Veteran owner-breeder Brian Webster then provided a lesson on How To Read A Pedigree, pointing out items to note in reading and understanding pedigrees. Webster also talked about some of the top candidates in the day’s sale.

Next up was a visit to the Northfields Farm consignment where one of the caretakers brought out a stunning looking Mach Three colt, Northern Titan, who went on to be the sales topper for the day. Aaron Waxman, acting as agent, paid $78,000 for the striking colt that sold as Hip #119.

Webster, a former mentor for the SBOA’s (Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association) Owner Mentor program, reviewed conformation strengths of the colt and talked about specific physical attributes to look for when inspecting yearlings.

Then it was on to see Hip #35 Foo Fighter, consigned (as agent) and raised by Ingersoll's Craig Turner. This striking bay gelding was sired by Shadow Play and was carefully scrutinized by the group with Webster pointing out specific attributes. Foo Fighter ended up being purchased by trainer John Kopas of Milton, Ontario for $42,000.

Several of the SBOA’s Owner Mentor Group participants were part of the Yearling Sale Workshop. The Owner Mentor Program is offered for a cost of $4,500 to nine participants, and is intended to assist newcomers in their involvement with and introduction to Standardbred racing. By day’s end, the group’s trainer, Dustin Jones, had purchased Hip #67 Jayport Rosita, a daughter of Manofmanymissions out of the Dream Vacation mare Jayportcashforlife for $16,000. The group will be mentored during the program by Hall of Famer Bill O’Donnell.

A total of 119 horses went through the sales ring at the 2015 Canadian Yearling Sale, selling for a total of more than $2.54 million with a sales average of $21,350.