In advance of the first ever London Selected Yearling Sale -- an amalgamation of the Canadian Yearling Sale and the Forest City Yearling Sale -- horses graduating from the previous incarnations read like a who's who of Canadian-sired pacing and trotting talent.
With respect to earnings, a pair of triple millionaires each went through the sales ring in Ontario. Pacing powerhouse Boulder Creek sold at the Canadian Classic Yearling Sale in 2001. The son of Pacific Rocket was a $35,000 yearling and went on to win more than $3.8 million over his eight seasons of racing.
The richest trotter to graduate from the Forest City Yearling Sale is Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Peaceful Way. Sold at the 2002 Forest City Sale as Stonebridge Phebe, the daughter of Angus Hall - Royal Bait earned over $3.2 million in five racing seasons, won a record four O’Brien Awards as the best in Canada in her class and was victorious 33 times in 52 starts.
With respect to speed, the fastest pacer to step through the sales ring in Canada is also one of the world's fastest. That distinction belongs to Warrawee Needy. A graduate of the 2010 Canadian Yearling Sale, Warrawee Needy sold for $20,000 before an award-winning and record setting on-track career. The current shuttle stallion banked more than $1.2 million in purses and etched his name in the record books with a 1:46.4 win at The Meadowlands in 2013.
The fastest trotter among the sale graduates is two-time O'Brien Award winner Mister Herbie. Still active at the age of nine, Mister Herbie was a $67,000 purchase at the 2009 Canadian Open Yearling Sale. A winner of more than $1.87 million, Mister Herbie made history with his 2012 Maple Leaf Trot victory against the continent's best by tripping the timer in a lifetime best and Canadian record 1:50.4 mile.
Owners seeking the next Boulder Creek, Peaceful Way, Warrawee Needy or Mister Herbie will be inspecting the horses offered at the 2017 London Selected Yearling Sale. Standardbred Canada and Forest City Standardbred Sales Inc. have collaborated to present the London Selected Yearling Sale, which will take place at the Western Fair District Metroland Media Agriplex in London, Ont. on October 14 and 15, 2017.
Prospective yearling buyers have access to some of harness racing’s hottest stallions at the London Selected Yearling Sale, such as Mach Three, Kadabra, Shadow Play and Sportswriter, along with first-time stallions Royalty For Life, Sunfire Blue Chip and Sunshine Beach, who will be presenting their first crop of youngsters.
A total of 120 yearlings will be presented on Saturday, October 14, and the balance of the yearlings be presented on Sunday, October 15. The action begins both days at 12:00 noon, with all yearlings available for inspection on Friday morning.
To view the catalogue, click here.