Silas Seelster fetched the highest price during the opening session of the 2017 London Selected Yearling Sale.
Selling as Hip #60, pacing colt Silas Seelster sold for $150,000 to Dr. Ian Moore. Silas Seelster (Shadow Play - Smilesplace) is a half-brother to speedy Soiree Seelster p, 2, 1:52.2s -'16 ($237,882).
In front of a capacity crowd at the Metroland Media Agriplex, a total of 114 yearlings sold during the first session for gross sales of $2,484,500. The average for the first day came in at $21,793.
"Very happy, great crowd. People seemed encouraged with everything," said co-manager Heather Reid of Standardbred Canada. "I think the prices were very good and hopefully that continues tomorrow."
Co-manager Ann Straatman of Forest City Yearling Sales echoed Reid's sentiments.
"I think we had a great start; we had a strong crowd, an active crowd, an enthusiastic crowd so I'm happy with how we've started out."
Straatman sees no indication that the trends and atmosphere will change heading into Sunday.
"I think lots of people were underbidders that didn't get the horse they wanted and they're still going to be looking. We have a strong day on Day Two, the horses are not seeded so we have equal quality on both days, and we have more horses to sell tomorrow so I'm excited for Sunday's session."
With a number of new stallions offering first crops either in Ontario or ever, Straatman was pleased with the reception those sires received from the harness racing community.
"I thought the Sunshine Beaches sold well, I thought the Royalty For Lifes were well received, the Archangels and the E L Titans, I thought they were well received so there's a lot to be hopeful for."
To view the full results from the first session of the London Selected Yearling Sale, click the following link: 2017 London Selected Yearling Sale Results - Day One.