The inaugural London Selected Yearling Sale was the talk of the Ontario Standardbred scene this past weekend, as strong gross sales and a better than expected average made the endeavour a success. Trot Insider has reached out to consignors for their feedback, and to say that they are happy is an understatement.
Mohawk Seelster fetched the highest price during the two-day sale. Mohawk Seelster sold for $220,000 to Millar Farms of Stouffville, Ont. A son of Sportswriter - Macapelo Rose, Mohawk Seelster is a half-brother to speedy pacing mare Mayhem Seelster p, 2, 1:53s, 3, 1:51.3s -'16 ($392,395).
Overall, 306 yearlings passed through the sales ring at the inaugural London Selected Yearling Sale. Gross sales surpassed $7.5 million at $7,536,000, providing a sale average of $24,627.
For a recap of Day 1, click here. To view the full results from the first session, click here. For a recap of Day 2, click here. To view results from the second session, click here.
Like many of the consignors that have worked tirelessly to get yearlings to the sales ring, Tammy McNiven and her Twinbrook Farm crew were more than busy throughout the weekend.
“The sale was great,” McNiven said. “The Twinbrook team was very busy over each of the three days. I would have to look back 20 years to see a Canadian sale which was that strong and that busy. There was buzz and excitement right from the word ‘go.’
“One of the palpable aspects of the sale was the positivity that was there. Everyone was upbeat and excited. The atmosphere was tremendous and there truly was a buzz in the air. It was a very confident atmosphere and we were very pleased.”
While speaking with Trot Insider, McNiven stressed that it is imperative that the provincial government fully grasps what the success of the inaugural London Selected Yearling Sale means for the industry.
“The sale went off very well. It was encouraging to see the confidence in the Ontario product again,” said Twinbrook Farms’ Tammy McNiven. “The people that showed up were there to buy – there were no tire kickers. Hopefully the government is fully aware of how well the sale did, and hopefully that recognition will be further realized when it comes to the Ontario Sires Stakes purses going forward.”
“There was a really good crowd at the sale and I was happy with the trainers and the buyers that were there,” consignor Craig Turner told Trot Insider. “The atmosphere was notably positive, which was really great to see. The consignors that were there did pretty well, overall, which was also really great to see.”
“It was an excellent sale – the numbers speak for themselves,” said consignor Jim Laird of the Icy Stable.
“The crowds were big and it was nice to see all the buyers in there competing for some great stock,” said Laird. “There was good energy, excitement and competition.”
Like many, Laird conveyed that he was thrilled with the results both he and his consignment were able to get from the inaugural London Selected Yearling Sale.
“We did really well,” said Laird. “My clients sent me excellent individuals and the sale results reflected the quality. I’m happy.”
For a more detailed breakdown of the sale results, click on one of the following links: