A near-25 per cent boost in yearling prices at the 2014 Canadian Yearling Sale gave many consignors something to smile about after Sunday's auction.
"I'm very happy, very excited," said SC sales manager Heather Reid. "It was great to see such a large crowd. Everyone knows what has been going on with our market here in Ontario. We are starting to see the confidence come back."
Among those thrilled with the sale was trainer Casie Coleman, part-owner of sale topper Sports Cowboy.
"He was the best looking colt at the sale," stated Coleman on Sunday night. "I told Darlene Hayes that in the morning and he proved he was. Darlene did a great job raising him and he was just spectacular.
"I wish the best to the new owner and trainer; I hope he drives on for them."
Coleman also noted that there's a full-brother (Sportswriter - Moving Pictures) weanling on the ground that she believes "is even nicer than him."
Also pleased with the sale results was Bob Ladouceur of St. Lad's Farm, whose five pacing yearlings averaged $22,700.
"Overall I was pleased with how my consignment sold," said Ladouceur. "We went to the sale feeling confident that the average would be up by 18 to 20 per cent simply because I feel the supply has decreased more than the demand. The purse bonus announcement on Friday also helped."
Tammy McNiven of Twinbrook Farms spoke highly of the sale, noting that she felt the farm's consignment matched up with what buyers were after.
"We were happy with our sale," said McNiven. "We were lucky enough to have the right stallions...and I think yesterday proved the point again that with the right stallions that people want -- and there's very few -- and your horses look the part, they'll bring the money."
A breakdown of averages by stallion is available here: Canadian Yearling Sale Results by Stallion
The recap of Sunday's Canadian Yearling Sale is available here: Canadian Yearling Sale Average Up.