Despite the uncertainty standardbred horsemen in Alberta are facing for 2009, some of the province's top horsemen are in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania gobbling up stock, which is selling at a greatly reduced cost this year.
An article by Horse Racing Alberta states that horsemen Blair Corbeil, Kelly Hoerdt, Don Monkman and Terry Hamilton have been at the sales.
Hoerdt told HRA that with prices down 40 per cent after the first two sessions, he was able to get an Artsplace colt that he thought would go for $40,000 for $10,000. Hoerdt also said that he was looking at an Art Major filly he thought would go for $70,000 or more, which would've been out of his range. Hoerdt would end up purchasing the filly for $32,000. He also indicated that he bought a Dragon Again colt for $20,000, which he was pleased about as well.
"We're hopeful the situation in Alberta gets sorted out," Hoerdt said. "I know there was a meeting late last week and there's another one coming up in the next 10 days or so, I understand. Regardless, though, we have to keep the barn well stocked. And with the right stock you can race anywhere and that's what we're preparing to do."
Monkman was active early in the week picking up colts by Art Major and by Rocknroll Hanover. Hamilton, of Lethbridge, picked up a Village Jolt colt for $20,000.
(with files from HRA)