Consignors Pleased With Fasig July Sale

As the dust has settled nearly one week after the conclusion of the 2015 Fasig-Tipton July Sale, prominent consignors have expressed both satisfaction with the sale's results and optimism for what the future holds.

“I thought the sale was wonderful,” said Carrie Brogden of Select Sales. “I know that there were a lot more horses in it, but basically everything that we had belonged in the sale and handled the sale well. It seemed strong, but not crazy–which is what you like to see.”

Brogden observed that that most yearlings appealed to one of two chief categories of pinhookers.

“I think there were a lot of buyers in the $100,000 to $200,000 range, but yet there were also a lot of buyers in the $50,000 range,” she added. “We sold several in [both] ranges. Every single horse we had that sold in the ring brought above its reserve. If they sell for several bids above the reserve, that's always a sign of health in the market.”

According to Brogden, the competitive nature of the sale was largely due to pinhookers' collective awareness of foreign competition that typically enters the market later in the year. As a result, many buyers with past inclinations to wait until September were more proactive in securing yearling prospects in July.

“I think a lot of pinhookers were stronger than they normally are in July–which is what they should be–because they anticipate that there will be a lot more international buyers in September,” Brogden continued. “I think a lot of them are much more prepared to spend, as opposed to waiting for 4,000 more coming in September. I think people have realized in years past that July is such a great place for hand-picked athletes.”

Pat Costello of Paramount Sales echoed Brogden's comments about the strength of the market, but also acknowledged that a group of standout offerings attracted the attention of many buyers.

“I think it was a good market,” Costello said. “There was plenty of demand for nice yearlings–a very discerning market. Everybody seemed to be moving in on the same ones and anything lesser was a tougher sell. I think it bodes well for the rest of the year, and the racehorse sale also went very well.”

Like Costello, Brogden said she hopes the forward momentum created by the initial yearling sale translates to success at future events such as the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale Aug. 10-11.

“You have to have a horse that can stand up to the scrutiny of vetting, walking and handling the sales mentally,” Brogden concluded. “I think it bodes well and, considering the physicals I'm taking to Saratoga, I can't wait. I hope it's as good as I think it may be.”