Average Increases at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale

Bill Reightler is a Maryland-based horseman who is a regular consignor to the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale and has a gauge on the market in the region.

Prior to this year's sale, interest among buyers was at a heightened level, leading to optimism among breeders, consignors, and sale company officials that the Sept. 30-Oct. 1 auction would hold steady.

"We showed 38 horses over 700 times on Sunday (Sept. 29) and it's been a long time since I've been that busy," Reightler said of the pre-sale inspections. "There has been plenty of demand for horses here."

Topped by an Honor Code  colt purchased by Tim Hills, agent for Seagull Capital, for $190,000 from Reightler's consignment, the sale produced a 12% gain in average, a slight decline in gross with fewer offered and sold, and a dip in median.

From 435 cataloged, Fasig-Tipton reported 300 horses grossed $7,275,900, for an average price of $24,253 and a $14,000 median. In 2018, 338 head were sold for $7,318,700, an average price of $21,653, and a $15,000 median. The 2019 RNA rate was 21.3%, nearly identical to last year's 21.8% figure.

The number of horses sold for six figures was 11 this year, on par with the 10 of a year ago. At the price point just below, however, this year 15 yearlings were sold for a price between $75,000-$99,999; there were only two in 2018.

"The average was up by double-digits and the other changes were slight, so we're very pleased," said Paget Bennett, Midantic sales director. "We moved a lot of horses into new hands so that was good. Every year we see new faces, so hopefully they will return to our May (2-year-olds in training) sale."

Trainer Hills, who purchased five horses for total receipts of $530,000, was pleased with what he saw on offer.

"This is just a good solid sale," Hills said. "I raced in Maryland for years and they raise a good horse here and they have good sales here. There are a lot more misses than hits and the ones that stand out you have to pay up for."

Represented by Hills, Patrick Welsh's Seagull Capital also acquired Hip 278, a Kantharos  colt consigned by Indian Creek, agent, for $130,000. Bred in New York by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock, the colt is out of the El Prado mare Prominent, dam of stakes winner She's All Ready, by Girolamo.

Seagull's other purchases were Hip 138, a Girolamo colt out of the More Than Ready  mare Get Set Go, for $90,000 from Chanceland, agent; and Hip 17, a Liam's Map  filly out of the Not For Love mare Apple Pie Baby, also for $90,000, from CandyLand, agent.

"The Liam's Map filly was drop dead gorgeous and stood out in the group and her dam throws runners," Hills said. "The Girolamo colt is a real flashy nice colt."