Storm Postpones Fasig-Tipton NY-Bred Sale

Due to a horrific storm that moved through upstate New York Aug. 13, the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred yearling sale was postponed for the evening and is rescheduled to 3 p.m. EDT, Aug. 14 for one continuous session.

The session had been delayed about 30 minutes because of heavy rains and a sound issue, and one horse went through the ring before there was a deluge and heavy winds uprooted a tree on the sales grounds.

Fasig-Tipton officials immediately announced that due to the turn of events that those in attendance should not attempt to leave until the storm front had moved through.

Earlier in the day, Saratoga Race Course cancelled the final six races after the first wave of heavy rain hit the area.

Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning Jr. said sale officials had no choice but to take the unprecedented action.

“Ultimately the safety of our customers and horses are of utmost importance,” Browning said. “Unfortunately the weather conditions deteriorated very quickly and created an environment where we weren’t comfortable proceeding with the sale.”

Each day’s session was scheduled to start at 6:30, following the final race at Saratoga. The early start Sunday will create an overlap between sale and races. The first horseS through the were offered again Sunday to kick off the sale.

“We wish we weren’t going up against live racing but we are,” Browning said. “It’s unusual circumstances. It’s the first time in 28 years we’ve had to something like this.”

Browning said the one tree being uplifted was the only damage he was aware of.

“Fortunately, no horses or people were injured,” he said.