2022 fall yearling sales calendar

The North American yearling sale season got off to a strong start this summer, with three Fasig-Tipton yearling sales in Kentucky and New York all posting strong figures, led by a record-smashing edition of the boutique Saratoga selected sale that showed the strength of the upper marketplace. The calendar now turns to Keeneland September, a bellwether that will test a number of different market levels as it offers more yearlings than any other auction over a 12-day run.

While Keeneland September offers the largest piece of the marketplace, there is still plenty of action remaining this fall, with sales hosted by a variety of companies and breeders’ associations around the country. Take a look at the calendar in these quick snapshots, in chronological order.

Fasig-Tipton California fall yearlings and horses of racing age sale

Sept. 27, Fairplex, Pomona, Calif.

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 279 yearlings for this sale, which will be immediately followed by a selection of horses of racing age, with entries for that section still being accepted.

“We had a very strong sale last year, and as a result, breeders have supported us with increased numbers in 2022,” Fasig-Tipton California representative Mike Machowsky said. “The vast majority of yearlings cataloged are California-bred, and the sire power represented is an attractive blend of leading local and national sires, as well as exciting young sires.”

First-crop California yearling sires this season include multiple graded stakes-winning millionaire Om, who defeated American Pharoah as a juvenile, and Grade 1 winner Pavel. Those two are represented by seven and 11 yearlings, respectively, from their first crops in this catalog. Also of note are the first California-bred yearlings by dual classic winner and champion I’ll Have Another, who returned stateside after standing the first years of his stud career in Japan.

Breeders Sales of Louisiana yearling sale and mixed session

Oct. 1, Equine Sales Co. facility, Opelousas, La.

After not conducting a sale from 2015 through 2020, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association stepped up to host a sale last year, when Equine Sales Co. decided not to conduct any sales in 2021. The auction posted results considered a success in the marketplace, averaging just more than $13,000 with a median of $8,000. It now hopes to carry on that momentum, with purses for accredited Louisiana-breds set to rise in coming years thanks to sports betting and historical horse racing machines.

The association recently announced that the catalog will consist of 131 yearlings, plus 19 broodmares, eight weanlings, and a pair of 2-year-olds. Supplemental entries are still being accepted.

Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale

Oct. 3-4, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md.

The Midlantic fall yearling sale, which has not yet released a catalog, typically offers a vibrant marketplace in a racing-rich region, representing yearlings from breeding programs and stallions in host state Maryland, as well as nearby New York and Pennsylvania. All are eligible for their home regions’ respective lucrative statebred programs, as well as for certification programs and incentives in nearby states such as Virginia and Delaware.

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. October yearling sale

Oct. 11-12, OBS sales pavilion, Ocala, Fla.

The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co., a valuable site for Florida-based pinhookers, hosts a selected yearling session Oct. 11, followed by an open session on the second and final day of the sale. The catalog has not yet been released.

ITOBA fall mixed sale

Oct. 15, Horseshoe Indianapolis receiving barn, Shelbyville, Ind.

Last year’s sale-topper at the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association sale did emerge from the yearling group in a mixed auction, a $48,000 filly from the first crop of Indiana-bred star Bucchero, who stands in Florida.

OTBO mixed sale

Oct. 19, Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, Ohio

The Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners will host a sale offerings yearlings and weanlings, broodmares, and, potentially, horses of racing age. Young Ohio-bred and Ohio-accredited runners will have the opportunity to participate in more than 40 dedicated stakes races for the state program throughout the year.

Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale

Oct. 24-27, Newtown Paddocks, Lexington, Ky.

The final stop on the North American yearling sales tour, the October yearling sale has developed into a leading auction, expanding to four sessions in recent years to meet increasing market demand, and providing a fine showcase for later-developing horses.