$275,000 English Channel colt tops selected sessions of Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society sale at Woodbine

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – A $275,000 colt by English Channel topped the selected sessions of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s annual yearling sale at the Woodbine sales pavilion Monday and Tuesday.

Bear Stable bought the sale-topper near the end of the long Tuesday session. Consigned by agent Richard Hogan, the chestnut is the second foal from stakes winner In Return, a daughter of Horse Chestnut.

The sale in general showed significant decreases, which are at least partly due to the uncertainty surrounding the province's racing industry as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is in the process of fazing out the racetrack slots program, a major contributor to purses.

The sale’s gross decreased by 18 percent, and the average was down 21.6 percent from last year. A total of 155 head brought $3,942,000, averaging $25,432. Last year, 148 yearlings grossed $4,803,500, for an average of $32,456. The median of $18,000 was 28 percent lower than last year’s $25,000 median.

Fifty-two yearlings were listed as not sold, compared to 71 in 2011.

Two other yearlings sold for six figures.

Hogan, as agent, sold a colt from the first crop of Canadian champion 2-year-old Leonnatus Anteas for $120,000 to A&L Racing Stables.

Mark Casse, as agent, purchased a daughter of Milwaukee Brew for $110,000 from Cara Bloodstock, agent for Austin and Brenda Paul.
The sale continues with the open session beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.