Average, median improve at CTHS Ontario premier yearling sale

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s Ontario division Canadian premier yearling sale finished with an improved average and median, led by a $125,000 filly by perennial leading sire Old Forester, but also posted a high buyback rate, showing continued selectivity in the North American yearling market.

A total of 152 yearlings were sold Thursday afternoon at Woodbine’s sales pavilion for gross receipts of $2,816,900, a drop of of 22 percent in gross compared to 204 yearlings sold for $3,630,000 in 2017. Ninety yearlings sent through the ring failed to meet their reserves, making the buyback rate 37 percent, compared to 30 percent last year.

The average price was $18,532, a gain of 4 percent from $17,794 last year. The median ticked upward 8 percent, to $10,750 from $10,000.

The sale-topping filly was purchased by Michael Lay from the consignment of Willow Ridge Farm Thoroughbreds, as agent. She is out of the stakes-placed Yonaguska mare Dicey Girl, whose two starters are both winners. That duo is led by Grade 3-placed Safe to Say, winner of this year's Bison City Stakes.

Dicey Girl is a half-sister to two stakes-placed runners. It is the immediate family of Grade 2 winner Irish Jasper and Bison City winner Touchnow. Relatives in the extended family include champion Turkoman.

For hip-by-hip sale results, click here.