Harness: $126K PEO sale topper; French trotters next?
In the first of several straight weeks of mixed sales conducted by Preferred Equine Online, the July 18 venue grossed an even $450,000 for 17 horses sold and was led by Combs Hanover, who was purchased for $126,000 by Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
Combs Hanover 4,1:52, a trotter with $171,389 on his racing ledger, has been successful in the upper conditioned classes at Mohawk Park and was most recently third by a length in the NW20000L5, timed in 1:52 2/5. The start prior he finished just 2 1/4 lengths behind Hambo champ and $2-million winner Forbidden Trade in the Open Trot.
He was consigned by PEO as agent for co-owner Chris Storms.
"Once again, I was pleased with the quality of racehorses people are selling with us online, along with the strong participation of buyers," said manager David Reid. "When you have so many people engaged and actively bidding, you can be sure horses are bringing every bit of fair market value."
Another leading seller was the Plainridge trotter Wily Wally 3,1:55f, a Walner 3-year-old who came into the sale off two consecutive wins at Plainridge in 1:55 and 1:56 3/5 -- leading every step of the way in both. He was sold by PEO as agent for Lindy Farms and purchased by Lewis Zirogiannis for $52,000.
The sale posted an average of $26,471. Horses not sold are still listed on the sale page, with "make offer" noted, along with the asking price for some.
Preferred Equine Online's next mixed sale will be held Monday, July 25. The entry deadline is Wednesday, July 20.
Reid had news to share regarding that next auction. "I believe we've lined up some French trotters to offer in next week's sale," he said.
Those horses are coming to the online platform as the result of a recent trip to France by Reid, along with delegates of the U.S. Trotting Association, where they met with leaders of France's LeTrot. It was agreed upon there to introduce a limited number of quality French racehorses to the North American buying public via an online sale.
The roster and catalog for the July 25 Mixed Sale will be available Friday, at which time bidding will open at preferredequineonline.com.
-edited release (Preferred Equine Online)