Harness: Goldrush Seelster tops London Virtual Yearling Sale thus far

The annual Standardbred sale in London, Ontario, which is being held virtually this year over multiple days of bidding due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about conducting the event in-person, had its first 35 listings close on Monday.

HIP 18 Goldrush Seelster was the top seller, going to Gregg McNair for C$201,740. A Bettor's Delight colt consigned and bred by Seelster Farms Inc., Goldrush Seelster is the first foal out of the Jereme's Jet mare Glamour Seelster (C$228,293, 1:52 1/5). She won in both the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and Gold Series as a 3-year-old in 2015, then finished second in the Super Final that same season.

One other yearling made it into six figures, and that was HIP 20 Shanghai Seelster. Another Seelster Farms Inc. offering, this daughter of Bettor's Delight was acquired by Amanda Fine for C$151,960. Shanghai Seelster is the first foal out of the Big Jim mare Soiree Seelster (C$237,882, 1:52 2/5). Soiree Seelster was victorious twice in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series as a rookie and came back to win in the program again as a sophomore.

In total, the 35 yearlings sold for a sum of C$1,354,540 and an average of C$38,701.