Harness: Matterlei tops Blooded Horse Winter Sale

The Blooded Horse Winter Sale was held Tue. Feb. 9 at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio. In spite of snow and tough conditions, owners, trainers and breeders flooded the pavilion to restock stables and acquire broodmares.

"Horsemen are undaunted by the weather! They love coming to a sale to actually see and touch the horses they want to buy," said sales manager Jerry Haws. "It may take a bit more time and resources, but the dividends far outweigh the cost. Bringing horses to a venue of eager buyers is a tremendous marketing tool. Consignors seemed to be pleased as there were substantially less RNAs."

The ultra-consistent, upper level conditioned trotter, Matterlei, topped the Burke Racing Stable consignment and the sale at $38,000. Purchased by Herman and Morgan Hagerman of Ohio, the daughter of Explosive Matter will continue to race in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Also from the Burke consignment, Yacht Week, fresh off strong performances at Miami Valley, and Alloy, racing competitively in NW2 at The Meadows, were sold respectively to Chad Slone for $22,000 and Bob Troyer for $20,000.

The beautiful roan trotting mare Global Inspiration topped the strong broodmare market. In-foal to Tactical Landing, the 8-year-old daughter of Andover Hall was consigned by Spring Haven Farm (agent) and purchased by Mahantongo Farms of Ohio for $28,000. Bidding was also spirited for the 7-year-old American Ideal mare The Signature, in-foal to Lazarus N. Consigned by Boxwood Farm, the half-sister to Vegas Vacation was purchased by Robert McKim of Virginia for $25,000.

Short yearlings were topped by a stunning daughter of Kadabra, Shes A Dahbra at $15,000. Consigned by Spring Haven Farm (agent), William D. Miller of Ohio signed the ticket.

For complete sale results visit bloodedhorse.com. The next sale is May 11 and it's an exceptionally strong market for racehorses. Entries close April 20.

-edited release (Blooded Horse Sale)