John Franks sale of 2-year-olds set for March at Evangeline Downs

Evangeline Downs will host the ninth annual John Franks Memorial 2-year-olds in training sale on March 20, the Opelousas, La., track announced this week. The deadline to enter horses in the auction, which is being put on by Stemmans Inc., is Jan. 5.

The average at the sale this past spring was $7,803, when 134 juveniles sold for total receipts of $1,045,700. The sales-topper was a $70,000 colt by Holy Bull.

The auction March 20 will begin at 10 a.m. Central, in the event center at Evangeline. The under tack show is set for March 19. All of the horses who pass through the sales ring will be eligible for a pair of restricted 2-year-old stakes, each worth $60,000, at Evangeline in August 2011.

“With ever-increasing and lucrative opportunities available for top-flight horses both locally and nationwide, we have made a concerted effort with consignors and local breeders to upgrade the sale in terms of quality,” said Charlotte Clavier, president of Stemmans. “We feel strongly that horsemen and buyers alike will respond in kind.”

Steve Darbonne, director of racing operations for Evangeline, said a new hotel at the track should add to the experience of the upcoming sale. Evangeline opens for an 89-night Thoroughbred meet on April 6.