The 2022 Alberta Standardbred Horse Association Yearling Sale was described as an "exceptional" event by an interested party who couldn’t attend the sale live and attended online.
Though in the past there were kinks that had to be worked out, the sale and online gets better year after year. This year’s average sale was over $18,000.
The event started out Friday, Sept. 23, with the viewing of the yearlings from 4 to 8 p.m. Attendees enjoyed looking over an excellent selection of yearlings, as well as checking out the Breeders Committee’s game of chance, and enjoying some mouth-watering appetizers and refreshments.
After enjoying time in the sales barn, the owners and attendees were treated to a fantastic meal at Century Downs Casino Homestretch room, hosted by Century’s staff and culinary team. The food and service are never a disappointment.
Guests enjoyed each other's company and an inspiring address from ASHA president Don McDougall and secretary/treasurer John Hind. Guests were also treated to door prizes as well as entertainment.
The old-time community feel continued into the next day, with consignors showing their own consignment as well as assisting their “neighbours” whenever needed.
The afternoon started off with fun and games with a game of chance, and another short welcome from the president of ASHA. The sale started at 2 p.m., with Finns Final Answer selling for $6,000. This sweet chestnut filly starting things off in the right direction and they continued from there. With hip number two selling for $26,000, spectators knew this sale would not disappoint.
The 2022 sale saw new consignors joining the Alberta Standardbred Breeding Industry and new agents assisting longtime breeders. Faith Valley Ranch welcomed potential purchasers with open arms, and a beautiful class filled consignment.
Breeders/consignors in Alberta showed they know how to present their stock with friendly, knowledgeable family and staff enjoying great conversation while professionally showing their yearlings.
Longtime Alberta horsemen and breeder Keith Clark, who has a deep history in the industry, sold the sale topper Custard The Dragon sired gelding Rum N Custard out of the mare Rummys Command for a whopping $62,000 to the partnership team of Kelly Hoerdt and Fred Gilbert.
The second highest yearling, Grey Horizon (Vertical Horizon – Panagler), was sold by first-time agent Kaitlin Haining for a very pleased breeder, Gigi Van Ostrand. The auction on this colt was won by talented trainer/driver Brandon Campbell and his team of partners, who were elated with the purchase. Campbell has had his eye on this colt for some time, and his partners are confident in his “eye for a winner”.
To no one’s surprise, Ron and Karen Sobey sold hip number 32 for a total of $44,000. This sought-after full sister of outstanding sophomore Divine Art (Outrageous Art - Keystone Divine) has big shoes to fill with purchasers hoping she will follow in her big sisters hoofprints.
Perlich Bros. Auctioneers did another excellent job auctioning the yearlings. The ASHA sales team worked diligently to give all attendees support and encouragement selling their stock. Pedigree reader Bruce Murray highlighted accomplishments of the yearlings in the ring with expert attention to detail.
Consignors noted that there are always highs and lows in a sale, and their enjoyment comes from seeing their well-turned-out yearlings go through the ring and the excitement in the eyes of the purchasers. They have all expressed their joy to watch their “babies” develop into racehorses.
The ASHA, in conjunction with industry partners Horse Racing Alberta, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, and The Track on 2 Inc., congratulates all consignors on their tremendous efforts and wishes good luck to the purchasers.
Full sale results are available here.
(ASHA)