Diary Post #315

Good Morning,

Here is the activity from last evening in Saratoga. The view above is from the Art Gallery Walk…which goes around to The Buyers’ Lounge. Many potential bidders have assigned seats located right around the sales ring. You may use these seats during the auction or bid from wherever you would like.

The sales area is open to everyone. Any fan may attend a sale and observe what is happening from various areas in the sales pavilion. It is really quite a fascinating process to watch. There are so many facets to our industry that all work together to make it such an interesting and challenging business.

This Saratoga Yearling Sale is conducted in the evening…so people ‘dress’ for the occasion. At this point in a sale, your ‘homework’ is basically completed as far as deciding on the horses you’d like to bid upon during the session. You have reviewed the pedigrees to see how the individuals would fit into your racing and breeding programs. The physical examinations of the horses have been completed by the prospective buyers and their teams.

Another important step is to have your veterinarian examine your prospective purchases IN DEPTH to be sure the physical condition of each yearling you are interested in meets your satisfaction. He or she will check and double-check the horse’s throat (for breathing purposes), basic conformation, and x-rays.

If the yearling passes all of the requirements you may have for purchase, you then need to ‘mentally appraise’ the horse. In other words, how much do you feel this horse is really worth in today’s market….and most importantly…how much are YOU willing to spend to own this colt or filly? This step is truly very important. You want to be sure you have really decided in your own mind how much this horse is worth TO YOU!

Then…let the BIDDING BEGIN!

Last night’s auction was very active. People really want to purchase and own good horses. They look to the future and the hope of running in BIG RACES! That is the driving force behind our industry. Obviously, a high purchase price does NOT guarantee success…but it must be considered. After all, LOOK AT ME! That is what helps to make this sport so much FUN!

At this time, I’d like to send a HIGH HOOF to my dear BERNIE. His yearlings sold for very substantial prices. Hip #1 was an “OUT”….which means she was withdrawn from the sale before it started. This may happen for a number of reasons.

Then the action really began. BERNIE had a colt sell for $750,000…and fillies sell for $950,000 and $600,000…to name a few.

The ‘sales topper’…which means the highest price horse sold during the entire session….was a Medaglia d’ Oro colt who is a half brother to the Kentucky Derby winner, SUPER SAVER. This yearling is named Superfection! His winning bid…….$1,200,000. WOW!

The Saratoga Yearling Sale continues this evening! HOOVES CROSSED that everything goes well for all of the horses and the participants.

With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z