The second session of Fasig-Tipton's 102nd Saratoga Sale held Tuesday produced a sale record gross, average, and median as a selection of the best yearlings in North America found their buyers under the banner of the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, New York.
A Curlin colt (Hip 165) out of Horse of the Year Beholder sold for $4 million to Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing, to top the session and the sale. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned on behalf of breeder Spendthrift Farm.
The colt is the first of Hall of Fame inductee Beholder's foals to be offered at public auction.
Overall, 153 yearlings sold for a sale record $74,780,000, up 11.7 per cent from the previous record of $66,955,000 set last year. The average of $488,758 eclipsed by 4.4 per cent the record set last year of $468,217. The median tied last year’s record of $375,000. Ten yearlings sold for $1 million or more over the course of the two nights.
“We've experienced some magical nights in Saratoga in the past and you've heard me talk about the Saratoga magic,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “But we ain't seen nothing like tonight… (This is) what happens when you have the opportunity to sell exceptional physical horses that have outstanding pedigrees to an unbelievable group of buyers that love coming to Saratoga.”
“It was just phenomenal. It was really rewarding to see people send their very best horses here an