A chestnut colt by the champion turf male English Channel topped the two-day Selected Session selling for $275,000 at the annual Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale held at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion in Toronto. With a noted stellar conformation, the colt is out of the Horse Chestnut (SAF) mare In Return, being purchased by Bear Stables Ltd. and consigned by Richard G. Hogan, Agent, on behalf of Tall Oaks Farm.

The second highest price of the Sale was a bay colt from the first crop of Canadian champion Leonnatus Anteas, purchased by A & L Racing Stables Inc. for $120,000. The colt is out of the 2002 Canadian champion turf female Chopinina, and was also consigned by Richard G. Hogan, Agent.

“Even with the challenges surrounding the current horse racing industry, the results of this Sale are a strong indication that our breeders can produce quality Ontario-Breds that can run anywhere,” said Ryan Mahan, Chief Auctioneer of Ryan R Mahan & Associates, Inc. “I was braced for a challenging two days, and I am appreciative of our consignors and applaud the commitment of our buyers. The atmosphere of the sale was spirited and buoyant throughout, indicating resolve despite the current climate.”

The two-day Selected Sale resulted in 155 yearlings selling for $3,939,000, down 18% from last year’s total of $4,803,500. The average price was $25,413, down 21.7% from last year at $32,456. Yearlings not sold showed an improvement with 52 this year as opposed to 71, representing a decrease of 21.7% over last year’s Sale.

“We appreciate that those directly involved in our industry stepped up to support the breeders despite the uncertainty of racing’s future here at Woodbine,” said Yvonne Schwabe, Director of the Ontario CTHS.

The Open Session of the 2012 Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale starts Saturday, Sept. 8th at 3 p.m., with a total of 156 catalogued. The yearlings may be previewed on Friday, the day before, starting at 9 a.m. The Open Sale can be viewed live via a webcast on the CTHS website.

To view the results of the 2012 Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale, please visit www.cthsont.com/yearsale.php. For further information, please visit www.cthsont.com or contact the CTHS at 416-675-3602.