By Christie DeBernardis
With the Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale, Saratoga Selected Yearling Sale and New York-Bred Yearling Sale all canceled, the sale's company offers a combination of all three auctions Sept. 9-10 at Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Kentucky, in the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Showcase.
“It was a situation where we had to develop alternatives as it became apparent that the July Sale could not be conducted,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said. “At about the same time, it also became apparent it would be very, very difficult, if not impossible, to have a traditional sale in Saratoga. We believe this format is the best alternative and we have been positively received by consignors, who have supported us with really good horses. 2020 has been a year of adaptation and a year of making the best of the cards you are dealt. I think we have done a good job of that, but we fell good about the quality of horses and the reception we have gotten from buyers so far as well.”
In addition to the revised format, sale attendees will also encounter a series of new protocols at Fasig-Tipton in-keeping with the recommended COVID-19 guidelines. Attendance at the sale will be limited and all interested parties must apply for a credential on the Virtual Badge smart phone app.
“There will be reduced capacity in the pavilion and temperature screening to gain access to the grounds,” said Browning. “Access will be limited and everyone has to apply for the virtual badge to gain access. Everyone, but the buyers, have to have a negative COVID-19 test. We have to wipe down the common area spaces, wear face shields in the sales office, modify food service. We have also put up two large tents to create more outdoor spaces to make people feel more comfortable. We have internet bidding and increased phone bidding.”
The Selected Yearlings Showcase catalogue is comprised of 662 yearlings, the first 178 of which are New York-breds. Selling begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 with hips 1-330 and continues Sept. 10 with hips 331-662.
Stallions represented in the catalogue include American Pharoah, Candy Ride (Arg), Constitution, Curlin, the late Empire Maker, Into Mischief, Malibu Moon, Medaglia d'Oro, Nyquist, Quality Road and Uncle Mo. There will also be yearlings on offer from the first crop of several exciting young stallions, such as the late Arrogate, Classic Empire, Connect, Cupid, Gun Runner, Lord Nelson, Mastery, Mohaymen and Practical Joke.
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