CTHS Alberta Sale See Gains in Gross

The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) held a successful sale at Westerner Park in Red Deer Sept. 20. showcasing 79 quality yearlings. This year saw significant increases in gross sales, with $700,000 spent on 56 yearlings--a 15% rise from the $607,800 spent on 43 yearlings in 2023. While the average price per yearling slightly decreased to $12,482 from $14,135 last year, the median held steady at $9,850, highlighting the ongoing strength of the sale. The upper end of the market remained robust, with 14 horses selling for $20,000 or more. The sale topper spot was shared by two yearlings who each sold for $33,000. Hip 58, a Sharp Azteca Alberta-bred colt out of E Looe, consigned by Esquirol Farms, was sold to Tallie Racing. Sharp Azteca, a Cigar Mile (G1) winner, has progeny earnings of over $6.8 million, including 7 stakes winners. The dam, E Looe, has produced 6 winners from 10 foals, including Anyriderill Do ($90,504). The co-sale topper was a Kentucky-bred Big Brown colt consigned by Cal Britton, Agent, sold to Everblack Cattle Company. Big Brown, a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, has sired 38 stakes winners with progeny earnings exceeding $42.5 million, including Dortmund ($1.99 million). The dam, Curlish Figure, is a Curlin daughter and proven race mare with earnings of $178,697. Boe and Janet Stone led consignors by gross sales, with five yearlings selling for a combined $86,000. Their top seller was Hip 42, a Known Agenda gelding purchased by Hurley Racing Stablefor $29,000. Scott Palmer Ranching topped the average consignor standings, selling two yearlings for an average of $32,000 each. Hip 44, a Street Boss filly out of Carmen's Kiss for $32,000 to Curtis Landry and Hip 77, a Cupid filly out of Leena, to Roger Hansen, also for $32,000. Curtis Landry emerged as the leading purchaser, both by gross and average, spending $60,000 for two yearlings at an average price of $30,000. His purchases included Hip 44, a Street Boss filly from Scott Palmer Ranching, and Hip 78, a Fed Biz gelding from Starline Thoroughbreds. The success of the 2024 sale is a reflection of increased investment from both CTHS (Alberta) and Horse Racing Alberta, aimed at bolstering foal crops and supporting local breeders. This support has renewed optimism among both purchasers and consignors, with many looking forward to the continued positive impact of these programs on sales and racing. Online bidding and real-time viewing were again available this year, thanks to Direct Livestock Marketing Systems (DLMS), with support from Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, the HBPA of Alberta, and Highfield Investment Group Inc. The CTHS (Alberta Division) extends its gratitude to all consignors, purchasers, and viewers for their support of the 2024 sale and the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. Further details on programs and full sales results are available on the CTHS (Alberta Division) website: www.cthsalta.com.