by Heather MacKay

London, ON — Noted Canadian trainer Dr. Ian Moore is looking to replace his recently retired champion pacer State Treasurer and he took the first steps Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23) at the Forest City Yearling Sale as he purchased the two sale toppers, both sired by another one of his outstanding performers, Shadow Play.

Claus Anderson photo

Percy Bluechip was the sale topper at C$110,000.

Dr. Moore shelled out C$110,000 for Percy Bluechip who was consigned by Preferred Equine as agent for breeder Blue Chip Farms of New York. Percy Bluechip is a full brother to Arthur Blue Chip who earned more than $520,000 for Moore and his partners a few years back. The colt is also a half-brother to $1.5 million winner Kenneth J.

The second highest price at the sale was the C$100,000 Moore paid for Atomic Seelster. Consigned by breeder Seelster Farms of Lucan, Ontario, the colt is a half-brother to two $100,000-plus winners including Aniston Seelster ($155,744).

It was announced last week that State Treasurer, last year’s Horse of the Year in Canada, would begin stud duties at Seelster starting in 2017.

A great crowd was on hand to watch a total of 133 colts and fillies go through the sales ring Sunday at Western Fair’s Metroland Media Agriplex in London for an average of C$26,308 which is up approximately 11 percent from last year’s C$23,507 average for 136 sold.

“I think the sale reflected a show of optimism for the industry and confidence in the product. The industry seems to be turning a corner especially with the incentives now being offered,” noted sale manager Ann Straatman. “It appears that breeders are looking at offering quality over quantity.

“I’d like to thank auctioneers Ryan Dorran Marketing, now in their fourth year with FCYS, all of the staff of the sale and Randy Manges and Bruce Brinkerhoff for assisting with inspections.”

In addition to the sale of many of Ontario’s best bred yearlings, the weekend also included The Forest City Preview at The Raceway which were four divisional races open to 3-year-old trotters and pacers who raced in the Ontario Sires Stakes this season.

Thanks to the sponsorship from Ontario Lottery and Gaming and Ontario Racing, Forest City Yearling Sale and Western Fair District put together an innovative Info Zone for fans and owners. A number of organizations presented information on fractional ownership, horse registration and licensing, pedigree interpretation, Ontario’s new owners’ bonus and life after racing for our equine athletes.

Complete sales results are available here.