by Kim French, USTA Internet News Editor

Lexington, KY — At the conclusion of Saturday’s (Oct. 8) Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, the individuals responsible for the producing the second highest grossing event in its history, should have indulged in the Ky. staples of bourbon and cigars, yet they would quickly remind anyone who inquired the key to the to their success stems from the entities that entered their horses for sale and for those that purchased them.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

All five evenings of the record-breaking Lexington Selected Yearling Sale enjoyed large crowds and perfect weather.

“We can only offer what’s provided to us,” said Randy Manges, co-manager of the sale, in the midst of the second session. “Our long-time consignors, the breeders and the buyers that continue to support us are what creates the sale. That is why they deserve to be thanked for their continued efforts and always seeking to improve the quality of our horses. They are the reason any of our sales go well. We can never thank them enough.”

Manges and his fellow manager, David Reid, however, should be commended for the organization of the five sessions of the catalogue that concluded with a gross of $32,262,000, the second highest figure in history, and another record in average yearling price of $56,304 that is the best ever. The average rose by more than 24.5 percent from the event’s previous highest totals. The only sale that ever was more financially prolific was in 2007 when $35,648,962 was grossed when 791 yearlings stepped through the ring, which is 218 more than the 2016 version.

While many thought this year’s sale would finish in third for total gross behind 2007 and 2008 as that year brought $32,111,742, this year’s might possibly have been bolstered by the purchase of yet another $100,000 yearling in the final session. Not only did Hip No. 597 garner $110,000 from his new owners, the Always A Virgin-My Best Girl colt only had seven other horses behind him to be sold prior to the sale’s conclusion. This demonstrates the balance and strength of each session of the sale’s catalogue.

Named Romantic Interest, the brown colt was consigned by Reid’s Preferred Equine Marketing and now belongs to Irwin Samelman of Las Vegas N.V. Although his dam, by Cambest, only earned $1,184 on the racetrack, she has produced six foals with five of them winners. Romantic Interest is a half-sibling to Kentucky champion Ohmybelle (Ponder, $278,890) and Bob Ben John (Sportswriter, $168,215).

The colt’s granddam, Armbro Calypso, by Abercrombie, produced Calypso Beat (Nihilator, $828,361) and West Point (Western Hanover, $244,084).

For more information, including leading sires, top consigners and buyers, the averages for trotting versus pacing yearlings and further details, please click here.