by Cheri Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Breeders Assn.

Ft. Washington, MD — The 2007 Chesapeake Yearling Sale came to a close with an average of $5,624, a 38 percent increase over the 2006 average of $4,064.

Sales Manager Tom Winebrener was very pleased with the outcome.

Yearlings with good conformation and production in their pedigrees sold well. Maryland eligible yearlings sold very well, due in part to the opportunity of so few being nominated in their respective divisions.

This was the first year the sale was held on a Monday and although there were some conflicts with racing venues, it worked out very well.

The sale topper was an offering by the Fox Den Farm Agency for breeder Russell C. Williams. Hip #22, Vinegar Hill, a Tejano colt out of the mare Fun At Parties, sold for $24,000 to Tom Cooke.

Several other trotters sold for over $10,000. Four pacers sold for $10,000 each; one was Maryland-sired, two were Pennsylvania-sired, and one was Delaware-sired.

The Chesapeake Yearling Sale continues to be a great option for the average Mid-Atlantic breeder, due to the reasonable fees and professional presentation of yearlings. The Maryland Standardbred Breeders want to thank all the consignors, owners and buyers for their continued support of the sale.