from the Hoosier Classic Sale Company, LLC

Middlebury, IN — The Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, annually the leading sale for Indiana sired yearlings, was sold to a new ownership group effective Feb. 17, 2011.

The sale company, now incorporated as Hoosier Classic Sale Company, LLC, has been sold by original proprietor Carl Becker to Jeffrey and David Fought of Shipshewana, Ind. The Foughts operate Cornerstone Stock Farm, a small farm exclusively breeding Indiana sired horses. They also own and operate two RV manufacturing companies in Northern Indiana.

“We are very thankful to Carl Becker for this wonderful opportunity,” said Jeff Fought. “We’ve consigned our yearlings at the Hoosier Classic sale the last few years and have been extremely impressed with the overall success of the sale and the professionalism of sale manager Steve Cross and his team. We feel there is no better program in North America than Indiana and this sale is clearly proven to be the premier sale in the state. Our intent is to build on the past success of the sale with the support of our loyal consignors, buyers and the leadership of sale manager Steve Cross, while assisting from a business and financial standpoint.”

The Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale was clearly the dominant sale in the state for 2010. A total of 401 yearlings were sold this past fall, grossing more than $4.4 million and averaging just under $11,000. The 2010 sale posted the highest sale average increase in the nation for the second year in a row, jumping by 44 percent. At its 2010 sale, the Hoosier Classic also became the first sale to auction Indiana sired yearlings for over $100,000, selling a colt for $125,000 and a filly for $107,000.

The 2011 edition of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale is slated for Oct. 14 and 15 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind. The Indiana owned and operated sale is poised to again be the premier buying destination for owners and trainers from across North America with yearlings by both proven and exciting first crop Indiana sires being represented.

“For our consignors, some new and industry-first ideas are being implemented for the 2011 sale,” added sale manager Steve Cross. “Details will be released soon on these exciting new features.”

Entries are now being accepted with an April 15 deadline. For more information, contact the Hoosier Classic Sale Company, LLC by calling sale manager Steve Cross at 574.825.4610.