by Carl Becker, Illini Classic Sales
Springfield, IL — The 2017 Illini Classic Yearling Sale, held on Labor Day (Sept. 4) at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., saw the average sale price increase by 106 percent compared to 2016. This year’s average price was $9,087 compared to $4,402 a year ago.
Several factors drove buyer enthusiasm to the highest level in recent years. Both state and county fair purses were enhanced by monies made available from the recent passage of the State of Illinois budget, Hawthorne Race Course’s commitment to harness racing with a signed contract for 2018 and a request for winter dates, and the participation of several new, prominent buyers including Anthony MacDonald’s The Stable Canada. Supply was also limited with only 232 Illinois conceived and foaled yearlings possibly available.
The top-selling yearling, Hip No. 32 Fox Valley Jazzman, sold for $47,000. A Pizzazzed-Yankee Victory OM full brother to current Illinois 2-year-old leading trotter Vic’s Pizza 2,1:57.2 ($53,455) was purchased by agent Mike Brink from Fox Valley Standardbreds.
The second-highest seller, at $32,000, also from Dr. Ken and Pat Walker’s Fox Valley Standardbreds as agent for Phillips and Leinberger, was Hip No. 85A Holden Steady. The Yankee Skyscaper-Im All A Roan half-brother to 5-year-old pacer Rockin Ron p,1:47.2s ($871,857), who finished second in the Canadian Pacing Derby on Sept. 2, was purchased by Anthony MacDonald for his The Stable Canada.
The top-selling filly for $25,000 was Hip No. 48 Cassi Lane, a Cassis-Celebrity Charter half-sister to Delaware Standardbred Race Fund champion No More Games was purchased by prominent Illinois owners Jim Baffia and Bill Wright from the Fair Meadow Farm consignment.
For complete 2017 Illini Classic Yearling Sale results, click here.