The opening session of the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Yearlings Sale, whilst understandably down on last year’s figures, was nonetheless successful for the Darley stallions who were responsible for five of the top ten highest prices.
The first yearlings by Bernardini, Henny Hughes and Rockport Harbor are selling this year and offspring by the young stallions proved extremely popular on Monday with all recording impressive results.
World and Eclipse Champion three-year-old Bernardini (pictured) was responsible for the third highest-priced yearling of the session when Hip 169 was bought by John Ferguson for $350,000. Consigned by Lane’s End, he is out of the G2 winner Lyphard’s Delta who is already the dam of seven winners, including G1 winner Indy Five Hundred and multiple Graded Stakes winner Delta Princess – both of whom are by Bernardini’s own sire A. P. Indy. Earlier in the session, Bernardini’s other yearling to be offered for sale on the day realised $150,000 when bought by W K Warren Jr.
Four yearlings by outstanding sprinter Henny Hughes sold on Monday, averaging $123,750. His top price of the day was $200,000 for a colt bought by Bruce Headley. Out of the Stakes-placed mare Mighty Lode, he is a half brother to the G3 winner Mighty Beau.
Rockport Harbor also enjoyed a successful opening session, posting an average of $115,000 (almost six times his 2007 stud fee of $20,000) for seven yearlings sold. His highest price and the fifth highest price overall was $210,000 for Betz Thoroughbred’s colt from G2 winner Really Quick. Bought by Hidden Brook for Paul Pompa Jr, he is a half brother to five winners including Black type winner Medford.
Darley’s newest recruit - Medaglia d’Oro - who has been enjoying such an outstanding year with his runners, also figured in the top ten with Starlight Partners going to $310,000 to secure his colt out of proven Stakes producer Tigresa.
The sale continues today.
