The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Alberta Thoroughbred Sale concluded Sept. 23 with another strong year in the sales ring, posting increases in gross sales, average, and median. The auction was highlighted by a CA$110,000 (US$78,027, CA$1=US$0.71) Alberta-bred sale topper purchased by Newtown Anner Stud Farm.
A total of 74 yearlings sold for CA$1,119,200 (US$793,888), with gross sales up 9.2% over 2025. The average rose 7.9% to CA$15,151 (US$10,747), while the median increased 17.5% to CA$11,750 (US$8,335). The results were achieved from 96 yearlings offered, compared with 100 in 2025, while the number sold increased from 73 to 74.
Olympiad Filly Tops Sale at $110,000
Leading the sale was Hip 12, an Alberta-bred yearling filly by Olympiad out of the Violence mare Buy Me a Rose, purchased for CA$110,000 by Newtown Anner Stud Farm and consigned by Highfield Investment Group.
Reached by phone in Kentucky following the sale, Hanzly Albina, general manager of Newtown Anner Stud Farm, was thrilled with the purchase. Albina had selected the filly from the catalog, noting Newtown Anner's strong belief in both her sire, Olympiad, and broodmare sire, Violence.
Of particular significance to the Alberta industry, the filly will remain in the province to race.
"We're hearing good things about what's happening with racing here in Alberta and really loved our experience with Playful last year, so we thought we'd buy a filly and be part of an exciting new future in Alberta," Albina said.
Albina also commented that the "future of racing looks very promising in Alberta and we are very excited to participate."
Newtown Anner has campaigned Gonzalo Anderson-trained Playful to four consecutive wins at Alberta's Century Mile Racetrack and Casino this season, including the Aug. 22 Century Casino Oaks.
Strong Demand at the Top of the Market
The sale topper led a strong group of yearlings at the upper end of the market, with the five highest-priced yearlings representing five different consigning connections.
The second-highest price of CA$62,500 went to Hip 89, Shae's Hope, a filly by Knicks Go out of Fiera Nocturna, consigned by Doug Oberg. Hip 32, Zero In, a gelding by Knicks Go out of High Fair, consigned by C.W. and Shirley Matier, followed at CA$45,500.
Rounding out the five highest-priced yearlings were Hip 5, an Honor A. P. filly out of Awesome Team, consigned by Boe Stone, who sold for CA$40,200, and Hip 67, a Mitole colt out of She's Custom Made, consigned by Bryan and Carol Anderson, who brought CA$35,000.
Alberta Stallions Make Their Mark
Alberta-based stallions also made their mark in the sales ring, with particularly encouraging results for the first yearlings offered by Fight On.
A first-crop filly by Fight On, Hip 52, brought CA$32,000, while another Fight On yearling, Hip 43, sold for CA$21,000. Second-crop sire Tap Master was led by Hip 53 at CA$13,500. Yearlings by established Alberta stallions also attracted buyers, including offerings by Mank, Counterforce, and Malibu Max, whose leading sellers brought CA$21,500, CA$15,000, and CA$12,500, respectively.
The results add another positive note for Alberta's breeding industry, with more opportunities ahead for Alberta-sired Thoroughbreds. The CA$50,000 Alberta Sire Stakes Debutante and CA$50,000 Alberta Sire Stakes Derby will take place Oct. 17 at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
