Fasig-Tipton, OBS to switch dates for fall yearling sales

Fasig-Tipton and the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. have come to an agreement to switch dates for the companies’ respective Midlantic Fall Yearlings and October Yearlings Sales.

Fasig-Tipton’s Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale will now be held on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 5-6, in Timonium, Md., to coincide with the rescheduled Preakness Stakes in nearby Baltimore. The Maryland Jockey Club announced this past weekend that the 145th Preakness Stakes will be conducted on Saturday, Oct. 3. The sale had previously been scheduled for Oct. 12-13.

OBS will now conduct it Selected Yearlings Sale on Oct. 13 and its Open Yearlings Sale on Oct. 14-15 at its Ocala, Fla., facility. OBS’s two yearlings sales were originally slated for Oct. 6-8.

“We’re pleased to be able to work with OBS to adjust the dates of our respective yearling sales,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “With the Preakness Stakes now being held on October 3, it will benefit both of our customers to be positioned closely to one of America’s most important horse races. Traditionally, our spring Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale is held around the Preakness, and that model has worked very well for us through the years.”

OBS President Tom Ventura commented: “The swapping of the yearling sale dates makes sense for OBS and Fasig-Tipton as the change allows both companies to better serve our buyers and sellers. While we are competitive, it is important for us to shift gears in a way that helps industry participants as we react to the racing and sales calendar being turned upside down. Thankfully, racing is gearing up throughout the country."