Fasig-Tipton embraced change and emerged stronger: record figures for the first major “clockless” sale

The market responded strongly to the new under-tack format without official workout times, confirming that the industry is willing to prioritize horse welfare without sacrificing commercial competitiveness

TIMONIUM, Maryland (Special to Turf Diario).- There were doubts. Plenty of doubts. Buyers, consignors, and agents arrived at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale closely watching how the market would respond to one of the most revolutionary changes in recent memory for 2-year-olds in training sales: eliminating official workout times during the under-tack show.

But the final result proved emphatic.

Far from softening, the market exploded.

At the conclusion of the two-day sale, Fasig-Tipton reported gross receipts of US$52,875,500, including private sales, with 384 horses sold, figures representing a 19.3 percent increase over the 2025 edition.

The average also climbed to US$137,697, while the median posted an even more significant jump, rising from US$60,000 to US$70,000. In addition, the RNA rate fell to just 16 percent.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the results,” summarized Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton.

“We hit the superfecta: gross went up, average went up, median went up, and the RNA rate went down, all after the huge growth we had already experienced from 2024 to 2025,” he added.

Browning also revealed that total sales volume has increased by 60 percent in just two years, though he made it clear that for the company something else mattered even more:

“The real satisfaction is the acceptance of the new format.”

The decision to eliminate official times and restrict whip use during breezes had generated enormous debate in the months leading up to the sale.

In 2025, the final under-tack session had to be converted into a simple gallop because of weather conditions, an experience that ultimately pushed Fasig-Tipton decisively toward the new system.

“We felt it was the right thing for the horse and for our clients,” explained Browning. “Our company has always tried to do what’s best both for the horse and for the people we work with.”

The executive also expressed hope that this generation of horses will show improved durability and soundness on the racetrack.

“I genuinely believe we’re going to see very positive results regarding soundness and longevity,” he said.

Among the most aggressive buyers once again was agent Pedro Lanz, who ultimately purchased 12 horses for US$5,545,000 on behalf of KAS Stables.

After acquiring the previous day’s son of Flightline for US$2.1 million, Lanz returned to spend US$1,375,000 on a striking daughter of Gun Runner bred by Chester and Mary Broman.

The filly, consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, is out of Modest Maven, by Uncle Mo and dam of stakes winner Arctic Arrogance (Frosted).

“We needed a filly,” explained Lanz. “I looked at all the previous sales results and to me this was clearly the best one.”

The agent also confirmed that the filly will remain in the United States under the care of trainer Brad Cox.

“She’s a gorgeous filly, born in May, with plenty of development still ahead of her. She has everything you look for,” he added.

The sale also carried a strong emotional component for the Sequel Bloodstock team.

The filly’s dam, Modest Maven, had originally been purchased by Chester Broman at this very Timonium sale back in 2016 for US$1 million.

For Becky Thomas and Carlos Manresa, the result therefore carried special meaning while also bringing memories of the late consignor Al Pike.

“It was a very emotional and full-circle moment for all of us,” explained Manresa.

Thomas, meanwhile, was one of the major supporters of the new system.

“We love the format,” she said. “Last year we lost a really good Uncle Mo who came out of the breeze with a chip in his knee. If he had worked under this new system, that probably wouldn’t have happened.”

Although she admitted the revised structure also created technical challenges—particularly working outside the cones over a much tighter track configuration—the overall assessment was overwhelmingly positive.

“Overall, we’re delighted,” she concluded.

And judging by the final numbers, the market clearly feels the same way.