Fasig-Tipton took the market to another dimension in Saratoga: 35 yearlings at over $1,000,000

The Saratoga Sale closed with unprecedented numbers: $118,215,000 in gross sales, with an average of $777,730; Flying Dutchmen emerged as the main protagonist, bidding $4,200,000 for a colt by Into Mischief

If any doubts remained regarding the extraordinary momentum driving the thoroughbred market in the United States, The Saratoga Sale by Fasig-Tipton swept them completely away. Over two nights, buyers and sellers staged a flat-out spectacular auction, shattering records set just a year ago and pushing figures into territory that was hard to imagine until recently.

At the close of Tuesday's session, 152 yearlings had changed hands for $118,215,000, including private transactions—a 17 percent increase over the $100,845,000 reached in 2025, when the sale broke the $100 million barrier for the first time.

Yet the individual indicators were perhaps even more striking. The average surged 24 percent to $777,730, while the median climbed 17 percent to stand at $525,000. Serving as definitive proof of the unrelenting demand, 35 head reached seven-figure prices, setting another all-time record. Only 34 offerings failed to meet their reserve price, resulting in an RNA rate of 18 percent.

"I honestly think it was the best horse sale I've seen in my lifetime. What happened last night and tonight was simply incredible," summarized Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton, still visibly stunned by the results.

He added a bold prediction: "Mark my words. Two or three years from now, you'll look back and see that some of the best horses in the world were graduates of this sale."

Amid this market explosion, Flying Dutchmen played firmly in a league of its own. The operation emerged as the sale's leading buyer, spending $21,625,000 across 11 yearlings—a sum greater than the combined total spent by the top four buyers in the previous edition.

The jewel of their haul was Hip 136, a colt by Into Mischief out of All American Dream (American Pharoah), secured for $4,200,000 to top the sale. Bred by Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, he is a full brother to multiple stakes winner Barnes, who realized $3,200,000 at this same auction in 2023.

The colt was consigned by Heartwood Farm, the banner under which Juan Aguilar and Sarah Sutherland now operate after previously trading as Indian Creek. It proved to be a dream launch for their new chapter.

"To me, he was the most attractive horse in the entire sale. I'm not saying that automatically means he'll be the best, obviously, but he showed extraordinarily well," explained Hunter Rankin of Flying Dutchmen.

The buying spree did not stop there. Just 18 hip numbers later, Flying Dutchmen dropped $3,000,000 for Hip 154, another Into Mischief colt offered by Heartwood, before stretching to $4,000,000 for Hip 200—a magnificent colt by Gun Runner bred by Whisper Hill Farm and offered through Gainesway.

All yearlings acquired by Flying Dutchmen will now travel to David O'Farrell's Ocala Stud before eventually joining the barn of trainer Brian Lynch.

On the fillies' side, top honors went to Hip 100, a daughter of Not This Time purchased by Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida for $1,900,000. A full sister to multiple grade winner On Time Girl, she was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, which once again led all consignors with 29 head sold for $22,705,000.

Additionally, Hip 217 fetched $1,800,000, as the Into Mischief filly was acquired in partnership by Spendthrift Farmand Go Go Greys Stable.

Into Mischief and Gun Runner Lead the Way

Once again, Into Mischief demonstrated why he stands among the most dominant stallions on the planet. Seven of his offspring achieved seven-figure prices, and his nine yearlings sold averaged a staggering $2,172,222. Meanwhile, Gun Runner—the brilliant champion sired by Argentina's own Candy Ride—accounted for no fewer than 10 millionaire yearlings.

These are extraordinary figures, even for a marketplace long accustomed to talking in millions.

Saratoga brought together the world's most powerful buyers, and the response was resounding. Pedigree, physical conformation, and sky-high expectations merged to produce a landmark sale.

Now comes the hard part: the wait. Because behind that $118 million lies a mountain of dreams and the hope that, as Browning predicted, several of the yearlings that sent prices soaring in Saratoga will soon be making history on the track.