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(By Avalyn Hunter)Generally speaking, the auction picture in 2012 has been rosier than in 2011, with most sales reporting increases in average and median prices. Keeneland November suffered big drops to both figures, but when the Edward P. Evans and Saud bin Khaled dispersals of 2011--which grossed more than $72.7 million between them--are ...

(By Lizz Kunz) A large crowd generated buzz Nov. 5 at Fasig-Tipton before the start of the Lexington company’s elite sale, anticipating the appearance of Havre de Grace. She was slated to be the second Horse of the Year ever available for purchase at public auction— and fans, members of the press, and industry professionals eagerly gathered ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) Korea--an international power in Thoroughbred racing and breeding? Well, it hasn't happened yet, but the country's young breeding program has taken its first step toward internationally competitive by producing its first U. S. winner. The historic event took place September 6, when Korean-bred Feel So Good triumphed by seven ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) While this year's Fasig-Tipton yearling sale at Saratoga was down somewhat, optimism is still widespread in the 2012 yearling market thanks to solid performances at regional sales. From Minnesota to Florida, average and median prices for young horses have been either holding steady or gaining over 2011 standards. But before ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) Calling it a trend might be premature, but Australia may be on the verge of reversing the shuttle sire market that for years had the island nation receiving visiting sires from North America and Europe. This year, we were treated to Lonhro being sent to Kentucky, courtesy of Darley. A group I winner from 1,400 to ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) On July 19, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA, the parent company of Blood-Horse Publications) announced that 40 owners had pledged not to race any of their juveniles on Salix or other anti-bleeding medications in 2012. Among them were many of the most respected and recognizable names in the business: ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) The impressive Suburban Handicap (gr. II) victory of Mucho Macho Man on July 7 is in interesting juxtaposition to the pensioning of his grandsire, Holy Bull, which was announced one day later. Though far from a failure, Holy Bull has not been a great sire. But he has been a link back to the past in American breeding, ...

(By Avalyn Hunter) This year's Royal Ascot meeting saw two coronations. One was that of Frankel as possibly the best miler Europe has ever seen--rarefied air indeed when one considers the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Miesque, and Goldikova. The other was that of Black Caviar as not only the world's best sprinter but as a champion whose heart ...

(By Avalyn Hunter)  When I saw Dynaformer at Three Chimneys in 2006, my first reaction was ''wow.'' It was not because he was pretty; there have always been plenty of handsomer horses. It was his presence, as massive andpowerful as his body. His was a personality that brooked no rivals. And he had none. At Three Chimneys, better racehorses ...

Fans of superhorse Zenyatta rallied for the 13-time grade I winner to take home any and all annual honors—even if by proxy. Vertigineux was the runaway winner of last year’s MarketWatch Broodmare of the Year title as fans of her 2010 Horse-of-the-Year daughter flooded the ballot boxes. Will Easter Bunnette, dam of reigning champion Havre de ...