The 2019 Illini Classic Yearling Sale at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. offered more than 110 yearlings with a majority sired in the state of Illinois. However, several of the entrants were Indiana sired during the Labor Day Sale Monday, Sept. 2, 2019.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds hosts the Illini Classic Yearling Sale each Labor Day and includes several Indiana sired horses. Photo by Illini Classic Yearling Sale
The highest priced Indiana sired was a Tellitlikeitis gelding from the Hamm Family Trust, agent for Eli Yoder for $26,000. The gelding is a half brother to three with records under the 1:56 time barrier, including The New Americana who has a mark of 1:52.4 and earnings in excess of $164,000 and is still racing. Jeff Fought purchased the gelding.
Two Indiana sired trotters brought prices over the $20,000 barrier. Mike Brink purchased a Whom Shall I Fear gelding named I Fear No One for $20,000. Brian Ogan of Chicago purchased the Swan for All colt named Fox Valley Prime from the Fox Valley Standardbred consignment for $22,000. The colt is a half brother to Fox Valley Quest, who has earned a record of 1:57.4 and more than $58,000 this season.
The sale topper was sold third from the end. Mike Brink purchased the Illinois-bred trotting colt by Lou’s Legacy named Lou’s Obsession for $52,000.