The Hidaka Breeders Association Summer Sale, the largest yearling sale in Japan, was held from August 19 to 24 in Shizunai, Hokkaido.

Of the 1,178 lots offered, 977 sold for ¥6,486,000,000 (approximately US$44.3 million). While gross sales decreased by 13.6% compared to 2023, the sell-through rate of 82.3% represents a new record at the HBA Summer Sale. The average price of ¥6,638,690 (US$45,343) and the median price of ¥5,200,000 (US$35,517) decreased by 5.6% and 1.9%, respectively, compared to 2023. However, gross sales and median prices are the second best and average prices are the third best at the HBA Summer Sale.

While the sale previously lasted five days, this year it was held as a six-day sale.

“We were concerned about the market on the last day when racing was taking place at the Sapporo Racecourse,” said HBA Chairman Masakatsu Furukawa at the conclusion of the sale. “It was a pleasant surprise for us that the market on Saturday was the strongest in six days.”

Hip 1154, one of Saturday’s lots, sold for 48,000,000 yen (US$327,846), the highest price at the auction. The filly owned by Henny Hughes, consigned by Grand Stud, was purchased by Yoshimasa Ema, the owner of MixologyWinner of the 2023 Diamond Stakes (G3), and LugalWinner of the Silk Road Stakes (G3) this year. Dream Writer, the mare’s second dam, is half-sister to seize the day Winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and the 2015 Blue Grass Stakes (G1).