Consignors React With 'Mixed Emotions' to July Sale's Cancellation

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Keeneland officials announced on Jan. 23 that the July yearling sale would be cancelled for the second year in a row. Following are some reactions from consignors:

Braxton Lynch, Three Chimneys Sales: "There are mixed emotions. The July sale has always been a big mark on the calendar for us, and it's an exciting way to kick off the yearling selling season. On the other hand, it's hard to argue against having a lot of your horses in the September sale because it's proven to be the best place in the world to sell a yearling. I thought they made the right the decision to go with September (only). Some horses probably are more suited to the July sale because they come to hand so early, but the majority benefit from having more time (to develop)."

Mark Taylor, Taylor Made Sales Agency: "When they rolled it over into one sale (September), great things happened. Then people said, 'If it's not broke don't fix it.' It looks like we've got a really good recipe now."

Tom VanMeter, Eaton Sales: "I don't blame them for canceling July sale, but I personally enjoyed it, with the high prices and all the intrigue. It was really good to us. If they ever bring it back, we'll support it in a very big way."

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