The inaugural edition of the Atlantic Classic Standardbred Yearling Sale will be held Friday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Charlottetown Civic Centre. Fifty five colts and fillies will be on auction, under the direction of auctioneer Brian Craswell, of Rustico, Prince Edward Island.
The Atlantic Classic is a joint venture of the PEI Colt Stakes Association and the Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association. The Colt Stakes has operated a successful sale for the past twenty five years and has joined forces with the provincial industry association to present a new sale, with several changes to the layout and presentation.
This is the second Maritime sale, following on the heels of a record sale last week in Truro, Nova Scotia. "We are very optimistic about the prospects for this year's sale," said Blair Campbell, PEI Colt Stakes President. "We feel that we have several quality colts and fillies on offer, and with the new Lady Slipper program, additional dollars are available for purses."
Last week's Truro sale saw a record equalizing price for Elm Grove Tanner, consigned by Bob Gordon of Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island, which was purchased for $32,000 by Mel Willis of Cambridge, Ontario. Dunachton Farms (Don and Marg Smith, Pownal, Prince Edward Island) consigned the top filly, Dunachton Grace, who sold for $24,500 to David Fillmore of Nova Scotia.
The sale is being held in conjunction with the PEI Colt Stakes, which see the two- and three-year old pacing colts in action on Thursday evening, and the two- and three-year old trotters, as well as the two- and three-year old pacing fillies, competing on Saturday at the Charlottetown Driving Park.