Francis Vanlangendonck | Horse Racing Free Tips

Barns Busy as Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale Starts Sunday

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Fasig-Tipton will be looking to continue the momentum set by its record-setting select sale when bidding returns to the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion Sunday evening for the first of two sessions of the New York-Bred Yearlings Sale. Bidding begins Sunday at 7 p.m. and Monday's session will begin at 12 p.m.

With the end of the sweltering conditions which punctuated the last week in upstate New York, activity was high at the sales barns on a picture-perfect Saturday morning as a mixture of end-users, pinhookers and locally based trainers perused the 584 yearlings catalogued for the two-day auction.

“It's been very strong, we've been busy, busy, busy,” said Derek MacKenzie, whose Vinery Sales consignment will offer 22 yearlings over the next two days. “Across the board, we are seeing everyone, but I think we are seeing more New York trainers this year than we have the last year or two.”

Among the trainers shopping Saturday morning were Christophe Clement, Mark Hennig, George Weaver, and Tom Morley, while pinhookers Eddie Woods, Raul Reyes, Steve Venosa, Niall Brennan, Paul and Sarah Sharp, Ciaran Dunne, and Barry Berkelhammer were all busy on the sales grounds. WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden was on hand, as were bloodstock agents Liz Crow and Pete Bradley.

Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck's Summerfield consignment produced strong results at the select sale, with three of three through the ring selling, including a $950,000 son of Speightstown. The operation will look to build on that momentum with a 21-horse consignment at the New York-bred auction.

“Like everybody, we had a great sale,” Francis Vanlangendonck said of last week's results. “We were lucky enough to have some nice horses and we got rewarded for it. So it was really good.”

Vanlangendonck is seeing many of the same faces who shopped the select sale staying in town for the second auction.

“There hasn't been a big drop off on the people looking, there are a lot of holdovers from the last sale and it's been that way for several years,” he said. “This sale has transferred into a little bit better sire power and those guys recognize that they can buy a good horse anywhere. So they will come in here and scope it out and try to find the good individuals. A lot of the same guys will come in here and look. Which is why a lot of times, we will put a horse in this New York-bred sale and not in the first sale and kind of get that momentum working on our side. So we are hoping that's going to pay off here.”

Of pre-sale activity at his barn, Vanlangendonck said, “We showed a little over 1,000 times yesterday and they've been scoped out pretty good. Now they are starting to pick them apart and come looking at the short list. We have been busy since 7:30 this morning.”

Colin Brennan will be offering his first consignment at the New York-bred sale when he sends five yearlings through the ring during Monday's second session of the auction.

“I've consigned with others the past couple of years, but I wanted to take a shot out on my own,” Brennan said. “This is my first full year out on my own from my father's operation. I have had the yearling consignment for about four years now and I'm trying to get more aggressive and get better quality and attend most of the sales.”

Brennan has been active on the buying side of the ledger at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale, so selling at Saratoga in August made sense.

“We've had a lot of luck and I enjoy coming up here in October and shopping the fall sale–it's been getting better and better with pedigrees and the horses that come and we have had luck pinhooking out of it,” Brennan said. “I've put some pinhooking partnerships together and I love the New York-bred program. So naturally from shopping there, it's a great idea to come back here to sell. It's always my first choice to come back to the New York-bred sale, but they seem to be well-received just as a whole commercial market.”

Brennan has seen a trickle down of buyers from the select sale ahead of the New York-bred sale.

“Especially this year, there is a lot of rollover from people who attended the first sale,” he said. “And why not? You're already here. Just stay and enjoy Saratoga. Fasig has done a great job as always. I couldn't be more happy with the faces we have seen. You are getting the normal sales faces, but also the trainers and owners that you wouldn't normally see at most sales. So that's great. I'm really looking forward to it. And it's always a fun weekend with the Fourstardave–it's just fun to be here.”

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Francis Vanlangendonck Named Chairman of OBS

Francis Vanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales has been elected chairman of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company (OBS) board, succeeding Mike O'Farrell, who had been in the position since 2007. The fifth chairman in OBS history, Vanlangendonck has been on the board since 1990. He previously served as secretary/treasurer and was vice president under O'Farrell from 2007-2021.

“I am honored by the trust and confidence the board has shown by voting me OBS chairman,” said Vanlangendonck. “I certainly have a big pair of shoes to fill following Mike O'Farrell. His integrity and foresight has put OBS into an extremely solid position, both financially and within the Thoroughbred Industry.”

Vanlangendonck's Summerfield Sales, which he operates with his wife, Barbara, is annually among the leading consignors at OBS yearling and mixed sales. In 2021, Summerfield ranked 15th nationally with yearling sales of nearly $9 million. Their full-service farm includes a swimming pond for rehabilitation and facilities to prep yearlings.

O'Farrell spent nearly 40 years as an OBS board member. He tenure as chairman followed George Onett, Harry T. Mangurian, Jr., and Norman Casse. The O'Farrell family's Ocala Stud has been a leader in Ocala since 1956. O'Farrell's father, Joe, was one of the founding members of OBS in 1974 and served as the organization's first vice president.

In additional board changes, Dr. Barry Eisaman, whose Eisaman Equine is a leader at the OBS 2-year-old sales, was elected vice president. He had served as secretary/treasurer of OBS since 2010 and was first elected to the OBS board in 1996. Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse was elected secretary/treasurer. Casse, whose operation is based in Ocala, has been on the OBS board since 2001. His father, Norman, was a founding member of OBS and chairman of the board for more than 20 years.

Joining the OBS board for the first time are David O'Farrell of Ocala Stud and Paul Sharp of Paul Sharp Stables. The rest of the board includes Tom Ventura, President; Carl Bowling; Nick de Meric, de Meric Sales; Jimbo Gladwell, Top Line Sales; Jesse Hoppel, Coastal Equine; John Penn, Pennston Farm; Bryan Rice, Woodside Ranch; and Eddie Woods.

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Vanlangendonck Succeeds O’Farrell As Chairman Of OBS Board

Francis Vanlangendonck became the fifth chairman of the board in the history of Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, Inc. Mike O'Farrell steps down after nearly 40 years as an OBS board member. George Onett was the first chairman in 1975, followed by Harry T. Mangurian, Jr., Norman Casse and Mike O'Farrell.

Vanlangendonck operates Summerfield Sales with his wife Barbara. Prior to being elected chairman, Francis has been an OBS board member since 1990, became secretary/treasurer in 2005 and then vice president from 2007-2021. Summerfield has been a perennial leading consignor at the OBS yearling and mixed sales. Last year, Summerfield ranked 15th nationally with yearling sales of nearly $9 million. Their full-service farm includes a swimming pond for rehabilitation and to prep and condition yearlings.

Mike O'Farrell was elected to the OBS board in 1983, was vice president from 1986-2006 and chairman since 2007 before stepping down this year. The O'Farrell family's Ocala Stud has been a mainstay in Ocala since 1956 with Mike and his two sons, David and Joe now directing operations. Ocala Stud is synonymous with the Florida breeding industry and OBS. His father, Joe O'Farrell, was a true promoter of Florida breeding and pioneer of the two-year-old in training sale concept. He was one of the founding members of Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, Inc. in 1974 and the first vice president of OBS.

Barry Eisaman was elected vice president of the OBS board. Dr. Eisaman, a veterinarian, has been secretary/treasurer of OBS since 2010 and was first elected to the OBS board in 1996. Along with his wife Shari, Eisaman operates Eisaman Equine which is a constant presence and leading consignor at the OBS 2-Year-Old in Training Sales. Many of the top racing stables in the country rely on Eisaman Equine to provide the foundation for their young horses for their racing career and to rehabilitate older horses for their return to the races.

Mark Casse was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Mark and his wife Tina manage the vast Casse Racing operations from their base in Ocala. Mark has been an OBS board member since 2001 and his father Norman was a founding member of OBS and chairman of the board of OBS for over twenty years. Mark has won over 3,200 races as trainer with career earnings approaching $200 million. He has been inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Joining the OBS Board for the first time are David O'Farrell, Ocala Stud and Paul Sharp, Paul Sharp Stables. The rest of the board includes Tom Ventura, President; Carl Bowling; Nick de Meric, de Meric Sales; Jimbo Gladwell, Top Line Sales; Jesse Hoppel, Coastal Equine; John Penn, Pennston Farm; Bryan Rice, Woodside Ranch; and Eddie Woods.

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Tiznow Colt Tops OBS Winter Mixed Opener

Three-year-old Bear Brian (Tiznow), a winner in his only trip to the post so far, topped Tuesday's opening session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Winter Mixed Sale when bringing a final bid of $150,000 from Canadian-born trainer Kerri Raven during the day's racehorses in training section. A colt by Practical Joke was the session's top-priced short yearling when selling to Clark Shepherd of Shepherd Equine Advisors for $130,000. Both were consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck's Summerfield.

“The only thing that limits you here is the quality of the horse,” Francis Vanlangendonck said of the strength of the market in Ocala Tuesday. “I think there was plenty of money to buy anything that was here. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to sell almost everything–all but one horse–today, and there were multiple bidders on each one. So I was thrilled, actually, with the action we had. I don't think anybody is going into a sale at any time in the last eight months not worried, but it is holding up.”

During Tuesday's consignor preferred session, 98 head grossed $1,893,300 for an average of $19,319 and a median of $10,050. The buy-back rate was 31.0%. The 2021 figures were down slightly from last year's session, which saw 85 horses sell for $1,912,300 for an average of $22,498 and a median of $13,000.

A total of 73 head sold during Tuesday's horses of racing age section for a gross of $1,676,500. The average was $22,966 and the median was $13,000. A year ago, 70 racehorses grossed $1,366,900. The average was $19,527 and the median was $11,000.

“The racehorses sold really well,” Vanlangendonck said. “I mean, really well. Again, there were multiple people on almost every one of them.”

Bear Brian (hip 368), purchased for $300,000 as a weanling at the 2018 Keeneland November sale, rallied late to get his head in front on the wire in his six-furlong unveiling at Sam Houston Race Park Jan. 9 for Stonestreet Stables and trainer Steve Asmussen.

“There were five or six people on him,” Vanlangendonck said after watching the newly turned sophomore top Tuesday's session when selling for $150,000. “He is a beautiful colt and showed some form. This horse vetted really well, looked good, he's a beautiful horse and he looked good on the track when we galloped. I think everybody was looking at him and saying, 'He won first time out and that's hard to do no matter where you do it.' The fact that he is sound and pretty helped a lot.”

Bear Brian is out of stakes-winner Lil Super Bear (Super Saver).

Raven purchased three horses during the horses of racing age section Tuesday, going to $90,000 to acquire an unraced 3-year-old colt by Distorted Humor (hip 315) and to $60,000 to purchase the 5-year-old Jungle Fighter (Animal Kingdom) (hip 257).

A colt by Practical Joke (hip 182) was the top-priced offering during the consignor preferred section of the Winter Mixed Sale when selling for $130,000 to Shepherd's on-line bid. Shepherd was acting on behalf of Highlander Training Center owner Larry Hirsch who plans on racing the short yearling.

“He fit the mold of most of the good Practical Jokes that I've seen,” Shepherd said of the colt. “They all have a great walk and this colt was no different. He has a great body on him. And from a pedigree standpoint, I think Practical Joke works with a lot of mares. Every time that I see that happen in the very beginning, when they work with a broad base of mares, that dictates a racehorse sire. And they sure look the part.”

A three-time Grade I winner, Practical Joke's first foals are 2-year-olds this year. His 74 yearlings sold in 2020 averaged $120,243 with a high price of $575,000.

Asked if he had been impressed by Practical Joke's progeny, Shepherd said, “From day one. Even his first year standing, I recommended him to a lot of people for a lot of mares. When you go to the sales and start seeing his weanlings, you just have to like the package you see and then they start developing into quality yearlings. And word on the street is that the pinhookers are loving theirs.”

Consigned by Summerfield, the short yearling is the first foal out of Mobeautiful (Uncle Mo). He was bred by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds.

“Practical Joke has been pretty popular,” Vanlangendonck said when asked about the yearling's appeal. “He is kind of the buzz stallion down here with the training guys. A lot of them are talking about the ones they have are training on. So that helped. And he's out of an Uncle Mo mare and he has an Uncle Mo look to him with some leg. So between the combination of the two, there were seven or eight of the better eyes here on the grounds that were on him. He was that kind of horse.”

Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo purchased Mobeautiful's dam Switchboard (Bernardini) for $160,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling Sale with the intention of pinhooking her the following spring. An injury ended those plans and the Ocala horsemen added her to their broodmare band. Her first foal was Mobeautiful, who likewise missed the sales. Mobeautiful won two of four starts for Hartley in 2018. The 6-year-old mare was bred to Bolt d'Oro last year.

The Winter Mixed sale marks the fourth OBS auction to offer buyers the option to bid online. Shepherd took advantage of that opportunity Tuesday and was pleased with the result.

“This was kind of a last minute deal, so I wasn't even there,” Shepherd said. “I had people doing some things for me, sending back videos and pictures, and I had the vets doing some work for me. And I bid online. I didn't have the warm fuzzy feeling about it as being there myself, but we put a good team together.”

Of the experience of bidding online, Shepherd said, “I had no idea what to expect. Of course, I got on there yesterday and I was like a kid just trying to surf it and make sure I knew my way around. I was saying to myself, 'Well, surely it's not this simple.' But it was.”

Asked if he planned on doing more bidding online, Shepherd admitted, “Only if I have to. I would rather have my feet on the ground and see what I see. You can buy with more confidence that way. But we adapted on this one and obviously landed on a good horse and had to fight for him.”

The Winter Mixed sale continues with an open session beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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