TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale: Business As Usual
Monday, April 21, 2003
On April 11 and 12 it was business as usual as TSE/Tattersalls opened its doors in Lexington, Ky., for the Spring Sale. The first in the annual series of three seasonal offerings consisted of 242 consignments. Minor administrative changes contributed to a welcomed decline in “Outs” (horses cataloged but not presented in the sales pavilion), while RNA’S (Reserves Not Attained) remained steady and consistent with prior sales. The sale average was $3,650. “Overall, we were pleased with the sale and the state of our industry,” stated TSE/Tattersalls President Ed Teater. “Our average was down slightly from previous sales. I believe a soft economy and global uncertainty were contributing factors; we anticipated a discernible adjustment that would keep us in line with most other businesses, but our adjustment was minimal. Our market is unique in that it continues to remain extremely viable.” Underscoring Teater's point and highlighting the Friday session was Heirobatic, the five-gaited consignment from Helen Curtin of Potomac, Md. All eyes were on this engaging chestnut gelding as he tempted participants to a sale high bid of $31,000. With Steve Wheeler in the irons for agent Nelson Green, Heirobatic gave the audience an exemplary performance befitting of his show record. By Supreme Heir and out of a Royal Return mare, this prior Two-Year-Old Five-Gaited Reserve World’s Champion boasts a substantial list of impressive wins over his young career and was chosen by Bruce Williams of Lenoir City, Tenn. The former Ladies Three-Gaited Over 15.2 Reserve World’s Champion, El Milagro’s Sir Richard, was consigned by Edmon Design and Patti Edmon of Lexington, Ky. This expressive gelding was presented under saddle by Jeannette Rabbitt, representing Shadow Run, LLC, located in Nicholasville, Ky. Cocky and chromed, he entertained bidders with a game attitude and a big trot. Already sporting wins in juvenile, open, amateur, and ladies divisions, this well-rounded individual seemed a likely and apt contender for the coming show season. A $20,000 ticket was signed on behalf of Ray Blanton of Dublin, Ohio. Larry Sanders selected Summertime Song, a junior five-gaited mare by Catalyst, as an addition to the show stable at Cryst-A-Kell Farm of Paducah, Ky. Her bold gaits and nonstop work ethic gave testament to her strong maternal line leading to twice World’s Grand Champion CH Belle Elegant. The final call was $16,000 on the Carolyn T. Groves consignment from Minneapolis, Minn. She was presented by Tre’ Lee with John T. Jones of Union, Ky., acting as agent for the consignor. I Am Denali, a three-year-old prospect for the three-gaited or fine harness division, entered the sales pavilion with Walt Bullard up for agent George Knight of Lexington, Ky. A consignment from the Randall L. Finken Living Trust of Perrysburg, Ohio, the young gelding is by Rare Treasure and out of Chaparella, a half sister to World’s Champion M-Eighty and CH Sunforest. His gifted athleticism and high-headed carriage attracted attention and an offer of $15,000 from John and Gloria Goering of Crescent Springs, Ky. I Am Denali sold with engagements to the National Three-Year-Old Futurity, the ASHA Three-Year-Old Sweepstakes, and the UPHA Classics. Merrill Murray of Versailles, Ky., capably presented Rare Bella to the public and received a $15,000 final bid for purchase. The stately black gelding caused the crowd to take notice as he performed five gaits down the straightaway. The entry from Mary Whitehead and Mary Jane Meanor of Nutley, N.J., claims a seasoned show record and looks suitable and primed for continued success. Rare Bella is now the property of Dr. Debra Rykoff’s Venture-On Farm located in Barrington Hills, Ill. Rob and Jackie Tanner of Versailles, Ky., topped the broodmare market with their captivating entry, Demure. This former World’s Champion and winning fine harness mare is by deceased World’s Grand Champion, CH Foxfire’s Prophet. Her dam, Lady’s Lace, is a full sister to Acapulco Princess, dam of World’s Champion Principal and CH Cardinal Point. She lists Ladies Five-Gaited World’s Champion and many time Lexington winner CH Princess Julia as her second dam. Demure sold in foal to the well-known sire Periaptor. Ronnie Shields of Nicholasville, Ky., was the successful bidder at $13,000. Five-gaited horses were the crowd favorites and Lite Show was no exception, demanding a $12,500 purchase price. Consigned by David or Alice A. Crutchfield or Dorothea B. Iles of Waterloo, Ill., this handsome bay gelding was very capably presented for public offering by William Greenwell of Champaign, Ill. By Supreme Hi Lite and out of the well-remembered Supreme Sultan mare, Sultan’s Dianna, the royally bred Lite Show rightfully delighted new owners Jennifer and Rebecca Shuman of Charleston, W. Va. Attitude is everything, and Serenade Me entered the sales pavilion with a presence that forced buyers to take notice. The up-fronted bay mare by Clover Hill’s In Command was presented under saddle by Walt Bullard, and looked to be an excellent prospect for several divisions. George Knight served as agent for the Jacquelyn M. Stred Revocable Trust of Lexington, Ky., consignment. Scott Matton served as agent for purchasers Austin and Louise Eversman of West Bend, Wis., by signing the $11,000 guarantee. Harrison Shiflet of Asheboro, N.C., procured the fun and colorful Shamrock’s Robin Hood for $10,000. Steve Demjen turned the sales ring into his personal arena as he tested this sporty gelding’s ability to accelerate from first through fifth. The World Inspection Network-Westerville of Westerville, Ohio, consignment didn’t miss a beat as he made bidders wish they could take a turn in the stirrups. With his game disposition and robust ability, he will be hard to overlook in the show ring. Callaway’s Barbara, the quality broodmare consignment from Mike Peel of Lapeer, Mich., boasts an impressive pedigree that helped ensure her $9,500 bid. By the legendary CH Will Shriver and out of Callaway’s First Lady by CH Yorktown, this grand mare is a full sister to famous seven-time five-gaited World’s Champion CH Callaway’s Criterion. Callaway’s Barbara is the dam of the current three-gaited stakes winner Callaway’s Tobar, her first foal. She sold in foal to Supremacy’s High Time, sire of 2002 performance winners and Reserve World’s Champions Blue’s Clues and High Time’s Spartan. Jonelle Chovanec of Chicago, Ill., was the successful bidder. The Spring Sale marks the beginning of a new season and is often reflective of the hopeful anticipation inherent with new growth. Springtime in the Bluegrass may have appeared a little different this year to those fondly familiar with Lexington. A record breaking ice storm that devastated the city only a few short months ago may have scarred the landscape, but for visitors arriving for the TSE/Tattersalls Spring Sale everything was in place. Young trees were in bud, serving as reminders that things are back to business as usual. For two days, horses took precedence as other concerns were temporarily forgotten. In a season of regrowth and a climate of uncertainty, The Spring Sale proved that tradition is a stabilizing force. The second of the three 2003 TSE sale offerings will be held July 9 -11. Entries close Tuesday, May 27.
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