At the 2026 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale held Monday at Newtown Paddox in Lexington, Kentucky, Grade 1 stakes winner Iscream Scream emerged as the top-priced horse. Despite challenging weather conditions, overall sales showed strong gains throughout the event.
Iscream Scream (hip 385), victor of the G1 Del Mar Oaks and G2 San Clemente Handicap, was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for $1.5 million (video available). Offered as a potential broodmare by TaylorMade Sales Agency, she represented owners Agave Racing Stables, Little Red Feather Racing, John Hundley Jr., Marcia Neifai, John Snyder, and Stacey Synder.
“Sales were phenomenal,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning remarked. “Statistically, everything increased by 40 percent or more. On top of that, there was robust activity at various price levels. The sale looked very strong, with bidders ranging from $1,500,000 down to $15,000, showing engagement across the market.”
The top five highlights from the sessions include:
Ava’s Grace (Hip 126), a Curlin colt, sold for $950,000 to MWG LLC through the Hill and Dale consignment from agency Xalapa. Ava’s Grace is a Grade 1-winning daughter of Laoban and is represented by a 2-year-old Into Mischief colt and a 1-year-old Into Mischief filly (Hip 127).
El Sueno (Hip 193), a Carlin colt, went for $800,000 to Tropical Racing LLC, also consigned by Hill & Dale of Xalapa. El Sueno has already sired three winners, including Group 2 winner Dreamlis.
A yearling filly by Ava’s Grace and Into Mischief (Hip 127) sold for $625,000 to MWG LLC on behalf of Hill & Dale of Xalapa. This marks a continuation of the ongoing relationship with the dam’s mare. The filly was bred in Kentucky by Cypress Creek Equine.
May Sam (Hip 294), a daughter of G3 Fasig-Tipton Santa Isabel Stakes winner Game Winner, was sold as a prospective broodmare for $400,000 to agent Katsumi Yoshida via Hill & Dale consignment.
An encouraging point, Browning added, is that many horses sold well above their consignor’s reserve price, reflecting the sophisticated and market-savvy nature of the consignors.
In total, 267 horses changed hands for $16,696,500, a 43.6% rise compared to 263 horses sold for $11,626,500 last year. The average price rose 41.5% to $62,534 from $44,207, and the median climbed 47.1% to $25,000 from $17,000. The RNA (reserve not attained) rate stood at 17.5%.
Browning concluded, “These results reflect the quality of the catalogue. Buyers are increasingly confident in the February sales.”
Full sale results are available online.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on February 10, 2026, and appeared in the News section. Click here to add Paulick Report as your preferred source.
Fan Take: This impressive surge in sales demonstrates growing confidence and investment in the thoroughbred market, signaling a healthy future for breeding and racing. For horse racing enthusiasts, it suggests an influx of high-quality bloodlines that could elevate competition and excitement in the sport in the coming years.
