07 August, 2026
The 2026 Hokkaido Summer Sale has catalogued 1,406 yearlings for this year's edition, making it the largest sale of the year in Japan in terms of the number of lots on offer. The six-day sale will commence on Monday, August 17, and continue through Saturday, August 22.
Historically, the Summer Sale was conducted over five days, but it has been extended to six days for the past two years due to increasing demand from breeders wishing to offer their yearlings. The six-day format will continue this year.
Efforia (JPN) finished as the leading sire by gross at the 2026 Hokkaido Selection Sale and will be represented by 25 yearlings at the Summer Sale. Lot 1226, a colt out of Kineo Dancer (JPN), is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Run for Vow (JPN). Kineo Dancer's two-year-old by Danon Smash (JPN) sold for ¥39,600,000 (US$247,500) at last year's Hokkaido Selection Sale.
Dual Group 1 dirt winner Cafe Pharoah (USA) will be represented by his first crop. His 49 yearlings include Lot 1325, a colt out of Group 3 winner Baroness Thatcher (USA). He is a half-brother to Group 3-placed Hilda (JPN).
Another Group 1 winner, Sharp Azteca (USA), will also be represented by his first full crop in Japan. He has 39 yearlings catalogued, with only eight sires represented by more than 30 yearlings in this year's sale.
MAX Training Farm will offer 111 yearlings, making it the only consignor with more than 100 yearlings and the largest consignor at the sale by number of lots. Chestnut Farm follows with 81 yearlings.
The Hokkaido Summer Sale recorded its highest-ever gross and average price in 2025. This year's six-day Hokkaido Summer Sale will be held at the Hokkaido Sales Complex beginning on August 17.
US$1 = JP¥160
*Written by Toshihiro Onikubo