10 September, 2026
The 2026 Hokkaido September Sale has catalogued 724 yearlings for this year's edition, the largest catalogue in the sale's history. First held in 2019, this year's sale will mark its eighth edition. The four-day auction will commence on Monday, September 14, and continue through Thursday, September 17. The final 18 lots in the catalogue are yearlings that were either withdrawn or went unsold at the Hokkaido Selection Sale, Japan's premier yearling sale held in July.
Flying freshman sire Efforia (JPN) will be represented by five yearlings, including just one colt. Lot 683, the sole colt, is out of two-time JRA winner God Queen Bee (JPN), whose family traces to four-time Group 1 winner Apapane (JPN). Lot 314 is a filly by Efforia out of Listed-placed mare Elegant Ruby (JPN).
One of Japan's most expensive sires, Equinox (JPN), will be represented by two fillies. Lot 712 is out of the Street Sense (USA) mare Fashion Street (USA), while Lot 724 is out of the Into Mischief (USA) mare Cease and Desist (USA). Fashion Street was purchased for US$85,000 at the 2019 Keeneland November Sale, while Cease and Desist was purchased for US$235,000 at the same sale in 2021.
Dual February Stakes winner Cafe Pharoah (USA) will be represented by his first crop and has the largest representation in the catalogue, with 24 yearlings set to go under the hammer. Danon Legend (USA) follows with 21 yearlings, while Moanin (USA) will be represented by 19. Current leading first-crop dirt sire Chuwa Wizard (JPN) and Tower of London (JPN) will each have 18 yearlings catalogued.
Among the consignors, Craic Stable leads the way with 41 yearlings, followed by Chestnut Farm with 35. Three other consignors will offer more than 20 yearlings: Mombetsu Bokujo with 33, Hidaka Race Horse Cooperative Upbringing Center with 24, and MAX Training Farm with 23.
Following a record-breaking Hokkaido Summer Sale, attention now turns to whether the strong momentum of Japan's yearling market will continue into the September Sale. The four-day Hokkaido September Sale will take place at the Hokkaido Sales Complex from September 14th to 17th.
*Written by Toshihiro Onikubo