SARGA.CO - Japan’s Summer Sale 2026 has closed with record-breaking figures, as the six-day Thoroughbred yearling auction at the Hokkaido Market in Shin-Hidaka produced its strongest results since the sale’s inception.
The final session was held on 22 August, with 212 horses offered and 179 sold. The final-day clearance rate reached 84.4%, while total sales came to ¥1.2797 billion, excluding tax, at an average price of approximately ¥7.15 million.
Overall, 1,331 horses were offered with 1,103 sold, including 659 colts and 444 fillies, for a clearance rate of 82.87%. Total sales reached ¥8.6613 billion, establishing a new record for the Summer Sale.
The most expensive horse sold on the last day was Hip No. 1306, Charming Act 2025, a colt by Rulership, who changed hands for ¥34 million.
Bred by Hashimoto Farm in Niikappu, the colt is the first foal out of Charming Act, a mare who won twice at Kanazawa before returning to the Japan Racing Association (JRA). She subsequently won a one-win class race and finished third in the two-win class Okazaki Tokubetsu.
The colt was purchased by Yoshimasa Ema, whose ownership interests include successful horses such as Lugal and Mixology.
The Summer Sale's record figures arrive at a time when Japanese horse racing continues to attract international attention, both on the racetrack and in the breeding market. For breeders, the record turnover provides further evidence that demand remains high, while for owners, the sale marks the start of another search for the next graded-stakes winner or potential G1 star.
Of course, every yearling purchased comes with the uncertainty inherent to Thoroughbred racing. A high auction price is no guarantee of success, yet buyers' willingness to commit vast sums demonstrates confidence in the industry.
The Summer Sale may have ended with a record ¥8.6613 billion in sales, but the real journey is only beginning for the 1,103 horses that found buyers.
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Article was based on Netkeiba story
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