LONDON, ON (OCT. 10, 2026) – Fresh government support for Ontario’s Standardbred sector and a strong lineup of stallions are two main reasons Greg Blanchard feels positive about this year’s London Classic Yearling Sale (LCYS), taking place on Oct. 13 and 14 at the J-AAR Expo Centre (formerly the Agriplex) at the Western Fair District in London, ON.
“I’m really optimistic that it’s going to be a good sale for everybody this year,” said Blanchard, the LCYS sale manager regarding the auction featuring mostly Ontario Sired yearlings. “That’s based on what we’ve seen elsewhere with other sales showing strong numbers and our catalog is fantastic. It might be the best we’ve ever had here.”
“Also, there is some good news [about additional government funding] that we received in Ontario earlier this summer, along with more recent developments about [increases for] Ontario Sired horses and their earning potential ahead. I believe everything’s set up for what we hope will be an excellent sale.”
In June, Ontario Racing announced that the provincial government allocated $35 million in extra annual funding for the next five years to support all three racing breeds in the province.
The London Classic Yearling Sale will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Western Fair District (Claus Andersen Photo)
The share for the Standardbred industry was over $14 million. Most of this will go towards purses and horse improvement initiatives.
There’s approximately $5 million in new funds for the Standardbred Improvement Program (SIP), which runs various programs including the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) that will exceed $17 million by 2027.
Alongside OSS purses, there’ll also be over $5.5 million available specifically for Ontario Sired horses next year.
All together, nearly $23 million will be dedicated to purses exclusively for Ontario Sired horses in 2027.
“Honestly, things have been stagnant in Ontario over the last decade since SARP [the Slots at Racetracks Program] was discontinued [in 2013],” Blanchard noted. “So, this [new funding] was much needed and great news for our industry. What I appreciate is that this money is distributed across various overnight programs throughout the province and through both Ontario Sires Stakes as well as many new restricted events specific to Ontario breeders. So overall, it’s positive news for everyone involved.”
“I think people are feeling more inclined now to invest in Ontario. It was already one of North America’s strongest provincial programs but now we’ve got an added boost across our industry as well. So you can approach the sale with increased confidence knowing you have different avenues to recover your investment through purchases.”
Hall of Famer Jim Bullock stated his Glengate Farms from Erin, ON plans to sell 10 yearlings during this year’s event through Preferred Equine consignment.
“I’ve taken horses from Ontario to both Lexington and Harrisburg over time while also selling some here in London; I found I wasn’t getting particularly good prices either way when selling my Ontario Bred horses which were often bought by folks from around here,” Bullock shared. “Then when you arrive at London people would say things like ‘He took his best ones to Lexington or his best ones to Harrisburg.’”
“One thing I noticed particularly from both Lexington but especially Harrisburg is that while you can choose any stallion you want to breed with if your mare has what I’d call an ‘Ontario pedigree,’ it becomes tough to get a fair price since American buyers tend not value them highly.”
“Last year went really well for me here in London so this time around I’ve decided just to bring all my own Ontarios,” Bullock chuckled while reflecting on past decisions made regarding where he sold his horses. “I jokingly told Greg when he reached out looking for comments that it took me about two decades or so before realizing selling my Ontarios right here makes sense!”
Bullock mentioned he’ll offer seven yearlings on opening day and three on day two.
“Every breeder says it but honestly I’ve got one of my strongest groups ready compared to previous years coming into London,” Bullock expressed with optimism regarding upcoming sales outcomes.
Bullock quipped he’d gladly accept an average price matching last week’s record-setting Lexington Selected Yearling Sale average of $81,320 U. S., per horse sold during his ten entries here at London’s event!
He feels particularly hopeful about Hip #55 North Lite-a King Of The North sibling to O’Brien Award winner Strobe Lite-doing very well too.
“And then I’ve got three lovely Green Manalishi colts boasting solid pedigrees,” he continued excitedly adding insights into his roster available soon; “While we don’t see many visitors stop by ahead of time checking out our offerings-after having hosted roughly twelve guests-I could usually gauge interest levels pretty accurately among them! I expect those Green Manalishis should perform quite nicely!”
Around 280 yearlings are set to go under hammer during LCYS spread across both days-approximately145 scheduled Tuesday followed by another130 Wednesday-with each session commencing promptly at noon each day!
Blanchard highlighted appreciation toward having such a varied assortment featuring veteran proven sires like Bettor’s Delight along with newer exciting names such as Bulldog Hanover Cattlewash King Of The North Beach Glass Lawless Shadow enriching competition amongst entrants seeking high-caliber talent exhibited throughout their respective lines!
p>“You observe closely; It reveals how deeply stacked ontario stallion rosters appear today!”remarked blachard proudly showcasing local strengths increasingly rivaling major jurisdictions active within north America due largely because these sires produce top class competitors able winning prestigious races occurring regularly!”
p>This year’s sale roster features significant navigation improvements thanks entirely due diligence executed behind scenes involving newly added marketing personnel aiding distribution efforts directly linked equineline app integration providing seamless transitions without hiccups often experienced previously!”elaborated blachard enthusiastically citing collective accomplishments achieved recently following constructive feedback received positively acknowledged widely throughout community networks encompassing participating stakeholders alike improving accessibility reaching audiences reliably via digital platforms accordingly keeping pace contemporary trends emerging modern times adapting swiftly necessary always staying relevant ultimately enhancing overall experience enjoyed clientele attending events live onsite versus traditional hardcopy catalogs utilized historically preceding prior instances before changes enacted officially came into effect today finally paving pathways future endeavors forward optimistically!
p>“When considering adjustments made recently auction block structure differs notably compared prior iterations implemented henceforth going forth maintaining emphasis safety concerns paramount ensuring ease navigating thoroughfares leading ringside activities uninterrupted avoiding complications arising ramp inclines etcetera shall enhance visual appeal altogether contributing better flow moving smoothly relative interests observed interacting regularly clients present respectively equally encouraging satisfaction derived outcomes realized become tangible reflecting growing enthusiasm felt collectively spreading positivity emanating palpable energy throughout vicinity surrounding atmosphere cultivating harmonious coexistence enabling prosperity thrive long-term benefits witnessed overtime continuously building momentum sustaining growth envisioned fostering fruitful relationships built upon trust loyalty rooted deeply anchoring ideals flourishing prosperously!”concluded final reflections summarizing sentiments conveyed passionately emphasizing current outlook filled promise anticipation gathering nearing action-packed showdown unfolding imminently ahead concluding remarks reflected clearly observable contrasts exists between present state surrounding landscape compared earlier periods experienced generally indicating brighter horizons lie ahead unquestionably awaiting participants collectively invested wholeheartedly journey unfolding promptly pursuing dreams aspirations sparked igniting flames excitement illuminating paths shining brightly guiding journeys toward achieving success achievable culminating exhilarating culmination hopes nestled deep hearts yearning fulfillment eagerly sought after continually aspiring perpetually motivated progress navigate moments define legacies shape destiny formulating realities crafted intentionally affirmatively expressing positivity radiating outward inclusive nature engaging dialogue underscored prominently 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responsibility safeguard distinct individuality ensure protection enable openness acceptance comprising vibrant mosaic identity demonstrate traits articulate fullest embodiment compassionate inclusive attitudes advocate progressive stances integrate restorative justice practices preserve ecosystems intact sufficient capacity meet demands challenges arising undertake multidimensional approaches necessitated multifaceted dilemmas confront diversifying complexities evolving rapidly transition adaption remain flexible responsive synthesize information critically organize resources comprehensively strategize innovate thoughtfully envision strategically effective collaborations engineered utilizing synergies mobilized grassroots activism encouraging participation visibility advocating increased efforts aimed reform systemic paradigms architects devising frameworks systematic revolutions catalyzed radical transformations energized concerted action orchestrated collaboratively revolutionizing social contracts revitalized governing principles grounded equity ethics justice demarcate lines
