Fasig-Tipton is one of the oldest Thoroughbred auction companies in the United States, but the sale for some of its youngest stock is right around the corner. The annual Fasig-Tipton July Selected Yearling Sales will be held July 13-14 in Lexington, so Horse Lover’s Guide will take a closer look at the historic equine auction company and its spectacular sales facilities.
Founded In 1898, Fasig-Tipton was originally located in New York and sold high-class road and carriage horses in addition to Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing stock. During World War II, the auction company held its sale in Kentucky for the first time–under a tent at Keeneland Race Course of all places (ironic because Keeneland and Fasig are now rival Thoroughbred sales companies). Fasig-Tipton relocated to the bluegrass permanently in 1972 and has since been setting records in the Thoroughbred auction ring and selling catalogues of horses that read like a “Who’s Who” of racing.
Notable Fasig-Tipton graduates include Seattle Slew, Genuine Risk, Unbridled, Silverbulletday, recent Derby winners Big Brown and Mine That Bird, and the highest-priced broodmare of all time, Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour, who sold for $14-million in 2008.
With the purchase of Fasig-Tipton by Dubai-based Synergy Investments, Ltd. in 2008, the Lexington facilities have undergone incredible renovations, expansions, and cosmetic improvements. Take a detour down its manicured, tree-lined driveway off Newtown Pike, just miles from the Kentucky Horse Park, and you’ll see just how beautiful the sales pavilion and grounds really are. 2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington.

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