The 2026 Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association All Age Thoroughbred Sale delivered a record-setting night Thursday, September 3, highlighted by a $95,000 sale topper, a record average and a record median.
The sale cataloged 42 horses, with four outs and seven RNAs. Thirty-one horses sold for a total of $882,200, producing a record average of $28,458 and a record median of $20,000.
The results marked a significant increase over the 2025 ITBOA Sale, which recorded gross sales of $803,950, an average of $16,749 and a median of $12,500.
Mentz Purchases Both Sale-Topping Colt, Filly
Hip 34, a 2025 bay colt by Goldencents out of Miss Waikiki, by Liaison, topped the sale at a record $95,000. Consigned by Iowa State University, Agent for Poindexter Thoroughbreds, the colt was purchased by John Mentz.
Mentz also purchased the sale's highest-priced filly, Hip 39, for $80,000. The chestnut filly, by Midshipman out of Damascus Gate, by Too Much Bling, was consigned by Steeple Hill Farm.
The strength of the sale extended well beyond the top two yearlings. Hip 33 brought $75,000, Hip 29 sold for $60,000, Hip 30 brought $55,000, and Hips 31 and 32 each sold for $50,000.
For ITBOA Executive Director Brandi Jo Fett, the record-setting night was especially meaningful as it marked her 20th ITBOA Fall Sale.
"Twenty sales. It's hard to believe! Looking back over the past 20 years, I'm incredibly proud of how much this sale has grown and so grateful for all the people who have been a part of it.
"A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year's sale such a success, and to everyone who has helped me along the way over the last 20 years. There are so many people behind the scenes who give their time, work long hours, answer my calls, help solve problems and step in wherever they're needed. I could do none of this without them.
"Thank you to our consignors for bringing such an outstanding group of yearlings and for continuing to support the ITBOA Sale and Iowa Thoroughbred racing. And to all of the owners who purchased horses, thank you and good luck! I can't wait to follow these yearlings and see what they accomplish on the racetrack. There's nothing better than watching a horse come through our sale and go on to succeed.
"My 20th sale was one I'll never forget. Thank you to everyone who made it the best one yet!"
2026 ITBOA Fall Sale by the Numbers
- 42 consigned
- 4 outs
- 7 RNAs
- 31 sold
- Gross: $882,200
- Record Average: $28,458
- Record Median: $20,000
- Record Sale Topper: $95,000, Hip 34
- Top-Selling Filly: $80,000, Hip 39
The 2026 results continue the momentum of the Iowa Thoroughbred breeding and racing program and demonstrate strong demand for horses offered through the ITBOA Sale.
