When Canadian Horse of the Year "Moira" fetched an impressive $4.3 million at The November Sale at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky, she earned the distinction of being the second-highest-priced Canadian-bred horse ever sold at auction, according to research by "Canadian Thoroughbred".
Since there is no centralised database for auction prices of Canadian-breds, the following list of the top 12 sales has been compiled using various sources, including internet searches and the "American Racing Manual". Corrections and additional insights are welcome to refine the records further.
Canadian-bred horses have consistently commanded high prices at yearling and mixed sales worldwide. While some standouts have achieved fame in racing, many of the most expensive horses were sold for breeding stock purposes, highlighting their lasting value in bloodlines.
12. Sergei Prokofiev – $1,100,000 (2017)
This colt, bred by Anderson Farms and sired by "Scat Daddy" out of "Orchard Beach", was purchased as a yearling by prominent buyers John Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor. After proving his speed with victories like the Cornwallis Stakes (G3) at Newmarket, he retired to stud, where he quickly made an impact with 22 winners in 2024, topping Europe’s first-year sire earnings with over $972,000.
11. Carotene – $1,300,000 (1988)
Born from "Carrot Top II" and sired by "Great Nephew", Carotene was bred by Bud and David Willmot at Kinghaven Farms. A standout on the track, she earned over $1.2 million and six Sovereign Awards during her career, including the Breeders' Stakes. Sold at Kinghaven’s dispersal, she later produced seven foals, with four minor winners.
10. Inglorious – $1,350,000 (2013)
Bred by Arosa Farms and trained by Josie Carroll, Inglorious won the Woodbine Oaks and the Queen’s Plate as a three-year-old, earning $1.4 million. Donver Stable sold her as a broodmare prospect to Kia-Ora Stud Australia. Among her offspring is the Group 2-placed "Miss Canada".
9. Interstatedaydream – $1,400,000 (2023)
Bred by Windhaven Farm, this daughter of "Classic Empire" out of "Babcock" was purchased as a racing and broodmare prospect by Repole Stable. A winner of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), she earned $689,269 before her sale in 2023.
8. Hard Not to Like – $1,500,000 (2014)
Bred by Hillsbrook Farm, this "Hard Spun" mare had a stellar career, including wins in the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1) and Diana Stakes (G1). After her sale to Speedway Stable, she continued to shine on the track and later produced foals, including graded stakes-placed "Faustin".
7. Sahlabiya – $1,600,000 (2020)
Another offspring of "Orchard Beach", Sahlabiya was bred by Anderson Farms and purchased by Shadwell Stable. Though her career remains limited, she showed promise with a maiden victory at Ellis Park.
6. Wonder Gadot – $2,000,000 (2019)
A champion on the track, "Wonder Gadot" won multiple graded stakes, including the Queen’s Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes, before being sold to K Farms of Japan. She retired with $1.2 million in earnings, and her first two foals remain unraced.
5. Hard Not to Like (Repeat Entry) – $2,200,000 (2015)
The mare returned to auction and fetched an even higher price after her successful racing and early broodmare career.
4. Hard Not to Love – $3,200,000 (2021)
Despite losing an eye early in life, this "Hard Spun" mare captured major wins like the La Brea Stakes (G1). She was sold as a broodmare prospect after an exceptional career on the track.
3. Ballydoyle – $3,500,000 (1981)
Bred by Windfields Farm and sired by the legendary "Northern Dancer", Ballydoyle set a world record for yearling prices. Though his racing career was short-lived, his sale remains historic.
2. Moira – $4,300,000 (2023)
Bred by Adena Springs and trained by Kevin Attard, "Moira" claimed victories in the Woodbine Oaks and Queen’s Plate before earning Horse of the Year honours. She was sold to Yulong in Australia after an illustrious career.
1. Imperial Falcon – $8,250,000 (1984)
Another Windfields Farm-bred standout, "Imperial Falcon", by "Northern Dancer", was one of the most expensive yearlings ever sold in North America. Though injuries curtailed his racing career, his record-breaking sale remains legendary.
This list showcases the global impact of Canadian-bred horses, from their dominance on the track to their contributions in breeding. Each name represents a story of excellence and ambition, continuing Canada’s legacy in the equine world.