Deep Impact stock draws international buyers to Japan

After reaching a zenith in 2015 with a third consecutive record for turnover and the most international buyers in its history, the Japan Racing Horse Association select sale is set to begin in Hokkaido on Monday with a sense that more strong sessions could be on the way.

A larger number of buyers, both domestic and international, have registered for this two-day auction of yearlings and foals than any other edition of Japan’s most elite market for young stock, which was inaugurated in 1998.

Coolmore’s MV Magnier, who has not previously attended the sale, arrived at the Northern Horse Park sale grounds on Sunday to join Dermot Ryan, manager of Ashford Stud in Kentucky, and David O’Loughlin, director of sales for Coolmore in Ireland. Bloodstock agent John McCormack, a veteran at the JRHA sale, joined the trio in inspecting yearlings.