Stockholm, Sweden – With the auctioneers voice echoing in the background (in Swedish of course), I attended my first Elitloppet Yearling Sale Friday at the Scandic Infra City in Upplands Vasby.
It was a sight to behold from the parking lot across the street for the hotel that holds the sale every year.
There is a jumbo TV screen as you cross the street because the parking lot at the hotel is jammed pack. The TV screen has the information on the horse currently being sold. A total of 90 yearlings were to go through the sales ring.
But what was unique was that the jumbo TV screen had the current bid prices in Swedish and Norweigan Kroners, Euro and I was not sure of the other demonization.
There was already a line of people trying to get into the back area of the sale as the inside arena was packed to the brim with an estimate 500 plus crow of people for the annual sale.
There were plenty of vendor booths with horse trailers, Elitloppet t-shirts, caps and hoodies, horse shoes, tack equipment and much more on sale.
I was quite surprised as I turned the corner and there was an outstanding buffet and seating for more than 150 people and the seating wrapped around the sales ring so people could eat and watch and bid on the yearling sale.
Then I looked around the room and saw people going into a private area so I checked that out and it was private dining room for 250 people with a big screen TV showing the auction and prices and taking bids.
It was an amazing crowd for the yearling sale. Top owners and trainers from throughout Europe and the USA.
I am guessing that Saturday’s race card with be just as amazing, rain or shine!
By Steve Wolf for Harnesslink.com