The 2026 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale will feature several key changes, the company announced Tuesday. Per their release, these changes, centered around eliminating timed workouts and restricting whip use, are designed to better reflect the natural athleticism of the horses, and attract a wider pool of buyers to the marketplace.
Key changes include:
- All under tack show performances will be untimed; Fasig-Tipton will not officially clock breezes.
- Use of the riding crop will be restricted: riders may carry a crop for safety purposes but may not strike horses during workouts.
“These changes reflect our commitment to improving our two-year-old sales process,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “We believe buyer focus has skewed too heavily toward stopwatch-based evaluations. This approach is intended to restore balance–emphasizing how a horse moves and presents itself on the track.”
The modifications are also designed with long-term strategy in mind: to welcome a broader spectrum of buyers. “By focusing less on clock-driven evaluations and removing whip use, we believe we can create a more accessible and horse-first sales environment,” Browning continued. “Our aim is to better serve traditional buyers while also welcoming new owners, trainers, and end-users who are interested in acquiring horses that are physically ready and mentally sound for the racetrack.”
Fasig-Tipton's decision was based in part on an unplanned but revealing trial during the 2025 Midlantic May Sale when severe weather prompted the company to adjust the final day of the under tack show to untimed gallops and breezes. According to Fasig-Tipton, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“It became an unexpected case study,” said Browning. “Not only did the show present well visually, but the horses came out of their workouts in excellent condition–and the feedback from leading buyers and consignors was extremely supportive. That experience, combined with the tremendous horsemanship of our consignors, gives us the confidence to make these changes.”
The 2026 Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale will take place May 18-19 in Timonium, Maryland, following the running of the Preakness Stakes.
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