Topping the 2026 TQHA Yearling Sale at $325,000 was Hip 374, Whatacowboy, consigned by Rigby Equine, Agent, and purchased by Whatacowboy Partners, LLC.

© Leann Noguera / StallioneSearch

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

SAN ANTONIO, TX—JULY 25, 2026—The 2026 TQHA Yearling Sale closed on a high note Saturday afternoon at the Freeman Coliseum Exposition Hall in San Antonio, producing one of the strongest renewals in recent years as buyers spent more than $6.65 million over the two-day auction.

The sale saw increases in every major statistical category despite offering fewer yearlings than a year ago. A total of 272 yearlings sold for $6,658,700, an increase of $829,900 over the 2025 gross. The average price climbed to $24,481, up 7.5% from $22,769, while the median jumped 23.1% from $13,000 to $16,000, reflecting continued demand for quality Texas-bred racing prospects.

"We're extremely grateful to everyone who participated in this year's TQHA Yearling Sale," said TQHA Executive Director Scott Sherwood. "Our sincere thanks go to all of the buyers for their continued confidence in the Texas breeding program and to the breeders and consignors who brought such an outstanding group of yearlings to San Antonio. We were excited to see both our longtime customers and many new faces competing throughout the sale, and the results speak volumes about the strength and momentum of the Texas Quarter Horse industry."

Saturday's final session featured the three highest-priced yearlings of the entire sale, all sired by leading sire Flying Cowboy 123.

Topping the auction at $325,000 was Hip 374, Whatacowboy, a colt out of the Feature Mr Jess mare Illegal Feature. Consigned by Rigby Equine, Agent, the standout colt was purchased by Whatacowboy Partners, LLC, becoming the highest-priced horse sold during the two-day sale. Whatacowboy is a half-brother to two-time champion Feature Hero.

The second-highest seller was Hip 314, Flyover 123, also by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of the multiple stakes-producing Jet Cartel mare Pink Cartel. Consigned by Bullard Farms, the colt brought $225,000 from the partnership of Tommy Neal, Kenny Henderson, and Todd Neff. Flyover 123 is a half-sibling to 2021 TQHA Sale Futurity(RG2) winner Doc McCrocklin.

Rounding out the top three was Hip 367, Cowboy Justice 123, another son of Flying Cowboy 123, out of the American Runaway mare Liberte. Consigned by Granada Farms, Agent, the colt sold for $170,000 to Michael G. Valenzuela. The gray colt is from the family of champions Heartswideopen, Bodacious Eagle, Dashing Phoebe, Special Phobe, etc.

Leading the buyer standings was Whatacowboy Partners, LLC, whose lone purchase totaled $325,000. The partnership of Tommy Neal, Kenny Henderson, and Todd Neff ranked second after purchasing two yearlings for $237,000, while Michael G. Valenzuela secured two yearlings for $187,000. T & S Construction LLC rounded out the top four after purchasing seven yearlings for $185,000.

Among consignors, Haddad Ranch led the way with 25 yearlings grossing $860,500. Granada Farms, Agent, followed with 30 head selling for $686,700, while Rigby Equine, Agent, sold 12 yearlings totaling $583,700. Robicheaux Ranch Inc., Agent, completed the top four with 17 yearlings bringing $491,200.

The sire yearling rankings were dominated by the offspring of Flying Cowboy 123, whose 15 yearlings averaged an impressive $88,133 to lead all sires with two or more sold. Apollitical Jess ranked second with five yearlings averaging $61,800, followed by Tempting Dash, whose four offspring averaged $47,250. Tres Seis rounded out the top four with 11 yearlings posting a $38,091 average. Drakarys was the leading first-crop sale sire with six yearlings averaging $36,667.

For preliminary results of both sessions, including hip-by-hip prices, CLICK HERE.

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