What does it take to turn a young Thoroughbred into a successful racehorse? With the 2026 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale at Woodbine just around the corner, Dr. Jenna visits Hill ’N’ Dale Farms to sit down with Glenn Sikura, a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee who has spent decades breeding, raising, and selling Thoroughbreds.
Our veterinary team has worked with Glenn and the horses at Hill ’N’ Dale for years, giving us a unique perspective on the care and preparation that goes into these young athletes. In this conversation, Glenn takes us behind the scenes of the Thoroughbred yearling business, from what he looks for in a foal and the traits that can signal athletic potential, to veterinary examinations, nutrition, conditioning, grooming, and preparing a yearling for the sale ring.
We also talk about how the Thoroughbred sales industry has changed, what first-time buyers should look for, why Glenn is bullish on the Canadian yearling market heading into the Canadian Premier Yearling Sale, and the strategy behind recently selling a Canadian-bred filly at the prestigious Saratoga Sale. Whether you’re a horse owner, breeder, aspiring racehorse owner, or simply fascinated by the Thoroughbred industry, this conversation offers a rare look at what happens behind the scenes before a young horse ever enters the auction ring, and what buyers and breeders can expect as the Canadian yearling sale season gets underway.
This article is for education. Every horse is different, so talk to your own veterinarian before making treatment decisions.
