Solo Select Makes $2.4M Statement at 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale
- Melanie Smith
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Solo Select’s yearling consignments grossed $2,423,000 in total sales at the 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, Aug. 29-30 at Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, putting the program in the top tier of consignors at one of Quarter Horse Racing’s premier sale.
For just its second year, Solo’s team fitted and marketed the yearlings for clients across the country from its Gainesville, Texas operation, setting each horse up to bring maximum value to buyers.
Butch Wise, longtime heritage bloodstock agent and yearling selection consultant for Solo Select, praised the market and team effort.
“It was an outstanding sale,” Wise said. “The market reacted accordingly to a very good set of horses, and having ten yearlings break the $100,000 mark spoke volumes.”
Day Two Highlights
Hip 305 Rustys Lil Dulce - $150,000
Dulce Sin Tacha x Rustys Lil Lady, by Fredricksburg
By Dulce Sin Tacha SI 101, Champion 2-Year-Old Colt with $693,689 LTE, and out of Rustys Lil Lady, producer of 9 ROM and earners of over $1.6M, including All American Derby [G1] winner Rustys Miracle SI 103 ($762,565). This filly’s second dam is the legendary Lil Bit Rusty SI 103 ($215,394 LTE), dam of 18 ROM and multiple G1 producers. She carries a dynasty of speed and classic black type.
Hip 351 Valiant Sass - $102,000
Valiant Hero x Jess Sass Me, by Mr Jess Perry
By Valiant Hero SI 105 ($668,633, G1), sire of $31.5M+ earners including Feature Hero, Houdini, and First Valiant Sign, and out of Jess Sass Me SI 107 ($110,503, G1), AQHA Dam of Distinction with 49 ROM and a dynasty of G1 performers. This colt is a maternal brother to Champion Jess Walking Thru SI 92 ($447,266) and Sass Me Blue SI 94 ($296,378), from the legendary Sassy Smith family—a proven cross of speed, class, and stallion-making potential.
From Solo Select Team
At the heart of Solo Select’s success is its sale fitting strategy, led by the father-son team of Dustin and Dawson Price. This “dream team” crafts individualized preparation for each yearling with tailored exercising, grooming and feeding programs designed to highlight each horse’s strengths.
“I feel like we had a really nice set of quality horses,” Dawson said. “I thought the sale went well for us and I just want to thank all the owners who put their trust in the Solo Select team.”
Dustin Price echoed his gratitude, emphasizing the culture behind the brand’s results. “We are incredibly proud of our team both at home and at the sale,” Dustin said. “We appreciate our clients’ trust in our program and look forward to providing a level of care and service they can be proud of both now and in the future.”
“The Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale showcased outstanding yearlings and a passionate group of buyers,” Hayden Dixon, assistant fitting manager, added. “Dawson Price and the Solo team did a first-class job preparing these horses, and the hard work truly showed. It was exciting to see these yearlings progress over the past few months and then showcase that in the sale ring.”
Shoutout, as well, to DeShane Williams and Chailyn Adcox.
Solo Select’s success is built on the strength of a world-class team—a crew whose experience, dedication, and teamwork ensure nothing but the very best in the sale ring.
“A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Manager Matt Witman, Butch Wise, Dustin and Dawson Price, Hayden Dixon, and every person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, both at home and on-site, to make this sale a success” Solo Select CEO Ty Smith said.
Looking Ahead
With $2.423 million in total sales over two days, Solo Select Horses cemented its place as a rising reference in the Quarter Horse racing industry at the 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. With its expertise, meticulous preparation, and dedication to client success, Solo Select continues to set the standard for showcasing Quarter Horse yearlings on the biggest stages across all Western disciplines.
“We thank all our consignors for trusting Solo Select to represent their programs and to every buyer who invested in these exceptional yearlings,” Solo Select founder Melanie Smith said. “We wish each of you the very best of luck in the 2026 racing season—and we can’t wait to see everyone at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale on September 17 in Oklahoma City.”
