$250K Storm Cat broodmare tops OBS opening session

The $250,000 Storm Cat broodmare Zehoorr, selling as part of Westbury Stables’ popular dispersal consignment, led selling Tuesday to open the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s fall mixed sale in Ocala, Fla.

The opening consignor-preferred session rang up increases across the board, selling 163 horses for a total of $2,572,600 as compared to a 2009 opening-day gross of $1,467,900 for 132 horses. Buoyed by the Westbury dispersal, average price jumped 42 percent, from $11,120 last year to $15,783 this season, and median price climbed 25 percent, from $6,000 in 2009 to $7,500. Buybacks decreased from last year’s figure of 40 percent to 36 percent in 2010.

Zehoorr, cataloged in foal to Tiznow, sold to Rustlewood Farm. She is a 5-year-old daughter of Grade 1 winner Nany’s Sweep, by End Sweep, and is a half-sister to Grade 3 She’s Indy Money.

Barbara and Francis Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield agency handled the Westbury dispersal, which also accounted for the next three highest-priced broodmares. They were Hip No. 137, the Real Quiet mare Chasenthebluesaway, who brought $100,000 from Baccari Bloodstock in foal to Indian Charlie; Hip No. 230, the Forest Camp mare New York City Girl, who fetched a $90,000 bid from Rustlewood Farm in foal to More Than Ready; and Hip No. 114, the You and I mare Sailor Pluto, who sold to David Ingordo for $85,000 in foal to Zensational.

Among weanlings, Hip No. 223 led selling with a $70,000 bid from Windridge Farm. The Summerfield agency also consigned this chestnut Cowtown Cat colt. His dam, She Did Tell, is a West by West mare who already is the dam of 2010 stakes winner Thank U Philippe, by Proud Accolade.

The auction continues through Wednesday. The second session is an open session.