Barretts sale falls from '07 level

The two-day Barretts October mixed sale in Pomona, Calif. on Monday and Tuesday showed significant declines from the corresponding sale in 2007, which was dominated by two high-profile dispersals.

This year's sale, which did not feature a major dispersal, saw 243 horses sell for $916,100, an average of $3,770. The average fell 61 percent from last year. There were 436 horses who went through the ring, and 193 of them, or 44 percent, were bought back. There were 97 horses withdrawn.

This year's declines were not a surprise. Sale officials said last week that the event would be a "buyer's market" and expressed concern about the effects of a poor economy.

The sale-topper was an Exchange Rate filly purchased for $80,000 on Monday by Dennis O'Neill from the consignment of H&E Ranch. The filly is out of Our Dear Helen, a 15-year-old mare by Bates Motel who was a stakes winner at Delaware Park. O'Neill led all buyers, acquiring five horses for $118,000.

Last year's sale featured dispersals from prominent owners Golden Eagle Farm and Stan Fulton.