Fasig-Tipton sale strong

Fasig-Tipton Midlantic's December mixed sale ended Monday evening in Timonium, Md., with sharp gains across the board and eight weanlings that sold for $50,000 or more.

At the close of a strong second session Monday, the auction had grossed $3,862,300 for 363 horses. That total was up 43 percent from last year's gross for 360 head. This season's average price of $10,640 marked an increase of 42 percent from last year, and the $5,100 median was up 38 percent from last year's figure.

The buyback rate also improved, decreasing from 23 percent last year to 21 percent at the 2004 auction.

A $160,000 weanling colt by young sire Malibu Moon brought the two-day auction's highest price on a bid from Josham Farms Ltd. as agent. Bill Reightler, agent, sold the son of stakes winner and graded-stakes-placed Aileen's Countess on behalf of Hargett Farms.