Keeneland session down again

The Keeneland January all-ages sale posted its third consecutive day of lower figures Wednesday as the bloodstock market continued to follow global economic trends.

Wednesday's third session sold 230 horses for gross receipts of $4,443,800, down 43 percent from last year's total for 233 horses. The session's average price of $19,321 was down 42 percent, and the $10,000 median was down 50 percent.

Through Wednesday, the auction had sold a cumulative 642 horses for $25,535,400. That was 55 percent lower than last year's gross for 667 sold. The three-day average, $39,775, was down 53 percent, and the $20,000 median was 50 percent lower than last season's.

Wednesday's buy-back rate of 23 percent was the same as last year's. The 2009 cumulative rate of 24 percent was down from 26 percent last season.

A Maria's Mon yearling half-brother to Grade 3 winner Sir Cherokee brought Wednesday's highest price of $390,000. Ferguson Valley Ranch bought the colt from the Bluewater Sales agency, which consigned him on behalf of Domino Stud. Pinhooker Jimmy Gladwell signed the ticket for the colt.

The chestnut colt also is a half-brother to Grade 3-placed Lady Linda. His dam, the unraced Last Tycoon mare La Cucina, sold at Monday's opening session for $150,000. Litex Stud in England (Anthony Penfold, agent) was the buyer. La Cucina was in foal to Empire Maker.