Louisiana sale takes hit in gross, average

The Equine Sales Co. of Louisiana open yearling and mixed sale on Sunday posted declines in gross and average from last year. The sale was headed up by a $22,000 colt from the first crop of Justin Phillip.

A total of 114 horses sold for revenues of $305,000, down 26 percent from last year’s edition, when 127 horses brought $414,700.

The average sale price dropped 18 percent, to $2,675 from $3,256, while the median rose 11 percent, to $1,550 from $1,400. The buyback rate closed at 37 percent, up from 33 percent in 2015.

The number of horses to change hands for five figures fell from six to five.

Scott Gelner purchased the sale-topper. The dark bay or brown colt is out of the stakes-placed A. P Jet mare Jet’s Tradition, who is the dam of one winner from two foals to race. He is from the family of 1995 Kentucky Oaks winner Gal in a Ruckus, South African champion Soft Falling Rain, New Zealand classic winner Clean Sweep, 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Eldaafer, Grade 1 winner Habibti, Grade 2 winner Venus Valentine, and Grade 3 winner Baccalaureate and Shagaf.

Cloyce Clark bred the sale-topper in Louisiana, and he was consigned as agent by Select Sales.