Louisiana yearling sale produces 42 percent gains in average, median prices

A colt by champion Afleet Alex brought a bid of $120,000 from Mary Grum to top the annual yearling auction put on by the Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana on Tuesday. The sale was held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, La., and was sponsored by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

A total of 136 horses sold for a collective $1,494,400, or an average of $10,998, according to figures provided by sales director Tom Early. That average represents a 42 percent gain from 2010. There were 44 buybacks. Median price also climbed 42 percent to $5,000.

“I think we had the best catalog we’ve ever had,” Early said. “I also think when you catalog 243 – last year we had 350 – when selling fewer horses, it almost makes for a boutique sale.”

The Afleet Alex topper is second foal from the mare Swifty Victress, who was a two-time stakes winner at 2. Clear Creek Stud was the consignor. The unnamed colt was bred in Louisiana.

Other high-sellers included a Private Vow filly who brought $90,000 from L.R. Lasater. She is a half-sister to multiple stakes winners Smitty’s Sunshine, an earner of $532,219, and Fuse It, an earner of $509,475, and was consigned by Red River Farm, agent. Jerry Lee paid $80,000 for a Fusaichi Pegasus colt who is the first foal from Leesa Lee, a multiple stakes winner of $419,221. He was also consigned by Red River Farm.