OBS April: Opening session closes with higher median, gross and average fall
The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. spring 2-year-olds in training sale completed its first of four sessions on Tuesday with mild overall declines but a slight boost in the middle market, as shown by an increased median.
According to figures reported by the sale company at the close of business Tuesday, a total of 163 juveniles were sold in the opening session for revenues of $9,642,700, down 19 percent from the corresponding session of last year’s OBS spring sale when 186 horses brought $11,952,500. The average sale price fell 8 percent, from $64,261 to $59,158.
On the positive side, Tuesday’s median sale price saw a 5 percent increase, from $40,000 to $42,000.
The buyback rate finished at 28 percent, up significantly from the 18 percent figure of last year’s opening session. At the top of the market, seven horses changed hands for $200,000 or more, making one less than last year’s first day of selling.
Keith and Allen Crupper’s Whispering Oaks Farm purchased the session-topper, a $280,000 Flatter colt.
The bay colt is out of the multiple stakes-placed War Chant mare Mrs. Debbie M, the dam of three winners from as many foals to race. Bred in Ohio by Susan King, the colt is from the family of Grade 3 winner and prominent sire Valid Expectations, as well as Grade 2 winner Alberts Hope and Grade 3 winner Little Sister.
Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds consigned the session topper as agent. The colt had completed a one-furlong breeze in 10 1/5 seconds over the Ocala Training Center’s all-weather Safetrack surface during the presale under-tack show.
De Meric Sales finished the day as the top consignor by gross, with 12 horses sold for a combined $875,000. Leading the group was a Kantharos filly who sold to Steven Young, agent, for $225,000.
That purchase also topped the day for Young, the session’s leading buyer with four purchases totaling $575,000.
The OBS spring sale continues through Friday, April 24, beginning each day at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.
To view the full results of Tuesday’s session, click here.