OBS August yearling sale: Figures soar during first open session

The run of improved figures that started during Tuesday’s select session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. August yearling sale carried into the first day of the auction’s open portion on Wednesday.

A total of 262 horses sold for revenues of $4,601,600, an increase of 58 percent from the $2,915,600 generated from 211 sold last year. The average sale price of $17,563 was a 27 percent improvement over last year’s figure of $13,818, while the median price rose 50 percent from $10,000 to $15,000.

A pair of fillies topped the session, each selling for $90,000.

Trainer Mark Casse signed the ticket, as agent, on a Pioneerof the Nile filly who is the first foal out of the stakes-winning Smoke Glacken mare Smokin Again. Bred in Florida by Woodford Thoroughbreds, who also consigned the filly as agent, her page also includes Grade 2 winner Dianes Halo and stakes winner T. J. Hennessy.

Also drawing the top price of the day was a Flatter filly, who sold to Mersad Metanovic Bloodstock. Bred in Florida by Donald Dizney, the filly is the second foal out of the Empire Maker mare Albany Park, and is from the family of Irish St. Leger winner Dark Lomond, Grade/Group 2 winners Mariensky, South Atlantic, and Julie Jalouse, and Grade/Group 3 winners Julie La Rousse and Forlene.

The filly was consigned by Beth Bayer, agent. Bayer led all consignors by gross revenues during the open session’s first day, with 27 horses sold for $705,000.

Midwest Thoroughbreds was the session’s biggest buyer, with five purchases for a combined $213,000, led by an $80,000 Midnight Lute colt.

The third and final session of the OBS August sale will commence on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Complex in Ocala, Fla.

For complete results, click here.

Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. August yearling sale, first open session:

Year	Sold	Gross	Average	Median	Buyback
2013	262	$4,601,600 (+58%)	$17,563 (+27%)	$15,000 (+50)	13%
2012	211	$2,915,600	$13,818	$10,000	20%