OBS sale opens with declines

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Ocala Breeders Sales Companys spring 2-year-old sale endured slides across the board in its opening session Monday in Ocala, Fla.

The session-topper was a $250,000 Macho Uno colt signed for by Klaravich Stable agent Terri Pompay. The gray or roan colt is a son of Enterprizing Cat, a Storm Cat mare who is a daughter of Grade 1 winner Family Enterprize. Woodside Ranch, agent, consigned the colt, who worked an eighth-mile in 10.20 seconds at the auctions under-tack preview.

Sold as Hip No. 273, the Macho Uno colt is a half-brother to the winning filly Unknown Variable. He was one of four juveniles to bring $100,000 or more Monday at the first of four sessions.

The opener sold 188 horses for $4,867,400, down 18 percent from last years equivalent day, when 203 sold for $5,952,000. The average price also fell, dropping 12 percent to $25,890, and median decreased by 5 percent to $18,000. Despite the declines, the buyback rate did not increase sharply, rising from 29 percent to 30 percent.

The auction was to continue through April 24 with sessions beginning daily at 10:30 a.m. in the OBS pavilion in Ocala.