Summer sale numbers rise

AUBURN, Wash. - The average price rose 10 percent at the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association's annual summer yearling sale on Tuesday, when 150 yearlings brought $2,781,900 for an average of $18,546.

Gross receipts were up 9.2 percent from last year and the median price of $14,250 was up 9.6 percent, while the percentage of yearlings who failed to meet their reserve declined 12.2 percent to 43.

"All of the arrows are pointing in the right direction," said WTBA general manager Ralph Vacca. "We're very happy."

The sales-topper was a Capote colt out of the River Special matron Lofty Heir, who went to California-based agent Mary Knight for $105,000. The colt was consigned by Woods Creek Training Center, acting as agent.

The top-selling filly was a daughter of Tribunal and Bold Magestrate, a stakes-winning, stakes-producing mare by Magesterial. Ron Crockett purchased the filly from the consignment of Griffin Place LLC.

Tribunal, a son of Deputy Minister and Six Crowns whose first crop are yearlings, was the surprise star of the sale. A dozen sons and daughters of Tribunal averaged $27,750.