Woodbine session average rises

A $77,000 colt by first-year sire Cat's at Home headed the preferred sessions of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society's 2005 Canadian-bred yearling sale at the Woodbine Sales Pavilion on Friday and Saturday.

The partnership of Bob Tiller and Frank DiGiulio Jr. purchased the sale-topper, who was consigned by Windfields Farm, agent. The colt is the second foal of an unraced mare, High Arch, who is a half-sister to stakes winners Touchnow and Timetobewild.

A total of 154 yearlings grossed $1,494,000 at the preferred sessions. The average price, $9,701, was 32 percent higher than last year's average of $7,322. In 2004, 128 yearlings grossed $937,200.

A total of 58 yearlings were listed as not sold, compared with 88 last year.

Two yearlings brought $45,000 apiece, including a daughter of War Deputy consigned by Windfields as agent for Cara Bloodstock. Agent Ian Black was the buyer.

Bill Farish purchased the other $45,000 yearling, a colt, from Gardiner Farm Limited. By leading sire Bold Executive, the colt is out of stakes-placed Charity Country, the dam of a stakes-placed runner.