In England, the Tattersalls Houghton sale, a three-day boutique auction that concluded Thursday, posted solid results, including a record median. The median of $245,000 topped last year's by 10 percent. The average of $339,130 was the second-highest for the sale, down 6 percent from last year's record.

The sale-topper was a $3,550,050 Desert Prince colt out of English and Irish champion Park Express (Ahonoora). Michael Goodbody purchased the colt on behalf of Sheikh Maktoum al-Maktoum. Ireland's Lodge Park Stud sold the sale-topper.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - As Europe's select yearling market continued to post solid results, major yearling buyers provided some second-session sizzle Wednesday at the Tattersalls Houghton yearling sale in Newmarket, England. A $3,550,050 Desert Prince colt topped the session as the result of a clash between Michael Goodbody, the successful bidder representing Sheikh Maktoum al-Maktoum's Gainsborough Stud, and the underbidder, John Magnier of Coolmore.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With the 2002 breeding season set to open in February, the University of Kentucky has issued some suggestions for breeders hoping to guard against a recurrence of mare reproductive loss syndrome, the mysterious ailment that caused thousands of central Kentucky mares to abort this spring.

Topped by a $2,006,550 Green Desert colt, the three-day Tattersalls Houghton yearling sale produced mixed results at its opening session Tuesday in Newmarket, England.

Though gross revenue for the session dropped 18 percent from last year, the session held steady on average price and saw a sharp gain in the median price. The opener sold 32 yearlings for 8,158,000 guineas, or $12,591,873 on Tuesday's exchange rate, down from last year's guineas figure for 39 lots sold.

The average this year was $393,495, up slightly from last year. The median rose 31 percent to $262,395.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Generally, graded stakes are the best races of the year. They tend to attract the best horses, biggest crowds, and most wagering. But in terms of excellence, the best horses don't usually begin their careers in these prestige events. Typically they start in unheralded races, sometimes in unheralded places. Yet in racing and much of life, excellence seeks its own level, and top horses competing in less glamorous races will rise to compete with the best graded stock.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum, whose champion Dubai Millennium died of grass sickness at age 5 this year, has established a research project into the mysterious disease. The project, which is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but involves scientists from around the world, aims to develop preventive measures for the disease within five years.

Meeting in the United Arab Emirates on Sept. 23, a group of 16 scientists identified two primary research tracks: identification of the disease's cause and development of a vaccine.

The 55 New York-bred yearlings who sold at Keeneland's recently concluded 13-day sale brought $1,036,700, for an average of $18,849.

Nineteen other New York-breds who went through the sales ring failed to reach their reserve prices, including a pair of colts who brought live bids of $260,000 and $130,000.

The market for statebred yearlings will be tested at the October preferred yearling sale on Tuesday at Barretts in Pomona. The sale starts nearly two months after a successful sale at Del Mar, but three weeks after terrorist attacks have led to concern regarding the mood of buyers.

Gerald McMahon, president of Barretts, said he was encouraged by the August Del Mar sale, but said recent events have left him uncertain how buyers will treat a lower-end market, which is the focus of Tuesday's sale.

There were 10 Florida stallions who covered 100 or more mares in 2000.

Stormy Atlantic (Bridlewood Farm) was the leader with 137. A son of Storm Cat, Stormy Atlantic has 86 registered foals.

Family Calling (Hidden Point Farm) is next, covering 116 mares with 76 registered foals. Kissin Kris (Franks Farm) covered 112 and has 71 registered foals. Rizzi (Sez Who Thoroughbreds) was bred to 108 and has 65 registered foals.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Fashionable sire and 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, who underwent surgery on Sept. 21 to remove a three-foot section of diseased bowel, is being treated for peritonitis after undergoing a second surgery Thursday night.