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| Staff Writer |
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A remarkable four-day sale at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky has concluded with unprecedented figures, setting new benchmarks for both gross sales and average price. The previous records, established just last year, were comprehensively surpassed with 1,123 yearlings changing hands for a total of US$58,585,500.
Two colts shared top billing at US$500,000 during the final session, with a son of Curlin leading the way when sold to Jones/Everett. The colt, bred by Cypress Creek Equine out of Grade One winner A Z Warrior, had previously been led out unsold at US$575,000 at Keeneland September.
Bloodstock agent Megan Jones, representing trainer Danny Gargan, said: "We've loved him since September. I thought he was a faster-looking Curlin that has speed. We love the Curlin over Bernardini over Carson City, and it's just a very reliable family and page."
A colt by Not This Time matched the US$500,000 mark when secured by Case Clay. The youngster, coming from the family of recent Gr.2 Jessamine Stakes winner May Day Ready, was bred by Barronstown Stud and offered through Hunter Valley Farm.
The robust market saw 185 yearlings reach or exceed US$100,000, surpassing last year's figure of 156. The average price settled at US$52,169, while the median of US$20,000 ranks as the fourth-highest in the sale's history. The RNA rate of 17% marked the lowest since 2013.
Taylor Made Sales Agency emerged as the leading consignor, with 110 yearlings totalling US$7,904,000, while Mike Ryan topped the buyers' list, securing nine lots for US$1,630,000.
Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning Jr reflected: "There was literally activity all the way through, from the very first horse in the ring to the very last horse in the ring. Very, very broad participation. I'm ecstatic with the results of these four days.
"The resiliency of our market is pretty amazing. But, I also think it reflects some increased confidence in certain areas and certain regions. Purses are very good in a number of major racing jurisdictions, and we see some serious capital commitments being made in a number of racing jurisdictions."
The sale's success sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming November Sale, scheduled for 4 November in Lexington. The select breeding stock sale will feature 70 graded stakes winners or producers, including 24 at Group One level.
"My expectations for this year's November Sale are sky-high," added Browning. "And, they're high because of the quality of horses that are in the catalog, and they're high because we set the bar for ourselves very, very high. It's as deep a catalog as we've had in terms of particularly the fillies and the mares."
Notable purchases during the final session included two fillies at US$400,000 each - a daughter of Practical Joke secured by Mike Ryan for Klarman's racing operation, and a filly by first-season sire Charlatan bought by Legacy Ranch through Terry Knight.