Business Booms at Washington Mixed Sale

The gross revenue, average price, and median price all increased by more than 20% apiece during the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association's winter mixed sale on Sunday at Emerald Downs. The 148 horses sold grossed $726,800, which was up 24.3% from last year's total of $584,700 when the sale was held in October and 166 head were sold. This year's average of $4,911 was up 39.4% from 2003's comparable figure of $3,522. The median rose 22.7%, from $2,200 last year to $2,700 this year.

The buy-back rate remained the same at 17.8%.

Tough Buy, a yearling son of Favorite Trick, brought the top price of $31,000. Robert Holden of Olympia, Wash., purchased the Kentucky-bred colt from Woods Creek Training Center, agent.

Tough Buy is the fourth foal produced from the 11-year-old Mr. Redoy mare Gold Card, a winner and stakes-placed performer from the family of champion Star de Naskra.