The average price of $11,408 for the 248 horses that gross $2,829,000 represented a 23.2 percent gain over the same sale one year ago when 272 horses average $9,254 from a gross of $2,517,200. With 55 horses not sold, this year's buyback rate of 18.1 percent was a major improvement over last year's figure of 24.4 percent. Monday's median price of $5,200 was up 13 percent over last year's $4,600.

The first mare to sell for $190,000 was Joying, a multiple stakes-placed daughter of Storm Cat--Jump With Joy (by Linkage). Consigned by David and Ginger Mullins' Doninga as agent, Joying was bought by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services. Also bringing top price of $190,000 was Rills, a stakes-winning daughter of Clever Trick--I'm Out (by Sir Gaylord). Consigned by Fitzgerald/ Keogh, the 6-year-old mare was purchased by White Cross Bloodstock.