Carter Sales Company reported record increases at the OKC Summer Thoroughbred sale held at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Aug. 19.
The gross of $448,600 was the best recorded for the sale, while the average of $8,011 rose 41.6% from $5,654 last year, organizers said. The median was $6,000, while the buy-back rate fell from 28% in 2012 to 22%.
"We expected a better sale, but these numbers really signal a turn," sale manager Terri Carter said. "Our racing is really strong, but like sales across the country, the last couple of years have been a little tough. It was exciting to see the value of these horses rise, and the people at the sale really had a good time."
The sale topper at $27,700 was a Primary Suspect colt out of the stakes-winning Saint Ballado mare Spirited Maiden. The colt was purchased by Randy Patterson of Anthony, Kan., and was consigned by Mighty Acres for Center Hills Farm.
Buena Madera was the leading consignor with $122,700 in gross sales and an average of $11,155 for the 11 head sold.
A session for horses of racing age was added this year. Twelve horses were offered, and five sold for an average of $10,200. The average price for the yearling session was $7,796.
