Doncaster Bloodstock Sales' premier yearling sales ended its two-session run Aug. 30 in England with a decline of less than 1% in the gross revenue. The average price and median price fell 4.7% and 4.8%, respectively, from a year ago.
The clearance rate rose to 84.6% from 82.5% in 2011.
"The DBS premier yearling sales are very important to us, but also to the British and Irish bloodstock industry as they set a tone that is often followed throughout the autumn," said DBS managing director Henry Beeby. "On that basis, the industry should be quietly confident of a steady and solid round of sales in 2012 as we have been delighted to return some really good results once again. We have enjoyed some excellent prices and a consistent trade highlighted by a superb clearance rate and eight lots realizing £100,000 ($158,240) or more, which is double the number (from) last year. The average and median have more or less kept pace with the advances posted in 2011, which is a testament to our vendors, who work so closely with us and know exactly what the DBS market wants."
The final results included a gross of £10,622,500 ($16,809,000) for the 395 horses that were sold. The average was £26,892 ($42,554) and the median was £20,000 (431,648). Last year, 377 yearlings were sold.
A son of Mastercraftsman topped the auction, bringing £185,000 ($292,744) during the sale's second and final session. Eddie Fitzpatrick purchased the bay colt from Croom House Stud. Richard Brown of Blandford Stud was the underbidder.
A member of his sire's first crop, the yearling is the third foal out of the winning Forest Wildcat mare Weekend Fling. She is a half sister to 2011 Arkansas Derby (gr. I) and Southwest Stakes (gr. II) winner Archarcharch (by Arch). Weekend Fling also is a half sister to another added-money winner, Run Sally Run (by Cherokee Run).