The surging Fasig-Tipton New York-bred preferred yearling sale ended its two-night run in upstate New York Aug. 14 with impressive results as shoppers dreamed of a lucrative future with their purchases.
A video lottery terminal casino is scheduled to open at Aqueduct later this year and racing’s share of the revenue is expected to increase purses and breeders rewards in the state dramatically. The anticipation of more money helped increase buyer enthusiasm during the auction.
The final figures included a gross of $6,725,500 for the 124 yearlings that were sold. The average price was $54,238 and the median price was $35,000. Compared to last year, the number sold and gross rose 31.9% and 83%, respectively. The average grew 38.7% while the median advanced 16.7%.
The buy-back rate declined to 32.2% from 33.8% in 2010.
An Indygo Shiner colt was the most expensive horse sold on the final night, bringing $185,000. John Fort, who races this year’s Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner, Plum Pretty, purchased the chestnut yearling from Darby Dan Farm, agent.
Bred by Dixie Farm, the colt is the second foal out of the winning Crafty Friend mare Free as Tristan and is a half brother to the winner Associate (by Wando). Free as Tristan, whose dam, Miss Carlotita (by Masqued Dancer), was a group I winner in Argentina, is a half sister to stakes winners Dowty (by Irish River) and Sudana (by Dahar).
The auction’s most expensive horse, a Dixie Union – Dash for Money colt, sold for $250,000 during the Aug. 13 first session.
During the final session, 65 yearlings were sold for a gross of $3,658,000. The average was $56,277 and the median was $45,000. The buy-back rate was 28.6%.