Two $50,000 fillies of racing age highlighted the Barretts January mixed sale, which saw the average decline slightly from last year and the median improve. With other sales around the country experiencing double-digit decreases, sales officials expressed pleasure at the final figures.
“The results were in line with what we expected,” said William S. Baker, acting general manager and vice president and controller of Barretts. “The average was consistent, and we were pleasantly surprised with the median being up.”
The sale, a two-day format in 2008, was held over just one day, Jan. 26, this year. Of the 284 through the ring, 202 sold for a gross of $1,232,400, an average of $6,101, and a median of $3,600. That compared to 354 selling in 2008 for $2,225,900. The sale’s average declined 3% from the $6,288 comparable figure last year, while the median rose 12.5% from $3,200. A total of 82 (28.87%) did not sell, compared to 27.61% in 2008.
Sweetpea, a 4-year-old daughter of Stravinsky—Angel Kate, by Mt. Livermore, was the first of the two $50,000 sales. Mark S. Tatch bought the filly from the consignment of Havens Bloodstock Agency Inc., agent for Barry and Judith Becker. The filly is a half-sister to Mamzelle Stakes winner Just for Keeps.
Kjell H. Qvale purchased the second $50,000 filly, a 2-year-old daughter of Orientate—Miss City Princess, by Carson City. From the consignment of Havens Bloodstock Agency Inc., agent, the filly is a half-sister to Stonerside Stakes winner Miss Bridget Jones.
The sale topper of 2008, the mare Villa Marguerite, sold for $120,000, the only six-figure horse of the auction.
Havens Bloodstock Agency topped the consignors by gross, selling 40 for $213,000. Eagle Oak Ranch LLC, which bought 11 head, led buyers by gross with purchases totaling $122,900.
