The average and median prices both suffered significant setbacks Jan. 16 during the opening session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. (OBS) winter mixed sale in Central Florida. Compared to the results for last year's first session, the average plunged 31.1% from $33,900 to $23,346, while the median fell 23.8% from $21,000 to $16,000.
The 109 horses sold grossed $2,544,700, which was down less than 1% from last year's total of $2,542,500 when 75 head were sold. The buy-back rate was a brutal 44.9%, with 89 of the 198 horses offered failing to find new homes during the conisgnor-preferred session..
A Posseyearling colt was the most expensive horse sold, bringing $95,000 from Josham Farms, agent. Bred by New Dawn Stud in New York, the chestnut yearling was consigned by Brent and Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Bloodstock. agent.
The colt is the third foal out of the winning 11-year-old Native Prospector mare Navarro Rose, who finished second in the Pike Place Dancer Handicap and the Floral Fiesta Stakes in California in 2000. Navarro Rose is a half-sister to added-money winner Dayla and to stakes producer and winner Sunday's Child.
Journeyman Bloodstock also consigned the second- and third-highest-priced horses: Kabeeb, who sold for $90,000 while in foal to Bandini, and a Malibu Moon -- Jamie's Sunshine colt that brought $75,000. Frank Stronach's Adena Springs operation purchased Kabeeb, an 8-year-old Canadian stakes winner out of the winning Carson City mare Kalene. Pick Six Thoroughbreds bought the Malibu Moon colt, whose dam is a half-sister to grade I winner Mademoiselle Forli and to stakes producers Coastal Sunshine and Love and Stitches.
The OBS auction runs through Friday, with selling beginning at 11 a.m. (EST) each day.