A colt from the first crop of the Dixieland Band stallion Hook and Ladder brought the top price of $260,000 Wednesday during the second session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. (OBS) spring sale of 2-year-olds in training in Central Florida. James Ventura, agent, purchased the dark bay or brown juvenile from pinhooker Ricky Leppala, agent.
Produced from the 13-year-old Pleasant Tap mare Expensive Tap, the colt is a half-brother to the winners Trader's Bluff, Leo's Golden Tap, and Oz. Other members of his family include champion Dehere and grade II winners Costly Shoes, Diabolo, and Sizzling Sauce. Brass Lantern Farm purchased the colt for $15,000 from Lakland North, agent, at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton preferred New York-bred yearling sale at Saratoga.
OBS reported that 210 horses were sold for a gross of $5,751,700 and an average price of $27,389. Last year, during the same session, the 205 horses sold grossed $7,115,800 and averaged $34,716.
The auction continues through Friday, with selling beginning each day at 10:30 a.m. (EDT).