Lunar Star Sells for $265,000 as OBS Winter Sale Opens

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. winter mixed auction kept pace with last year's average price Monday during its opening session in Central Florida while selling a horse that was more expensive than last year's sale topper.

But the median price dropped significantly during the first of three consignor-preferred sessions during the four-day auction.

"For the quality horses, it was a good day," said Tom Ventura, the OBS general manager and director of sales.

OBS reported that 175 horses were sold for a gross of $3,441,900, which was down 5.8% from a year ago when the total was $3,655,700 for 186 head. Their average price of $19,668 was up less than one percent from 2005's comparable figure of $19,654. The median of $10,000 was down 15.0% from $15,000 last year. The buy-back rate rose from 31.9% last year to 31.1% this year.

Lunar Star, a 9-year-old full sister to 1993 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) winner Lunar Spook (by Silver Ghost), was the most expensive horse sold, bringing $265,000 while in foal to Songandaprayer  .

Produced from the winning Idle Minds mare Rafael Luna, Lunar Star won four times and was stakes-placed. She is a half-sister to the winner Desviacion (by Unreal Zeal), the dam of 2002 Lafayette Stakes winner Cashel Castle. Matthews Stables purchased Lunar Star from Shadybrook Farm (Michael Yates), agent.

In 2005, the most expensive horse sold was a $200,000 Yes It's True – Hollow Design yearling colt.

A Songandaprayer – Rhonda's Rocket yearling colt sold for $110,000 to Chestnut Valley Farm. He was consigned by Nancy Bauman, agent. Another yearling colt by the same sire and out of Up One Step went for $100,000 to Grand Oaks Stable. The consignor was Summerfield, agent.