Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Opens With Steep Declines

The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale experienced sharp downturns during its opening session on Sunday in Maryland. Compared to a year ago, the gross revenue and average price plunged by 38.5% and 37.2%, respectively.

Fasig-Tipton reported that the 188 horses sold grossed $823,100 and averaged $4,378. The median price was $2,650, down by 1.9%. Last year, 192 horses were sold for a gross of $1,339,000, an average of $6,974, and a median of $2,700. The buy-back rate increased from 32.2% in 2001 to 37.1% this year.

The top price of $50,000 was brought by the 7-year-old unraced Housebuster mare Jennymeg, who was offered in foal to Two Punch. A half-sister to multiple grade III winner Forest Glow (by Green Forest), Jennymeg is the dam of added-money winner Smoke Buster (by Smoke Glacken). Hector Alcalde purchased the mare from Muirfield East, agent.

The sale's second and final session is today.