The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale ended on an upbeat note in Maryland on Tuesday, with modest increases in its average and median prices. However, a significant decrease in the number of horses sold produced a decline in gross revenue.
The 448 horses sold grossed $3,530,500 and averaged $7,881. The median was $3,200. The number sold and gross fell by 20.8% and 18.2%, respectively. The average and median rose by 3.4% and 3.2%, respectively. Last year, 566 horses sold for a gross of $4,315,700, an average of $7,625, and a median of $3,100.
This year's buy-back rate was 22.8%, with 132 of the 580 horses returning to their consignors. Last year's comparable figure was 20.2%.
The auction was two days this year, down from three in 2000.
The highest-priced horse, a $100,000 weanling filly by Citidancer, was sold on the final day. She was purchased by New Jersey bloodstock agent Buzz Chace from Litz Bloodstock Services, agent.
Bred by Donald Litz in Maryland, the chestnut filly is the third foal produced from the 8-year-old Majestic Light mare Majestic Dream, who capture the 1995 Junior Champion Stakes on turf at Monmouth Park. Majestic Dream also finished second the same year in the Staten Island Stakes on grass at Belmont Park.
The results for last session were 256 horses sold for a gross of $2,191,500, an average of $8,561, and a median of $3,650.
