During this year's final session, 170 horses were sold for a gross of $944,900, an average of $5,558, and a median of $3,100.
The middle market held steady and the number sold rose, but the Barretts October mixed sale experienced decreases gross revenue and average price from a year ago. The highest-priced horse, a $57,000 broodmare named Devilish Cat, went through the ring during the auction's second and final session on Tuesday in Southern California. Consigned by Havens Bloodstock Agency, as agent for Mr. and Mrs. John Mabee, and offered in foal to Event of the Year, Devilish Cat was purchased by Hill Crest Farms. The mare, a 4-year-old winning daughter of Devil his Due, is a half-sister to grade III winner Cat's Career and to stakes winner Al's River Cat.For the two days combined, 350 horses were sold for a gross of $1,833,800, and an average of $5,239. The number sold was up by 3.8%, but the gross and average fell 10.7%, and 13.8%, respectively. The median price of $3,200 remained the same. In 2000, 338 horses grossed $2,054,000 and averaged $6,077. The buy-back rate was 20.3% this year, up from 16.7% in 2000.