Del Mar Yearling Sale on Record Pace

Seven horses sold for more than $100,000 during opening night Monday, while a year ago the entire sale only sold five in this price range. Also 49 horses sold for an average of $52,918, which sale company officials said if it is not a record session average, it is awfully close. The session grossed $2,593,000 and the median price was $39,000. The buyback rate was 26%.

"We expected good numbers and that is what we received," said Doug Burge, general manager of the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Sales. "We hope the momentum carries through tomorrow." The sale ends Tuesday night.

It was ladies' night Monday, as six of the seven horses selling for six figures were fillies. A $200,000 daughter of Bertrando out of Rio Tejo (by Tsunami Slew) consigned by Kathy Berkey topped the session. She sold to Northern California trainer Jeff Bonde who said she was without question the best horse in the sale.

"That is a nice filly, and I thought I was in trouble," Bonde said about the bidding battle he won. "The money is strong tonight."

The second highest priced horse also was a filly. A full sister to top California sprinter Go Go sold for $165,000 to Stanley Fulton, former chairman of Anchor Gaming and now owner of Sunland Park in New Mexico. The filly by Falstaff out of Key Mist (by Plugged Nickel) was sold by Nancy Yearsley for owners/breeders Brad Goessler and Chris Ray.

The top selling colt for the session was a son of Bertrando out of Minister Wife (by Deputy Minister) who sold for $155,000 to developer John Deeter. The colt was sold by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds.