Robust Median Drives Strong Renewal of The October Sale
The October Sale concluded its strong four-day run Thursday evening with a robust session. The sale’s cumulative gross and average were on par with last year’s successful renewal, while the median rose significantly.
Champion STREET SENSE was responsible for the sale topper, a colt which sold for $500,000 midway through the final session (video). Offered as Hip 1281 by Eaton Sales, agent and purchased by Donato Lanni, agent for an undisclosed client, the colt is a half-brother to three winners out of the PULPIT mare SHIMMER, who has already produced a graded stakes placed track record setter in SISTER MOON. The immediate family includes Broodmare of the Year MISTORY MORN, Group 1 winner PRIOLIO, and two-time leading sire WHAT A PLEASURE. The sale topper was bred in Kentucky by Forging Oaks Farm.
Earlier in the session, a colt by three-time leading sire TAPIT raised the bar when sold for $430,000 to Kenny McPeek, agent (video). Offered as Hip 1171 by Gainesway, the Kentucky-bred colt is a half-brother to four winners, most notably multiple Grade 1 winner and millionaire PALACE.
Monday’s session topper, a $400,000 INTO MISCHIEF colt offered as Hip 347, held on for third (video). That colt was purchased by Paul Brodsky from the consignment of Summerfield, agent for Stonestreet Bred & Raised.
UNCLE MO sired the sale’s top filly, which sold for $350,000 as Hip 933 during the sale’s third session (video). That filly is a half-sister to 2017 UAE Oaks (G3) winner NOMORERICHBLONDES – a graduate of this sale in 2015 – and was purchased by Mike Ryan, agent for e5 Racing from the consignment of Romans Racing & Sales, agent.
“The numbers are remarkably similar to last year,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “This sale obviously has a significant place on the calendar and is a significant marketplace. [It was] a solid four days of sales.”
Overall, 960 yearlings changed hands for $34,188,100, good for an average of $35,613, all figures comparable to last year’s sale. The median rose 25% to $15,000 from $12,000 in 2017. The RNA rate was 22.8%. Notably, the top 10 hips were spread as evenly as possible across the sessions, with three selling on the first day; two on the second; two yesterday; and three today, including the sale’s top colt.
“It’s remarkable that, as good [as the yearling sale season has been], you can still sell a thousand horses and generate $35 million back into the system in October,” added Browning. “There were some folks walking around today very happy.”
Results are available online.
