Listed Excelsior Stakes-placed Masmak (Vino Rosso), consigned by ELiTE as agent, was sold for $375,000 after the conclusion of the Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age sale, and is officially the auction topper, Keeneland announced Saturday afternoon.
Changing hands to Cromwell Bloodstock, the chestnut is out of GSP Nite In Rome (Harlan's Holiday), making him a half-brother to 'TDN Rising Star' MGSW Three Technique (Mr Speaker) and MSW & MGSP Stan the Man (Broken Vow). With the new sale, the results have been updated as follows: 47 horses sold for $4,329,000, up 7 per cent from last year's gross of $3,940,000 when 54 sold. The average rose 27 per cent from $72,963 to $92,106 while the media rose 69 per cent to $65,000 from last year's mark of $38,5000.
ELiTE was the auction's leading consignor with all 25 of their horses selling for a gross of $2.3-million–representing 53 per cent of the sale's total gross–and an average of $92,000 as well as a median of $65,000.
“Although digital sales might have impacted the entire sale's gross numbers offered at Keeneland's April live sale, we were able to offer and sell our biggest and best draft to date at this sale this year,” ELiTE's Brad Weisbord said.
“You can't beat the atmosphere of a live sale, and that will generally align with a very high clearance rate. It's safer and more fun to shop at and attend live sales. This was a win-win for everyone. It's what we are all about–pleasing both buyers and sellers.”
A recap of the sale, and ELiTE's results, may be found here.
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