By Thoroughbredtimes.com
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2007) – The average price dropped 28.7% and total sales declined 33.5% at the Northern California yearling sale at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Tuesday.

The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association reported 154 horses sold for a total of $899,200 and an average of $5,839. Last year the CTBA reported 165 horses sold for $1,351,600 and an average of $8,192.

Eighty-three horses did not meet their reserves this year, as the buy-back rate increased from 26% in 2006 to 35% in ’07. Median remained steady at $4,000.

The Northern California sale was moved from August to September, placing it on the same day as the final session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.

“Overall, we were disappointed by the results,” said Doug Burge, executive vice president of the CTBA. “We moved the sale back 30 days this year, trying to get around the stabling situation at Golden Gate Fields. Unfortunately, it was held on the last day of Keeneland, and there were quite a few buyers who weren’t here or just weren’t as active as they have been in the last few years.

“It’s really an uncertain time in California, particularly in Northern California in terms of what the circuit is gong to look like. It was a pretty soft market compared to what we’ve seen the last few years.”

Russell Drake, manager of River Edge Farm, submitted this email to www.thoroughbredinfo.com to clarify comments he made earlier regarding the sale:

“I would like to set the record straight regarding my concerns over the CTBA Northern California sale. I was disappointed in the unsafe conditions of the barn and sales area and the timing of the sale. I would be happy to support the CTBA Northern California sale in the future if there is a change in the sales date and barn conditions.”

Richard Franco paid $40,000 for a Siberian Summer colt out of La Charita, by Hansel, to top the sale. Consigned by Jack and Barb Hatch’s Green Acre Stables, agent for Lercari Thoroughbreds, the California-bred gray or roan colt is named Over the Summer.

Second dam Carita Tostada (Chi) was a multiple Group 1 winner in Chile and has produced Grade 3 winners Shaconage and Jadada, and Grade 1 placed Chile Chatte, dam of Del Mar Futurity (G2) winner Horse Greeley.