The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company wraps up its 2-Year-Old Sales Season with the three-day OBS June Sale in Ocala, Florida. Bidding kicks off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
During the recent six-session under-tack preview, 11 horses clocked the fastest furlong time of :9 4/5, while two fillies from Tom McCrocklin's consignment shared the top spot for the fastest quarter-mile time of :20 2/5.
Consignors like Lane Richardson anticipate a strong turnout for quality horses, reflecting the trend throughout the year. Robbie Harris echoes this sentiment, cautiously optimistic about the sale's outcome.
Although the 2023 June sale experienced a slight decline from the record-setting 2022 renewal, with 630 horses sold for $23,777,900, there's hope for a rebound. In 2022, 666 horses were sold for $27,052,000, setting a record. Last year, three horses exceeded the $400,000 mark, led by a Blame colt sold for $485,000, while 11 juveniles fetched $200,000 or more.
The June sale caps off a season marked by steady top-end results but challenges in the middle market. Richardson notes the ups and downs, a sentiment echoed by Harris, who highlights the continued struggle in the middle market. Despite these challenges, they remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming yearling sales and their potential impact on the market.