Austin Rey, a 5-year-old gelding sired by TR Dual Rey, topped the 2013 NCHA Super Stakes Sale at $55,000, on Saturday, April 20 in Fort Worth. An NCHA Futurity open finalist and the earner of $129,221 under his consignors, Tatum and Kylie Rice, Austin Rey was bred by Bennett-Martin Cutting Horses and purchased by Shane Plummer, Fort Worth, Tex.
Austin Rey was one of four geldings from the auction’s top 10 high-seller’s roster. Ann Olenas Cat, a 6-year-old gelding and earner of $87,533, went for $29,000, the third-highest price of the sale. Sired by WR This Cats Smart, Ann Olenas Cat was consigned by Jacob Pinheiro and purchased by David Taurel, Carac, Venezuala.
Farra Blue Rey, at $35,000, brought the second-highest price of the sale and was the high-selling mare. The 5-year-old daughter of Mecom Blue was consigned by Dees Cattle, Ltd. and purchased by Gordon and Geri Gowdy, Cave Creek, Ariz.
Royal Black Cat, also sold for $29,000. The 11-year-old High Brow Cat daughter, earner of $8,024 and dam of three NCHA money earners, sold with a colt at side by Pretty Boy Cat. Consigned by Waggoner Ranch, she was purchased by Kandee Thorn, from Australia.
The high-selling stallion, as well as high-selling 4-year-old, at $22,000, was Pepto Smoothie. The Smooth As A Cat son, consigned by Joe and Kim Lo and in training with Clark O’Donnell, is out of NCHA Horse of the Year Little Pepto Gal, LTE $523,752, and also sold to David Taurel.
This year’s NCHA Super Stakes Sale reflected the increased demand for geldings, both trained and in-training, which correlates to the number of geldings currently being shown in limited age events. Thirty-three percent (33%) of the 2013 NCHA Super Stakes Open semi-finalists were geldings; as well as 29% of the open finalists, including champion, Hes A Hot Cat. Thirty percent (30%) of the Non-Pro finalists were geldings, including reserve champion Playin With A Spoon.
The 2013 NCHA Super Stakes Sale averaged $9,234 on the sale of 80 head. For complete results go to www.westernbloodstock.com