The 3-day Ruidoso Select Quarter Horse Yearling & Broodmare Sale at Ruidoso Downs concluded on Sunday, September 6. The sale saw 402 horses sell from a catalog of 548 for $12,331,800, with an average of $30,676.

A total of 356 yearlings sold for $11,28,900, resulting in an average of $31,569, down sharply from over $40,000 in 2008. Oceans Apart, a yearling full brother to world champion Ocean Runaway and 3-year-old champion Wave Carver, topped the sale at $300,000. The First Down Dash-sired colt, consigned by Lucas Racing, was purchased by the Oceans Apart syndicate.

Last year, First Prize Stanley, out of broodmare of the year First Prize Dash, set an all-time Ruidoso Yearling Sale record at $675,000.

The previous record of $510,000 was set in 1981 with the sale of a half-brother to All American Futurity and Derby winner Higheasterjet.

Twenty-four horses, including one broodmare, sold for $100,000 or more this year. Julianna Hawn Holt, Blanco, TX, owner of broodmare of the year Corona Chick, sold five horses in the $100,000-plus category for a total of $835,000, including Beau Perry (pictured), by Mr Jess Perry, for $220,000, and Tina Corona, by First Down Dash and out of Corona Chick, for $200,000.