This year’s North American 2YO auction calendar kicked-off with the Barretts March Sale on Monday evening with an increased catalogue of 149 lots.

Topping trade at the Californian venue was an Empire Maker – Fortunate Event filly that realised $435,000.  Consigned by Ciaran Dunne of Wavertree Stables, she was purchased to Hisashi Wakahara who was acting on behalf of Danox Ltd.

Her sire Empire Maker (Unbridled) was a G1 winner of the 2003 Belmont Stakes and from six crops of racing age has sired 27 stakes winners headed by Royal Delta (G1 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic) and Pioneerof the Nile (G1 CashCall Futurity).

The Kentucky bred filly is the first foal out of Fortunate Event (Event of the Year) who won three races and was stakes placed at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park.  

A total of 77 lots changed hands at an average of $109,429 which was up 9% on last year’s figure.  The clearance rate dropped 13 points to 63%.