Keeneland’s January Sale completed its four-session run on Thursday with massive increases over the 2011 sale.  The auction witnessed a 53% increase in the average price and a 100% boost in the median.

In all, 1,003 horses grossed $37.99 million for a cumulative $37,878 average and $15,000 median.

There were other signs of market recovery with 37 horses selling for $200,000 or more compared to only 16 last year.  And the clearance rate improved to 81%.

“The momentum that began to build during the September and November Sales rolled into January and that’s a very healthy sign,” Keeneland spokesman Walt Robertson said.  “There’s a growing optimism, particularly among domestic buyers, that they have weathered the storm and are ready to get back in the game.”

Day 4 of the Keeneland Sale was highlighted by two $90,000 mares.  The first to go through the ring was La Defense (Wild Again) sold in foal to Munnings.

La Defense is the dam of the stakes winner Quelle Surprise (Slew Gin Fizz) and her three year-old colt Macho Rocket (Macho Uno) could make his presence felt on the 2012 Kentucky Derby trail.  The Bob Baffert trained colt won on debut at Hollywood Park in November.

Later in the final session, Rendezvous Point (Kingmambo) brought $90,000 in foal to Discreet Cat.

A winner in England, Rendezvous Point is a half-sister to G2 winning sire Five Star Day (Carson City) and the dam of G2 winner High Finance (Talk Is Money).  Their dam is a half-sister to former Vinery shuttler Marquetry (Conquistador Cielo).

Taylor Made Sales topped the January Sale vendor list for the 11th time in 12 years, selling 96 horses for $4.26 million

Complete results can be viewed at:  www.keeneland.com