News

Diverse Buying Bench Ensures Strong Start to Easter

19th Apr 2008

The William Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale is on target to break all previous records after a stunning opening session of the 2008 sale at Newmarket today.

In all, 94 horses traded hands for a total gross of $32,305,000.

The session average of $343,670 is well up on last year’s overall sale figure of $331,935.

Three yearlings sold for $1million or more, but the median figure of $275,000 highlights the depth of competition across all lots with progeny by all represented stallions keenly sought after.

William Inglis & Son Managing Director Mark Webster said it was an excellent start to the sale at all ends of the market.

“The diversity in the buying bench was one of the most pleasing aspects of the session,” Webster said.

“We have worked very hard to attract both domestic and international buyers to the sale and I think this is reflected in the clearance rate being almost 85%.

“It’s been a great start to the sale and I’m looking forward to it continuing over the next three sessions with a great number of outstanding yearlings still to come.”

Newcastle trainer Kris Lees signed for the session’s highest priced lot, a Redoute’s Choice filly from the Woodman mare Coliape, on behalf of owner Ron Croghan for $1.8million.

The filly, who was offered by Reavill Farm, is bred on the same cross as multi million dollar earner Miss Finland.

“We paid a little more than we expected, but she is a lovely athletic filly and her full-brother (Smart Choice) is showing a lot of ability,” Lees said.

“There are a lot of nice fillies here, but I thought she was one of the best.”

New South Wales owner David Fuller purchased a Redoute’s Choice-Castellina (by Zabeel) filly for $1.1million, while Ingham Bloodstock paid $1million for a filly by Flying Spur from the Marauding mare Cantenac, making her the first million dollar yearling ever sold by Australia’s reigning Champion Sire.

Ingham Bloodstock was clearly the leading buyer of the session, securing five yearlings for $4.125million, including four of the top nine lots.

“It’s a very, very strong sale and the good horses are bringing big money,” Bob Ingham said.

On starting afresh with his bloodstock investments, Ingham said “as long as we keep getting winners I’ll be happy.”

Golden Slipper winning trainer Gai Waterhouse purchased well at $350,000 for the Fastnet Rock half-brother to World Champion sprinter Sacred Kingdom (ex Courtroom Sweetie).

“He’s a lovely big loose colt and I thought he was unbelievably good value” Waterhouse said.

“This is almost the equivalent of Keeneland.”

Another highlight was Lot 66, a More Than Ready colt from Group 1 winner Danni Martine, which sold to Hong Kong buyer C K Li. This was the first yearling to sell to an online bidder from an Australian Sale and the highest price ever bid online for a thoroughbred anywhere in the world.

The sale continues from 11am tomorrow.

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