News

Inglis Announce Major Development of Melbourne Sales Complex

31st Jul 2008

On the back of a record Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne earlier this year, the Inglis Board has committed to a multi-million dollar investment in the Oaklands sales complex. The major feature of this investment will be a new barn to accommodate an additional 180 horses, taking the total number of boxes at Oaklands to 850. The facility will also receive a facelift with a number of existing amenities to be replaced or improved. New parade areas will be created and others will be upgraded.

Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster commented, “This is a major investment for our company and reflects the confidence we have in the future growth of the Victorian racing and breeding industry. The Premier Yearling Sale has gone from strength to strength over the past 5 years, with gross sales increasing by 300% and the average yearling price more than doubling. With major breeders increasing their investment in Victorian based stallions and increasing support from inter-state vendors and international buyers, we need to plan for future growth.”

Plans for the new barn are currently with Council. Subject to approval, construction will commence in September and should be completed in time for the 2009 Premier Yearling Sale in March. This will allow more than 800 yearlings to be stabled together and four straight days of selling without the need for a gap between the Premier 1 and 2 sessions.

Inglis Victorian Director Peter Heagney commented, “The additional barn will ensure Premier 2 yearlings are available for inspection by major buyers throughout the sale. A gap day in a yearling sale is never ideal but has been necessary in the past to accommodate the number of entries we have received. By removing the gap we are confident the quality of yearlings offered at this sale will continue to improve. We expect many buyers will now stay for the entire sale, and this will benefit all involved.”

The additional stabling will also assist with the growth of the Great Southern Sale held in May of each year by allowing all weanlings and broodmares to be stabled together and will negate the need for a gap day, reducing time away from home for vendors and buyers alike.

Entries for the 2009 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and all other major yearling sales are currently closing. Vendors who have not submitted their sale entries are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Inglis website www.inglis.com.au . Vendors also have the option of uploading entries via the new Inglis eCommence facility available on the Inglis website.