News

NEW RECORD PRICE AT MELBOURNE PREMIER SALE

3rd Mar 2008

Darley Australia pay $750,000 for son of Exceed And Excel

A new record price for a yearling sold in Melbourne was set just before two o'clock this afternoon when Darley Australia paid $750,000 for a smashing bay colt by Exceed And Excel out of the Group Three Lowland Stakes winner, Gentle Call. The sale eclipses the previous best of $600,000.

The new record holder was beautifully turned out by Peter Liston under his Three Bridges Thoroughbreds banner and the vendor was slightly stunned “Very exciting,” was his initial reaction, although the fact the robustly made son of the first-season sire sensation sold well came as no surprise. “We knew we had a really nice horse and people had told us he was the best horse in the sale but this is unbelievable.”

This transaction represents some shrewd business by Liston, who paid $140,000 for Gentle Call in foal to Choisir and with this colt at foot at the Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale in Sydney last year. Gentle Call is currently in foal to Elvstroem, whose stock continue to sell well this week.

Liston was quickly on hand to shake Darley General Manager Tait's hand and there was more than just goodwill involved. “We'll need to negotiate sending the mare back to Exceed And Excel, but perhaps now is not the time to ask for a discount.” Liston quipped.

Exceed And Excel stands at Darley's Hunter Valley stud and Tait was immediately impressed by the colt when he first saw him. “He's like a lot of the Exceed And Excel's - he's very balanced, athletic and has a great attitude.” Tait explained. Asked if he had a limit, Tait declined to say, but said “We were very keen to get him and it's great that he's sold by Peter Liston who is a good client.”

That he had to break a record to secure the colt did not surprise Tait, who is impressed by the standard at the Melbourne Premier sale. “This has been a very good sale which should not surprise as there have been many good horses come out of it.”

Darley have enjoyed a great run of success with Easter Sale graduates this season, notably Wilander, also a son of Exceed And Excel and purchased for $625,000 and unbeaten Redoute's Choice filly, Estee.