News

Tremendous Start Capped by Premier Rivalry

3rd Mar 2007

The rivalry of two breeding giants, Redoute's Choice and Encosta de Lago, highlighted a tremendous opening session for the 2007 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

In a remarkable day of trading, 177 lots were sold for a gross of $12,840,500 at an average of $72,545.

It was standing room only at Oaklands Junction as five of the first 20 lots sold for six figure sums.

Interest definitely peaked when the Redoute's Choice filly from stakes winning mare Maze (Lot 98) entered the ring and soon attracted an opening bid of $300,000. On consignment from Bellerive Stud, the filly was eventually knocked down to successful owner, Nick Columb, for $400,000.

Nick, who has raced such track luminaries as Courtza, Tristarc, Imposera, Magari and Centaurea, was clearly rapt to be taking home the Redoute's Choice filly with a view to racing her in next year's Inglis Premier Race.

“I purchased Brazen Hussey from this sale last year and she was a good thing beaten in the Inglis Premier yesterday,” Nick mused. “Meanwhile, the filly I bought today is a typical Redoute's Choice. See what I've written in the catalogue? ‘Lovely athlete. Should run'.” He said.

However, while Redoute's Choice currently holds sway over Encosta de Lago in terms of racetrack earnings, the latter got the better in the sale ring today when Lot 129, presented by Blue Gum Farm, was snapped up by Anthony Cummings for $420,000.

Not surprisingly, Anthony had nothing but praise for the Encosta de Lago colt from multiple Group winner New Smyrna.

“The colt is a strong, precocious type from a wonderful two-year-old family. He simply has all the qualities you look for in a future Group One winner!”

William Inglis & Son Director, Peter Heagney, pointed out that strong, international participation contributed to the resounding, day one result.

“We managed to secure purchasers from throughout South East Asia and South Africa which, together with our domestic buying bench, saw our average increase by 13% on last year's figures,” Peter explained.

“While it's tremendous to have the likes of Redoute's Choice and Encosta de Lago ‘headlining' the Melbourne Premier, it's important to remember that no less than 25 different sires were represented by yearlings which made $100,000 or more today, while 28 vendors from four states also sold six figure lots.

“It's a clear indication of the stallion wealth available and quality of yearlings being presented at Melbourne sales.” He added.

The Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale continues tomorrow with the second session commencing at 11am.

Top Lots