News

Two $85K Yearlings Top Scone Sale

12th May 2011

Two yearlings fetched $85,000 to highlight Session 1 of the 2011 Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Scone Yearling Sale today.

The two top priced lots represented a notable increase on last year’s $67,500 sale topper.

In all, 159 horses sold today at a clearance rate of 84% for $2,400,500. The average of $15,097 was slightly down on last year’s $17,418.

Middlebrook Valley Lodge and Southern Cross Breeders shared the honour for the day’s highest priced lot, which were both knocked down to Vin Cox Bloodstock on behalf of client Garry Frazer.

Middlebrook’s Iffraaj filly from the Group 3 winning mare Cornwall Queen set the pace early, only to be equalled by Southern Cross’ Oratorio (Ire) colt from the Strategic mare Liza.

Middlebrook also sold the session’s third highest priced lot, with Phil Gunter going to $75,000 for the Choisir-Lyn’s Money colt.

Triple Crown Bloodstock, fresh from Hot Snitzel’s stakes win last Saturday, stuck solid with the Snitzel breed today when securing Riverslea Farm’s filly from Miss Rainmaker for $72,500.

The four yearlings to each better last year’s highest price were among eight yearlings to top the $50,000 mark today.

“The results show there was good competition at the top of the market and the market was aided by interstate trainers and buyers who flew in on the Inglis/HTBA planes for the sale,” Inglis Bloodstock Director Jonathan D’Arcy said.

“The clearance rate was over 84%, which was indicative of vendors being prepared to meet the market.

“It’s fair to say however the bottom end was a bit tough, which affected the average and that in turn points to a buyers’ market on Sunday where value is sure to be found.”

The sale concludes from 10.30am on Sunday with Session II.

In between, the big two day Scone carnival will be held. Tomorrow’s racing features the $175,000 Emirates Park Scone Cup and the $100,000 Sportsman Inglis Challenge 2YO.

On Saturday, ruling Stradbroke Handicap favourite Sincero heads betting for the $250,000 Inglis 3YO Guineas.