News

Yoshida spends at 40,000 feet as March (Late) Sale soars

27th Mar 2024

The true benefits and diversity of the Inglis Digital platform were on full display today when Asian Bloodstock’s Marie Yoshida bought a March (Late) Sale feature lot while on a flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles.

Yoshida had done her pre-sale research and veterinary checks ahead of today’s final countdown of bidding but knew that when lot 41 Armed Forces (I Am Invincible) came to be bid on, she would be perched at 40,000 feet.

But it didn’t stop her from participating in the auction, accessing the plane’s Wi-Fi on multiple devices to ensure she was the winning bidder on the Chris Waller-trained 3YO, who was officially offered by Coolmore on behalf of the ownership group.

“It was so cool. I had my mobile phone on the flight Wi-Fi, then I had my iPad on the Wi-Fi as well and I also had someone on the ground I was talking to in real time on WhatsApp helping as back up in case the Wi-Fi was interrupted for whatever reason,’’ Yoshida, who paid $275,000 for Armed Forces, said.

“I wanted to make sure I got the horse, I had everything lined up and that’s the beauty of Inglis Digital, you can be flying halfway around the world and literally buying a horse at the same time.’’

Yoshida confirmed Armed Forced would head to Hong Kong to continue his racing career.

“The HKJC Handicapper gave him a minimum PP Rating of 63, he’s a 3YO gelding, he’s ready to go, it was a no brainer for us,’’ Yoshida said.

“The REC (Randwick Equine Centre) was amazing in helping us get the vet reports etc ahead of the sale and the Chris Waller team provided vital information too, they were fantastic to deal with so the whole experience has really been wonderful.’’

Coolmore’s John Kennedy added: “There was very strong domestic and international interest in Armed Forces.

“Marie Yoshida has purchased him for a new ownership group based out of Hong Kong. We feel this horse is in the same mould as [former Coolmore horses offered via Inglis Digital] Caballus and Zarastro and will be highly competitive in his new environment.’’

It was a successful auction for Coolmore, who offered – outright or with partners – the top six lots to sell in the March (Late) Sale.

Today’s top lot was Piccadillies, a half sister to champion sire Fastnet Rock offered in foal to St Mark’s Basilica, which sold to Irish-based Marlhill House Stud for $300,000.

Speaking on behalf of the Marlhill team, Coolmore’s John Kennedy said: “Piccadillies’ family is very well known and very dear to the hearts of Eddie and Eimear Irwin of Marlhill House, given they’re partners in Fastnet Rock.

“They’re also very fond of St Mark’s Basilica, having a weanling half sister to Storm Boy by the stallion so they’re delighted to be able to acquire a mare in foal to him via Inglis Digital today.’’

Kennedy added: “The Inglis Digital platform is a great pathway to sell proven horses to the ever-growing domestic and overseas markets.

“We were blown away with the enquiries we received on our lots and feel these horses have their best results ahead of them and we wish the new owners the very best of luck.’’

The March (Late) Sale saw nine horses realise $100,000 or more – Piccadillies, Armed Forces, I Say Hello ($225,000), Montoya’s Secret ($195,000), Okita Soushi ($185,000), Northern Eyes ($155,000), Introducing ($130,000), Cattrall ($125,000) and Dyslexic ($125,000).

One of the more intriguing entries was Okita Soushi, a Royal Ascot winner last year who then came to Australia and raced behind Without A Fight in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

His purchaser today Alana Maree said: “I spent $50,000 more than I thought I was going to have to but I still think he’s a good buy and I’m thrilled to have got him.

“I haven’t decided on a trainer yet, the plan is to try and replicate what he did in 2023 and target the Cups again.

“He was pretty fresh last year but now that he’s been here in the country for more than six months, he would have acclimatised a lot more.’’

In total the Inglis Digital March (Late) Sale grossed $3,969,150.

Entries are now open for the April (Early) Sale and will remain open until midnight next Wednesday, April 3.

The sale will run from April 5-10.

To enter CLICK HERE.

All vendors are advised to take note that the intention, at this stage, is to cap the number of entries at no more than 540 for the Inglis Digital April (Late) Sale, traditionally one of the largest catalogues of the year.