An improved catalogue and a first class buying bench led to massive increases across the board during today’s first session of the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville.
A colt by More Than Ready topped the day’s proceedings when purchased by leading local horseman Phillip Stokes for $210,000.
He was one of four yearlings to sell for over $100,000 – the others were colts by Stratum ($140,000), Churchill Downs ($125,000) and Testa Rossa ($110,000).
A total of 164 yearlings were sold today at an average price of $34,570 – up almost 30 per cent on last year’s figures.
The gross of $5,669,500 was up $2 million on last year’s corresponding session – a staggering 65 per cent increase.
The clearance rate of over 81 per cent was significant higher than last year’s rate of 76 per cent.
“It’s been a great day’s selling,” Magic Millions Acting Managing Director David Chester reported.
“To have the gross rise 65 percent and the average 30 per cent is great for everyone concerned.”
“Important the clearance rate of 81 per cent was first class – without doubt the best opening day figures of any sale in Australasia this year.”
Chester said one of the major success stories of this year’s sale was the level of international interest.
“We had buyers from Malaysia, China, Macau and New Zealand – but without doubt the biggest impact came from our large contingent of buyers from Singapore.”
“Our Singapore representative Wade Burridge worked hard in assembling a brilliant buying bench from Singapore and they snapped up a great line up of yearlings.”
“It was also encouraging to see local buyers well represented – led by Phillip Stokes who purchased five yearlings including the sale topper.”
Interstate trainers including Mark Kavanagh, Mick Price, Rick Hore-Lacy, Byron Cozamanis, Robbie Laing, Mark Young, Darren Weir, Terry O’Sullivan and Luke Oliver were among successful bidders throughout the session.
The second session of the sale, where a large number of quality youngsters will go under the hammer, will be held from 11am (SA time) tomorrow.
“Value will be the story of the day tomorrow – last year the session averaged less than $13,000.”
“We have some lovely prospects to go under the hammer and the astute trainers, agents and owners will be there looking for there next winner,” Chester summed up.
SALE STATISTICS
(2010 in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 225 (196)
Lots Sold: 164 (137)
Lots Withdrawn: 23 (16)
Lots Passed: 38 (43)
Sold %: 81.2 (76.1)
Sale Gross: $5,669,500 ($3,670,500)
Average Price: $34,570 ($26,792)
Top Price: $210,000 ($150,000)
SALE TOP SELLERS
$210,000 – More Than Ready-Sun Chariot colt
Vendor: Baramul Stud / Buyer: Phillip Stokes (SA)
$140,000 – Stratum-Duchess Cara colt
Summerset Park Stud / Mark Riley (Vic)
$125,000 – Churchill Downs-Scagliola colt
Meadowbrook Park / Lindsay Park Racing (SA)
$110,000 – Testa Rossa-Livid colt
Baramul Stud / Robbie Laing (Vic)
$95,000 – Good Journey-Violet Haze colt
Ducatoon Park (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (NSW)
