Increases across the board highlighted a solid opening to the 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale today.
Two top racetrack prospects topped proceedings during the day when selling for $450,000 during a day when almost $20 million was traded.
Some 137 lots were sold on the day at an average price of $141,606, up almost $13,000 on last year’s corresponding opening session.
The gross of $19.4 million was more than $2 million more than was traded on 135 lots sold on day one in 2013.
Rothwell Park’s More Than Ready-Ringa Ringa Rosie colt took the early running as top seller of the auction when he was presented early in the day as lot 21.
The colt attracted plenty of interest before being knocked down for $450,000 to Craig Rounsefell’s Boomer Bloodstock.
“To me he is just so well developed,” Rounsefell said. “He really is like a man among the boys.”
“He’s very forward. He’s so well balanced and he’s correct.”
Rounsefell said one of the colt’s other great attributes was his wonderful temperament.
“I hung around his barn all week and watched him. He had many, many parades and just handled it like a pro.”
“Obviously he has the pedigree to back it up. His mother was a great runner and it’s a great family.”
“For a first foal he’s so strong and very forward. He’s such an exciting prospect.”
The second $450,000 sale came late in the day when Chris Waller, bidding of behalf of client CC Lai, purchased Baramul Stud’s Fastnet Rock filly from Zavana.
A Melbourne winning Encosta de Lago daughter of Savannah Success, Zavana is a half sister to former Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, Cox Plate winner and leading sire Savabeel.
“Obviously she’s from Gerry Harvey’s draft and he brings his best horses to the Magic Millions and obviously they are up there for sale,” Waller said.
“It’s a great pedigree going back to Arlington and Savabeel and she’s obviously by Fastnet Rock who needs no introduction.”
“She’ll do it on the racetrack herself, but if she didn’t she’s obviously got great value there as well.”
The very next lot in the ring, an I am Invincible half sister to Adelaide group winner Excites Zelady was purchased by Anthony Cavanagh for $440,000 after a flurry of bids for the Yarraman Park youngster.
Leading buyers of the day included Gai Waterhouse, James Harron, Round Table Racing, Chris Waller and Star Thoroughbreds.
Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said he was delighted with today’s opening session and he looked forward to more spirited bidding as the sale continues.
“They are a beautiful set of numbers, they really are,” Cox reported. “To be at 80 per cent clearance is outstanding on Day One.”
“The average being up $13,000 is staggering and the median more than anything from $105,000 to $130,000 that is a significant jump.”
“Half the market is getting $25,000 more than what they did last year. There was a good, strong appetite for horses,” Cox added.
The second session of the sale will be held at the Gold Coast Sales Complex from 11am (Qld time) tomorrow.
To view a video wrap of today’s first session click here.
To make an offer on a passed in lot or to view the results and online catalogue click here.
SESSION STATISTICS
(2013 Session One in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 190 (190)
Sold: 137 (135)
Passed In: 34 (40)
Withdrawn: 18 (15)
Gross: $19,400,000 ($17,372,500)
Top Price: $450,000 ($500,000)
Average: $141,506 ($128,685)
Median: $130,000 ($105,000)
Sold %: 80 (77)
SESSION ONE TOP SELLERS
$450,000 – Fastnet Rock-Zavana filly (Lot 186)
Vendor: Baramul Stud / Buyer: CC Lai (NZ)
$450,000 – More Than Ready-Ringa Ringa Rosie colt (Lot 21)
Rothwell Park (As Agent) / Boomer Bloodstock (Qld)
$440,000 – I am Invincible-Zelady filly (Lot 188)
Yarraman Park (As Agent) / Anthony G Cavanagh & Co P/L (Vic)
$380,000 – Not a Single Doubt-Spontaneous colt (Lot 104)
Arrowfield Stud (As Agent) / Hong Kong Jockey Club (HK)
$320,000 – Flying Spur-Vivacious Spirit colt (Lot 166)
Willow Park Stud (As Agent for Tarcoola Stud) / Hong Kong Jockey Club (HK)
$320,000 – Street Cry-Starfish colt (Lot 108)
Amarina Farm (As Agent) / James Bester/Astute Bloodstock (NSW)
