3 minute read
The conclusion of the yearling sale has brought down the curtain on a successful National Sale.
The yearling sale was down slightly on last year, but Magic Millions is not going to let that diminish their pride at what was a brilliant National Sale on the Gold Coast.
More than $161 million changed hands across the last fortnight, which started with the weanling sale and continued with a stunning broodmare sale before the yearlings.
Book 1 of the National Yearling Sale, which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, contributed $14,012,000 of that at an average of $53,076 with a clearance rate of 72 percent.
The latter KPI was up seven percent on Book 1 last year, when the gross was $14,591,500 at an average of $59,075.
"I think the yearling sale was quite strong," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
"We would have loved a higher clearance rate, but when quality horses walked into the ring buyers were there in droves.
"It's a sale we continue to build upon. It's been a long year in the yearling market with some $620 million spent on yearlings in Australia."
The National Yearling Sale was topped by the Silverstream-prepared Exceed And Excel colt out of Nomothaj, who was sold to Julian Blaxland on behalf of a Hong Kong client for $575,000.
The highest-priced lot in the mares' sale was Away Game, who became the fourth highest-priced mare ever sold in Australia when knocked down for $4 million, while the $750,000 Zoustar-Members Joy filly topped the Weanling Sale.
"It's been a fantastic fortnight," Bowditch said. "There's been some really exciting moments - this is the industry's sale – we all come together and play our part.
"We thank everyone for their support over the past couple of weeks. It's been an extraordinary sale for Magic Millions and the vendors.
"Each and every year the sale builds on itself. To have a sale that's grossed well over $160 million is incredible really. It's way above our expectations."
