News

EASTER - EVERYONE’S ‘CHOICE’

9th Apr 2007

The William Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale proved it is likely to be the strongest sale held so far in the Southern Hemisphere. Last year’s day one figures have been eclipsed by selling 166 lots for an aggregate of $49,295,000 with the highest price reaching $2 million. With an additional 39 yearlings being offered compared to the first session last year the average was still up by 15.6% to a record totalling average of $296,958.

There is nothing quite like the electric atmosphere that lights up Newmarket during Easter with buyers covering every inch of the auditorium. Not surprisingly, all the industry names from across the globe were keen to participate in today’s bidding which included leading agents from every state in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, Ireland, UK and South Africa. By the final fall of the hammer on the opening leg of Easter 2007, no less than five yearlings had attained the six figure plus mark.

It also comes as no surprise that Redoute’s Choice remains as popular as ever with racing’s big spenders as three of his yearlings hit the $1 million or more. However, he certainly received solid competition from Elusive Quality, Danehill Dancer, Flying Spur, Zabeel and, not unexpectedly, Encosta de Lago.

Plenty of interest surrounded the Coolmore consigned Lot 169, the Redoute’s Choice half brother to Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Grand Delight, before leading bloodstock agent Rob McAnulty eventually carried the day with a bid of $2 million.

“The Redoute’s Choice colt, Allied Force, I purchased from Easter last year for $2 million is in training with David Hayes and we are very happy with him. I’m sure I won’t have any trouble finding a trainer for this yearling!” Rob added with a grin.

Other sale highlights included Lot 29, a Redoute’s Choice filly, closely related to Champion filly Savana City (dam of four stakes winners), which was sold for $1,600,000 to the winning bid of leading Queensland breeder Ron Gilbert, while Lot 232, an Encosta de Lago filly from Champion 2YO Hasna, was sold to Newhaven Park for $1,500,000.

Naturally, William Inglis’ Acting Managing Director, Jamie Inglis, was ecstatic with the result, “Easter has proven, yet again, that it is a sale that truly belongs alongside the world’s best and as such, demands the attention of an impressive international buying bench. In particular, I was delighted with the pre sale comments about the type of yearling we presented for sale. Our vendors are claiming record numbers of inspections and buyers are telling us the number of yearlings getting second and third looks is mind boggling. It seems this year’s short lists are turning out to be quite long!”

The Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale continues tomorrow with the traditional night session commencing at 6pm.

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