Racing
Weanlings produce ‘Confident’ start to National Sale
Some good results were achieved at Sunday’s National Weanling Sale
Magic Millions is 'confident' the platform has been set for a huge remainder of the National Saler after a successful Weanling Sale on Sunday.
While disappointed in the 73 percent clearance rate, there was a thirst for the top weanlings which led to more than $17.6 million changing hands and weanlings selling at an average of $79,314, which was up on last year's figure.
"It was a really confident start to a big, big week," Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said.
"We sold more horses for $200,000 than we did last year. A $550,000 sale topper, another at $500,000, a good number of horses at $100,000 or more and an increased average - all those numbers are really strong and lead to a confident week for the industry."
"It was a very diverse buying bench. I think the Kiwis played a really strong part in the market and the locals - the end users and the pinhookers got involved and played their part. There was also some good money from Hong Kong as well.
"All in all we're really pleased with the market that was here. The clearance rate was slightly disappointing - but it was a very strong market for quality horses.
"I think over the next 24 hours a good number of those passed in horses will be sold and that's what we will be working on as we move forward to our big day on Tuesday."
That will be the first day of the two-day National Broodmare Sale with the likes of Atishu, Lady Laguna and Zougotcha to be offered as part of the race fillies and mares section of the sale.
Following the broodmare sale, the National Yearling Sale will be held next Monday and Tuesday.
The top lot from the National Weanling Sale was a filly by Snitzel out of Acquired, who sold for $550,000.
The Highgrove Stud-prepared filly, who is a half-sister to six winners, including Stakes winners Splintex and Invictus Salute, was bought by Mick Malone from North Bloodstock.
The other half-million-dollar lot was the Zoustar-Thai Noon colt, a half-brother to Group 2 winner Steinem, who found a new home at Yulong.
The top four lots were all by different sires with Wootton Bassett's colt by Salome selling to Tom Magnier for $420,000, while star first-season stallion Anamoe had six youngsters sell at an average of $265,000, including a filly from Kiki Express who sold for $360,000.
SALE STATISTICS (2024 in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 371 (374)
Lots Sold: 223 (244)
Gross: $17,687,100 ($18,827,500)
Top Price: $550,000 ($800,000)
Average Price: $79,314 ($77,162)
Median Price: $44,000 ($41,000)
Sold %: 73 (81)
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