Trading closed with 166 lots selling for gross receipts of $43,270,000 and average of $260,663, while the clearance rate was a phenomenal 90 per cent.
At the corresponding session last year 183 yearlings sold for $37,358,000, an average price of $204,142, this year’s figures representing gains of 16 per cent and 27.6 per cent respectively.
“It’s been an amazing day’s selling from the very kick-off and to sell seven horses over $1million in one day is just sensational,” said Managing Director Reg Inglis. “We’re very much looking forward to the next two days.”
The session topper was Redoute’s Choice’s $2million colt out of the Last Tycoon mare Urge To Merge, offered by Arrowfield Stud and bought by leading bloodstock agent Rob McAnulty.
The handsome bay is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Suntagonal out of a full-sister to former South African Champion two-year-old Tracy’s Element.
McAnulty said the horse was already syndicated and would head into training with David Hayes at Lindsay Park.
“He’s a nice big well-grown colt, who’ll not grow anymore, he’ll just head to David’s to fill-out
now.” said McAnulty.
Kiwi born McAnutly has recently relocated to Victoria and boasts many successes with Easter bought yearlings, most notably the multiple Group 1 winner and Champion 3YO Mouawad from the 1995 sale.
TOP TEN LOTS INGLIS AUSTRALIAN EASTER YEARLING SALE DAY 1
Lot Type Name Vendor Purchaser Price
128 B. C. Redoute’s Choice x Urge To Merge Arrowfield Stud Rob McAnulty NZ $2,000,000
51 B. C. Redoute’s Choice x Singles Bar Arrowfield Stud Freedman Bros $1,600,000
186 Ch. C Elusive Quality x Assertive Lass Twin Palms Stud John Ferguson UK $1,400,000
81 Br. F. Rock Of Gibraltar x Subterfuge Coolmore Stud David Ellis NZ $1,300,000
83 B. C. Redoute’s Choice x Surreal Thing Torryburn Stud Shadwell Australia $1,100,000
148 B. C. Giant’s Causeway x Wild Berries Coolmore Stud Charles Laird SA $1,000,000
200 B. C Zabeel x Better Succeed Cambridge Stud Terry Millard $1,000,000
82 B. F. Redoute’s Choice x Sunday Valentine Arrowfield Stud Shadwell Australia $900,000
173 B/Br. F. Rock Of Gibraltar x African Rain Tyreel Stud Woodlands Stud $750,000
84 Ch. C. Tale Of The Cat x Surrealist Coolmore Stud John Foote $700,000