THE glitzy set from here and around the world arrived to see and spend huge money being generated around the sale’s ring with buyers splurging a record $169.545 million at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast – its book one sessions concluding last Saturday night.
Top came late at the end of Saturday night’s session at $1.7m for a colt by I Am Invincible, from Oakleigh Girl, and selling to Caulfield trainer Lloyd Kennewell for a group of investors.
A total of 11 $1m or more sold at the sale, with the Magic Millions Bloodstock’s managing director stating “it was a sensational sale for start to finish, with about $14m up on the gross from last year.”
“There was a very solid international buying bench with all the key players here now buying; we had Angus Gold (who buys for the Arab owned Shadwell Farm), we had Godolphin, had a good Hong Kong contingent, as well as Barbara Banke (of Stonestreet Farm) and Jon Kelly from America, and who all played their part without dominating the market which was fantastic,” Barry said.
Well-bred colts were in hot demand.
“There is an incredible market for “blue-chip” colts, that can race and then in the hope that they will become the next biggest stallion.”
“It was great theatre tonight (Saturday night session), and with a great big pumping crowd it was fabulous we could pull off a sale topper.”
“The key indicators show that the (Thoroughbred) industry is in great shape and our sales have reflected that.”
“The commercial buyers are coming now to the Gold Coast and having a great time, and they love racing horses in Australia and they are really engaging in the industry.”
The sale also had its English royalty at its Bundall located selling complex via Zara and Mike Tindal who are ambassadors for the Magic Millions and have been regular visitors at the Magic Millions in recent years.
Other celebrities seen around the sale ring included well known American and global “horse whisperer” Monty Roberts, and State Of Origin Rugby League identities Phil “Gus” Gould and Billy Slater.
Mr Roberts from California, was here “advising and consulting” industry participants, as well having some pleasure.
A former track-work rider for champion Sydney conditioner Gai Waterhouse, Mr Slater has entered a new era in his life by breeding and selling his own Thoroughbred yearlings. This included the first ever youngster being offered and sold from the Dally M Medal award winner at public auction. His colt - by second season Snitzel sire Wandjina, sold to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $180,000 during the Magic Millions’ Friday session.
While last year’s top price of $2 million was not reached this year, the average this year still rose to $239,809 (from $228,000 in 2018) for the 684 sold lots.