Magic Millions Premier Sale Posts Record Average

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It has been five years since Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Thunder Gulch made a significant sale ring impact in Australia. Back in 1999 when his debut crop went through Australia's most prestigious sale, the Easter yearling auction, Thunder Gulch's large bay daughter from the world class producing mare Dancing Show topped that sale fetching Aus$1.2 million. Everyone at Coolmore where he stands smiled.

Eagerly anticipated, the yearling turned two and received a name – Makarova. She managed to win a couple of city races and place at the Listed level before being retired. She had some talent, but not enough to warrant $1.2 million. However, she has just produced an enormous colt to Giant's Causeway, so her stocks are rising again. Anyway, that debut crop of Thunder Gulch started a downturn in his fortunes which resulted in Coolmore not even bringing him to Australia last year.

But at the Magic Millions Gold Coast premier yearling sale held on Sunday and Monday, Thunder Gulch roared back into the limelight. His big strong muscular son – a chestnut – cast in the same mold as his champion chestnut son Point Given, fetched Aus$86,000 (U.S.$64,275) to top the sale. He is out of the Danehill mare Alessandra Demarco.

The sire of the top filly was Flying Spur, whose mating with the Dr Grace mare Spirit of Grace produced a strong, tough-looking brown filly that fetched Aus$80,000 (U.S.$59,790).

Last year this yearling sale was barely a blip of the breeding radar. This time around it was the Six Million Dollar man. It concluded with a record average of Aus$16,464 (U.S.$12,400) for the 366 yearlings sold. The gross revenue climbed to Aus$6,026,000 (U.S.$4,517,400), almost double the 2003 figure.

Day two was the better day, and it seemed to attract many buyers. All of them were keen to see the only Danehill in the book go through the ring. He did just that, but was bought back for Aus$275,000 (U.S.$206,100). His owner, Wadham Park Stud in Queensland, wanted Aus$300,000 (U.S.$224,214). Day two averaged Aus$17,190 (U.S.$12,847) from the 178 lots sold, with the aggregate coming in at Aus$3,059,750 ($2,286,796).

"The company is absolutely ecstatic with the outcome of the premier sale," said David Chester, the managing director of Magic Millions. "After a slow start on Sunday we were hoping for a better result at the conclusion of day two and we got it. For the first time this sale has grossed over six million and also recorded a record average.

"Overall the interest in this sale has been very strong and the support of so many interstate and international buyers has ensured the successful outcome of this sale. It has continued the buying boom across the world."

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