Lago Delight Tops Inglis Horses-in-Training Sale

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The Melbourne arm of the Inglis Sales Co. conducted a low-key horses-in-training sale Aug. 20 and had the hinges blown off the doors when one horse in the catalogue was targeted by some big buyers, creating a record for an August Thoroughbred sale.

Conducted at the Oaklands complex in Victoria, a A$400,000 (U.S.$290,000) top was achieved for a galloper named Lago Delight.

Lago Delight is a well bred son of Encosta de Lago – currently standing at Coolmore for a fee of A$125,000 (U.S.$90,500) which is the highest in the country--was without a doubt the star of the sale.

Solid support on all offerings occurred at the sale, resulting in a 93.5% sale rate. A total of 187 horses were sold for an average of $10,754, up a staggering 82% over last year's figures. Gross sales of A$2,011,136 (U.S.$1,457,205) up 43% over 2003 numbers.

The saletopper, out of Sweet Delight, was sold as a stallion prospect to Inglis, as agent. He is sure to attract plenty of attention when he commences stud duties as all sons of Encosta de Lago (Fairy King--Shoal Creek) do. On the track, Lago Delight, he raced seven times, earning A$171,400 with two wins, one in stakes competition. He was grade II-placed.

Irishman Colm Santry flew in for the sale and was active, purchasing the top-priced broodmare at the sale. Timely Moment was snapped up by Santry for A$75,000 and it has been revealed the mare will be sent to Storm Cat's son Giant's Causeway. The maiden mare is by Peintre Celebre from the stakes-winning Kenmare mare Simply Believe and is a half-sister to Danehill's stakes winner Faith Hill.

"Today's market reflects the confidence in the Australian breeding industry, as quality race fillies and mares were keenly sought after and, as you can plainly see, exceeded vendor expectations," said Peter Heagney, Inglis' Melbourne manager.

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