Average price was up 11% on the first day of the Inglis Melbourne premier yearling sale March 2, with trading led by a Northern Meteor colt for $450,000 ($400,542 in United States funds).
The average price on 106 horses sold was $80,778 ($71,854). Five yearlings sold for $200,000 or more, helping to drive total sales up a robust 45.5% at $8,562,500 ($7,617,129). Median price was unchanged at $60,000 ($53,368).
The clearance rate was 79%, compared with 74% for the same session in 2013.
"We are thrilled for our vendors at how the sale has started," said Peter Heagney, Inglis' Melbourne bloodstock director.
The session-topping colt by Widden Stud's deceased champion first-season sire Northern Meteor was sold to a partnership of Sun Kingdom Ltd., Gai Waterhouse Racing, and James Harron Bloodstock.
Offered by Phoenix Broodmare Farm, the bay colt is the fifth foal out of multiple group winner Conquistar, by Danasinga.
Hoss Heinrich outbid the Penang Turf Club to land the day's second-highest price, a Star Witness colt for $400,000 ($355,884). The youngster was consigned by New Zealand-based Ascot Farm. He is the first foal out of Crystal Whip, by Lonhro, and is from the family of Australian champion 2-year-old and Golden Slipper Stakes (Aus-I) winner Crystal Lily.
The four-day Inglis Melbourne premier yearling sale continues March 3 with day two.
