Buyer selectivity has defined the first two days of the three-day Inglis Easter broodmare sale, where Legal Consent, in foal to Darley's Central Kentucky shuttler Lonhro, brought the top price of $190,000 (US$196,447) at the day-two select session April 17.
"There are certainly plenty of buyers here at the sale, but there is a clear preference for proven producers, young mares with a pedigree straight off the track or in foal to stallions that have been popular with yearling sale buyers," Inglis bloodstock director Jonathan D'Arcy said.
The dam of Australian group I winner Dreamaway, by More Than Ready , Legal Consent was bought by William Inglis, agent, from the Evergreen Stud Farm, agent, consignment.
Lonhro was Australia's 2004 Horse of the Year and led the nation's general sire list for the 2010-2011 season before shuttling to stand the Northern Hemisphere season in Kentucky for the first time last year at Darley's Lexington operation.
In addition to Dreamaway, who won the 2011 Schweppes WATC Derby (Aus-I), 14-year-old Legal Consent produced multiple stakes winner New Spice, who is group I-placed. Legal Consent, who is by Danehill out of stakes winner Fancy Miss, by Sir Tristram, has four winners overall from six to start.
While discerning buyers spent for quality mares, day two continued the downturn showed on day one with declines across the board.
Inglis reported 130 of 182 fillies or mares offered as sold on day two for $2,336,250 (US$2,414,656) in total receipts, down 32.1% from last year's second day. The average price of $17,971 ($18,581) showed at 19.2% decline while median price dropped 34.3% to $10,500 ($10,850).
The clearance rated slipped from 74% to 72% compared with the corresponding day in 2012.
The sale continues with the final session at the Newmarket sales complex in Sydney.