An Australian-bred filly by Darley's Central Kentucky-based Lonhro sold for $200,000 ($269,207 U.S.) to top the first session of the Magic Millions Perth yearling sale Feb. 19 at the Belmont Park sales complex.
The brown filly, a half sister to Australian group I winner Covertly, was bought by John Chalmers Bloodstock. Offered by Dawson Stud, she is the 10th foal out of the multiple stakes-winning Bletchley mare Most Secret, who also is the dam of group I winner Covertly, group III winner So Secret, multiple stakes winner Secret Link, and stakes-placed Siesta Park.
"She's the standout filly of the sale," Chalmers said of the youngster, who will join the stables of Wally Mitchell. "She is the most correct Lonhro I've seen and she is a really lovely individual."
Lonhro was Australia's Horse of the Year of 2004 and leading sire of 2011. He currently ranks third on the Australian general sire list for the 2012-2013 season with $5,608,848 ($5,808,905 U.S.) in progeny earnings. The 15-year-old son of Octagonal was transferred to Darley near Lexington in 2012, where he now stands for $30,000. He will shuttle to Darley Kelvinside in Australia for the 2013 Southern Hemisphere season.
The sale was re-formatted this year to a two-day auction after running four days in 2012.
"While not comparing apples to apples because of a new sale format, the market felt very similar to last year," Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said.
Overall, 131 horses sold for $7,544,500 ($7,811,376 U.S.). Eighteen horses were bought for $100,000 ($103,519 U.S.) or more, helping the average price to $57,592 ($59,623 U.S.). Median price was $45,000 ($46,587 U.S.).
"The clearance rate rounded out to 76%, which was very good considering there were some very soft patches during the day," Cox said.
The sale continues Feb. 20 with the second and final session beginning at 11. a.m. local time.
For sales results, visit www.magicmillions.com.au