The first four sessions of the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale wrapped up Jan. 12 with gains over last year in three key economic indicators. A Fastnet Rock filly topped the fourth session at $500,000 (approximately US$526,700).
Offspring of Coolmore’s leading Australian sire have ruled the top of the market, bringing the highest prices at three of the four sessions. In terms of average price for three or more yearlings sold, Fastnet Rock ranks second to date, with 33 yearlings sold at an average price of $318,030 (US$335,012), including his colt out of the Mister C. mare Smart Company who brought the highest price overall when sold at the second session Jan. 10 for $1,350,000 ($1,427,155). Arrowfield Stud’s Redoute's Choice ranks first with 10 yearlings sold for $384,500 ($405,032).
Darley’s established Kentucky-based sire Medaglia d'Oro ranks as the sale’s top first-season sire, as six of his first Australian yearlings have sold for an average price of $156,667 ($165,033 US).
The session-topping Fastnet Rock filly was secured by trainer Chris Waller, who outbid trainer Peter Moody. Offered by Tyreel Stud on behalf of Victoria’s Makybe operation, the filly is out of stakes-placed El Moxie mare Gold Chant, a half sister to Australian and European champion sprinter Starspangledbanner.
“She's a very, very nice horse," Waller said. "There is Fastnet Rock (Danehill--Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) over a speed mare and Starspangledbanner sticks out (in the pedigree).
"These pedigrees are hard to get and you have to pay more to get into them."
Lexington-based Ingordo Bloodstock went to $460,000 ($484,564) for the fourth session’s second-highest price, a Redoute’s Choice colt. The first foal out of the winning Encosta de Lago mare Hades was offered by Newhaven Park, agent. The youngster’s grandam is Australian champion Hasna.
Ingordo Bloodstock bought 12 horses at the sale for a total of $2,230,000 ($2,349,082), ranking third overall behind the partnership of trainer Gai Waterhouse and James Harron Bloodstock, the sale’s leading buyer with 27 horses bought for $6,050,000 ($6,373,070).
At the close of the fourth session, cumulative total sales for 497 horses reported as sold climbed 8.1% over last year at $76,677,500 ($71,291,479). Average price increased 7% to $136,172 ($143,444), and median rose 5% to $105,000 ($110,607).
The clearance rate was 82.9%, compared with 84.4% in 2012.
Coolmore Stud was the leading consignor, selling 36 horses for $5,905,000 ($6,220,327 US).
The Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale continues Jan. 13 with the popular fifth session, beginning at 11 a.m. Queensland time.