A colt by leading Australian sire Fastnet Rock sold for $1,350,000 (approximately $1,427,155 US) Jan. 10 at Magic Millions, sparking fireworks at the second session of the Gold Coast yearling sale in Queensland.
Coolmore’s Tom Magnier outbid bloodstock agent James Harron to secure the handsome bay colt, whom trainer Gai Waterhouse described as “poetry in motion.” Waterhouse will train the colt, who was offered by Lomar Park Stud.
The session-topping colt is out of the winning Mister C. mare Smart Company, who is a full sister to three group winners, including multiple group I winner Super Elegant.
"We know how the well the stallion is going and the colt is a lovely individual," Magnier said. "He is by the right sire and we're delighted to have him. He has the type and the pedigree.”
Economic indicators are solid through two days of the sale with total receipts, average price, and median all rising compared with the first two sessions at the 2012 sale.
Overall, 273 horses have sold for a cumulative aggregate of $36,115,000 (US$38,186,966), an increase of 7.7%. Average price is $132,289 ($127,977), up 3.4%, and median rose 5% to $105,000 ($111,046).
The clearance rate was 79.4%, compared with 80.7% for the first two days last year.
"We're keen to see the clearance rate continue to rise and it won't be long before hitting 80%,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said. “A goal would be to get to 85%; if that was achieved it would be phenomenal."
Prominent Flemington trainer Mark Kavanagh bought two colts by Darley’s Central Kentucky-based sire Street Cry, including a black or brown colt out of the Danehill mare Villa Bled for the day’s second-highest price of $550,000 ($581,473). Kavanagh landed the youngster after an energetic bidding duel with George Moore of Hong Kong.
Offered by Baramul Stud, the colt is a half brother to stakes-placed Well Rehearsed. Villa Bled was multiple group stakes-placed and is a full sister to Australian group I winner Danelagh, the dam of 2007 Hong Kong Horse of the Year Vengeance of Rain and Australian group I winner Dizelle.
Kavanagh also bought a Street Cry colt out of group II winner World Peace, by Danehill, for $260,000 ($275,024). That colt, too, was consigned by Baramul Stud.
The auction’s third session continues Jan. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. local time.
For sales results, visit http://www.magicmillions.com.au