The select portion of the Magic Millions national weanling sale ended its two-day run May 31 in Australia with increases of 14.2% in gross and 31% in average price from the previous year.
“It has been a great couple of days (of) selling at the national weanling sale,” Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said. “There’s very good confidence in the industry. Magic Millions has worked hard with the support of vendors and buyers alike. The enthusiasm of all involved was unabated throughout the sale.”
The 244 weanlings sold grossed Aust$8,397,200 ($8,205,490 in U.S. funds) and averaged Aust$34,415 ($33,629). The clearance rate was 79.2%, up from 70% in 2011.
A Wanted colt topped the second session and was the most expensive horse overall with his Aust$255,000 ($249,178) price. Newgate Farm purchased him from Eliza Park, agent.
A member of his sire’s first crop, the colt is out of the Arena mare Regal Arena and is a half brother to the winner Portos (by Quest For Fame). Regal Arena finished second once and third once in eight career races. She is a full sister to 2006 Coolmore Classic (Aust-I) winner Regal Cheer.
“He is the most outstanding individual I’ve seen offered at a weanling sale for at least five years,” said Newgate’s Henry Field of the colt. “Just a stunning colt – the pick of the sale and he’s by a speedy group I-winning son of Fastnet Rock. That’s a no-brainer. We will most likely offer him as a yearling, hopefully up here at the Gold Coast in January.”
