A Redoute's Choice half sister to 2011 Australian Horse of the Year Black Caviar was expected to be the star of the William Inglis & Son Easter yearling sale in Australia and she didn’t disappoint. The filly topped the auction’s second day and became the highest-priced horse sold so far, commanding Aus$2.6 million ($2,675,820) April 11.
BC3 Thoroughbreds purchased the bay yearling from Makybe, agent for breeder Rick Jamieson of Gilgai Farm.
“We are looking forward to bringing her back to Victoria and putting her through the BC3 system that works on building up bone density and muscle tone,” said Bill Vlahos of BC3. “It (the bidding) was a bit of an adrenalin rush. I’m just glad no one else put their hand up because we were at our limit.”
The filly will be trained by Victorian conditioner Danny O’Brien.
“I think everyone who came to the sale went to have a look at her as she is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy into this brilliant family,” O’Brien said. “Peter (Moody) has done such a great job with Black Caviar, and it’s just great to see this filly stay in Australia.”
Bidding on the yearling opened at Aus$1 million ($1,029,160), but immediately jumped to Aus$1.5 million ($1,543,740) then moved up steadily in Aus$100,000 ($102,916) increments before Vlahos went head to head with Toshiaki Shiria. The prominent Japanese trainer, who was bidding for a client from Japan, ended up being the immediate underbidder.
The filly is the fourth foal out of the unraced Desert Sun mare Helsinge. In addition to Black Cavier, who was Australia’s 2011 champion sprinter, the mare’s offspring include Australian group II winner All Too Hard (by Casino Prince).
The gross for the 120 yearlings sold on the auction’s second day was Aus$28,630,000 ($29,464,000) for the 120 yearlings that were sold. The average price was Aus$238,583 ($245,540) and the median price was Aus$180,000 ($185,249).
Compared to the same session in 2011, the number sold and gross declined 7% and 3.1%, respectively. The average rose 4.2% and the median was the same.
The clearance rate was 74.5%, down from 79.6% in 2011.
“The Helsinge filly was the jewel in the crown, selling to BC3 for Aus$2.6 million, but overall today’s session was strong throughout and I must congratulate our loyal vendors on meeting the market,” said Inglis managing director Mark Webster.