Last Love, a half sister to Australian group III winner Brief Embrace (by Irgun), was the most expensive horse sold May 31 during the third and final session of the Magic Millions national broodmare auction in Australia. Boomer Bloodstock purchased her for Aust$37,000 ($39,561 in U.S. funds) from Peachester Lodge.
A winning daughter of Iglesia, Last Love is out of the winning Imperial Baron mare Tranquil Love. Last Love, who was foaled in 2006, was unplaced in her most recent race late last December and has not been bred.
The results for the third session included a gross of Aust$474,750 ($507,612) for the 150 horses that were sold. The average price was Aust$3,165 ($3,384). Compared to last year, when 161 horses were sold, the gross fell 3.8% while the average was up 3.2%.
The clearance rate declined from 82.1% in 2010 to 78.9% this year.
"There was great value throughout today's session with buyers no doubt delighted with their purchases," said Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox. "It was nice to see strong interest from international buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
"The session seemed to go pretty well with the quality lots well sought out and plenty of bargains to be had. To boast an increased average on last year's corresponding session is encouraging.”