The William Inglis & Son Easter yearling sale got off to a promising start April 5 in Australia, generating an average price of Aust$248,906 ($258,218 in U.S. funds) that was 12.9% above the comparable figure for the entire auction in 2010.
The other results for the first session included a gross of Aust$31,860,000 ($33,051,900) and a median of Aust$200,000 ($207,482) for the 128 horses that were sold. The clearance rate was 76.2%.
Inglis managing director Mark Webster was pleased with the opening session, particularly with the number of overseas buyers active during the day.
“While still cautious, it’s encouraging to see confidence returning to the market and if we can hold these figures throughout the sale, we would be delighted.” Webster said.
Trainer Gerald Ryan bought the opening session’s most expensive horse, spending Aust $1 million ($1,037,410) for the Redoute's Choice filly out of the winning Woodman mare Schiaparelli. Consigned by Emirates Park, the yearling is a half sister to Rothesay (by Fastnet Rock), who captured the Sky Racing Queensland Guineas (Aust-II) and Carlton Mid Lord Mayor’s Cup (Aust-III) in 2010. Ryan trained Rothesay and also conditions Rothesay’s full sister Fast Shanti.
“At the same stage, she’s a better type,” Ryan said of the Aust$1-million yearling. “She’s a lovely filly and I think she will run earlier than the other two.”