Topped by an Exceed and Excel colt, the Melbourne Premier Sale of yearlings was off to a strong start in Australia March 1.
William Inglis & Son reported the first-day average of Aust$71,488 (US$63,998) up 30% over the comparable session one year ago. With 126 horses selling for a gross of Aust$9,007,500 (US$8,063,780), the session median of Aust$60,000 (US$53,714) was up 33%. The clearance rate was 74%.
"The rise in average is exceptional, but there is still a lot of selling ahead of us," Inglis bloodstock director Peter Heagney said in a statement.
The day’s top price of Aust$300,000 ($268,569) was paid by Mick Price and Blue Sky Thoroughbreds for the Exceed and Excel colt, who was consigned by Thee Bridges Thoroughbreds. The colt is the first foal produced from the Australian group II winner De Lago Mist.
The day’s second-highest price of Aust$200,000 (US$179,046) was paid by McDonald Racing for a Stratum filly consigned by Burnewang North Pastoral. The filly was produced from another group II winner, Coupe.
The sale continues daily through March 4.