The opening session of the William Inglis & Son Sydney classic yearling sale posted a first-day average price of Aust$33,005 ($29,707 in U.S. funds) that was 24% higher than the average for last year’s entire auction.
The 183 horses that were sold Jan. 24 in Australia grossed $6,040,000 ($5,436,420). The median was Aust$24,000 ($21,602), and the clearance rate was 80%.
Golden Grove’s bay colt by Danehill’s multiple European group I winner Oratorio brought the top price of Aust$200,000 ($180,014). Produced from the Desert Prince mare Pacific Dreams he was purchased by Bert Vieira.
“For the market to be up 25% and clear over 80% (of the horses offered) is an excellent result,” said Inglis managing director Mark Webster in a release. “There was a great turnout of trainers and agents from all major regions of Australasia as well as buyers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia.
“It was also pleasing to see new investors to Classic, including Bert Vieira, who purchased the session topper, and BC3, which bought for their 2-year-old sale later this year.”