(Edited William Inglis & Son press release)
The William Inglis & Son Melbourne March mixed sale ended at Oaklands in Australia March 13 with a clearance rate of 91%. The 329 horses that sold grossed Aust$1,369,600 (approximately $887,487 in U.S. funds). The average price was Aust$4,163 ($2,698), and the median price was Aust$2,200 ($1,426).
"It was incredibly strong for the quality of horses we had in the sale,” said Inglis Director Peter Heagney. “The demand for racing stock was as strong as it has ever been. This result should be comforting to a lot of people in the industry as it underlines that people are still very keen to get their hands on a racehorse and chase the excellent prize money available in Australia."
The top price for an individual horse during the final session and for the sale was Aust$50,000 ($32,400), which was brought by the Rubiton filly Roobles. The 3-year-old filly is out of the stakes-placed Bletchingly mare Blithe Spirit, who is from the famous "Kingston" family that includes the likes of Horse of the Year Rose Of Kingston and her Melbourne Cup (Aust-I)-winning son Kingston Rule.
Talented gelding Spirited Halo also was among the last session’s top sellers. The 4-year-old son of Bel Esprit brought Aust$41,000 ($26,568).