The success of the first four days of the 2005 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast of Australia must have spurred on the select session, as it too returned record numbers.
A new record average for the fifth day of the auction was set when some 152 yearlings sold at an average price of AUS$26,355 -- up almost $2,000 over last year's record figures for day five.
And you just know the yearling boom is still happening when the top on day five is a healthy AUS$110,000 (approximately U.S.$84,000), but more so when you look at the pedigree page.
Unlike the major stars from the first four days, this colt by the newcomer Iglesia from the mare Subtle Siesta (by Seattle Siesta). In the four generations of mares shown on the catalogue page, none had any black type among them. The colt's sire, Iglesia, who holds the fastest 1,200 meter (six furlongs) time ever run in Australia (1.07.16 on turf), is an emerging star who is expected to reach lofty heights. His dam, who won just two low-key races, has had 10 foals, with eight to the track for five winners
"If you threw away the catalogue and just looked at him on type, it wouldn't have been hard to pay that much," Charles Roy, whose bloodstock company bought the colt, said.
The colt was consigned by Oaklands Stud, the home of Iglesia who stood for just AUS$6000 when this colt was conceived. By the end of the premier session of the sale, Iglesia yearlings were averaging AUS$145,000, proving him a bonanza for those who sent mares to him in his first two season.
The second highest price came during the afternoon when a Catbird filly from Zarelle (by Zabeel) was purchased by Heinrich Constructions for AUS$90,000. The youngster will be trained at the nearby stables of Gillian Heinrich and looked good parading. In contrast to the top colt, this mix of the two strongest male bloodlines seen in Australia for 25 years, combined with the proliferation of black type, helped make him very appealing.
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"Today's market was very strong for day five," Magic Millions managing director David Chester said. "There were a number of good individuals who were exceptionally presented and the vendors were rewarded with strong interest. Prices today ranged from $5,000 to $110,000."
