Australian Premier Yearlings Sale Records Upswings

William Inglis & Son's San Miguel premier yearling sale in Australia posted an 18% increase in gross revenue and a 12% upswing in average price from a year ago during its two sessions. The 342 horses sold on Monday and Tuesday grossed 14,0655,00 Australian dollars ($8,316,930 in U.S. funds) and averaged 41,127 Australian dollars ($24,318). The clearance rate was 80%.

"I was absolutely thrilled with today's results, and the strong buyer interest throughout the day on quality horses," said Peter Heagney, associate director and Melbourne manager for William Inglis & Son, following Tuesday's session. "(It was) a particularly good result for Victorian vendors who opted to sell their yearlings at this sale, with 14 horses selling for $100,000 (Australian) and above."

The sale's top price of 260,000 Australian dollars ($153,738) was brought by a Red Ransom filly that was produced from Calemeo, the dam of VATC One Thousand Guineas winner Lady of the Pines. Sydney-based bloodstock agent David Lamond purchased her from Devon Park Stud.

"The filly of the sale," Lamond said. "I respect the stallion and have been waiting to find the right one, and this filly, with such a great pedigree and a beautiful type, certainly fit the bill."

A full brother to champion Rubitano sold for 230,000 Australian dollars ($135,999). Teeley Assets Ltd. VIC purchased the Rubiton--Mrs. Soffel colt from Rubiton Bloodstock.