Australian 'Breeze-Up' Sale Sets Records

Records for gross revenues and average price were established during the the Australian "breeze-up" sale of 2-year-olds conducted by William Inglis & Son on Friday. In addition, 19 horses sold for prices of $100,000 (Australian) or more.

In all, 82 horses were sold for a gross of $4,861,500 (Australian) and an average of $59,287 (Australian). The average represented a 37% increase over last year's comparable figure.

"The good number of international buyers present were impressed by the standard of 2-year-olds on offer and bid on a variety of individuals in the sale," said Reg Inglish, managing director of the sale company. "All parties agreed that the three-week interim period between the breeze-up sessions and the sale proved beneficial. Over 2,000 videos were sent to prospective clients leading to a good attendance here at Newmarket and our best result to date."

A Danehill--Sauvignon Valley filly brought the top price of $250,000 (Australian). Consigned by Widden Stud, agent, she was purchased by bloodstock agent David Lamond on behalf of Australian clients.

"She's by the leading sire in the Southern Hemisphere and is from a young stakes-winning mare and will be going to Ron Quinton. So she's certainly got everything going for her," Lamond said. "Once again, I was surprised by the lack of local support for this sale. I approach every sale with an open mind, and I believe there are good horses here to be bought."