Day Two of Australian Easter Yearling Sale Soars

The 2001 Australian Easter yearling sale burst into overdrive at Newmarket Wednesday evening with a sizzling session that had both buyers and vendors breaking out the champagne.

A solid start Tuesday, paved the way for last night's session on which 82 yearlings were sold for a gross of $40,192,000 (Australian funds), with an average price of $167,467. Vendors moved to meet the market resulting in an excellent sales rate of 86%.

Managing director Reg Inglis was thrilled with the proceedings, "It was undoubtedly the best night session we have ever staged at Newmarket and the results speak for themselves."

Flying Spur, the heir apparent to his sire, the mighty Danehill, stole the show with a filly from the unraced mare Game Promise, bringing the top price of $800,000. Game Promise is a full sister to champion 2-year-old filly and broodmare Bold Promise, who is the dam of group I winners Merlene and Miss Pennymoney. A prolonged bidding duel was finally won by The Robt. Dawe Agency of New Zealand.

The co-second-highest price of the evening was for another filly, a Zabeel -- Court offering that brought $700,000. She was purchased by Darley Australia. The highest-priced colt of the session also fetched $700,000. By Danehill out of Fitting, the colt was consigned by Vinery Australia as agent and was purchased by Anton Koolman Bloodstock.