A Street Cry half brother to three-time Melbourne Cup (Aust-I) winner Makybe Diva topped the third and final day of session one of the William Inglis & Son Easter yearling sale in Australia. Trainer Peter Moody purchased the brown colt for Aust$1.2 million ($1,234,310 in U.S. funds) from Tony Santic’s Makybe operation April 12.
The immediate underbidder was trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Bred in Australia by Makybe Racing & Breeding, the yearling is out of the Riverman mare Tugela, who failed to win or place in her two career races. The best of her offspring so far, Makybe Diva (by Desert King), captured the Melbourne Cup in 2003 when it was sponsored by Toohey’s and in 2004 and 2005 when it was sponsored by Emirates. Makybe Diva also was Australia’s Horse of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Tugela’s offspring also include Musket (by Redoute's Choice), who won the 2008 P. J. Gallaghers Shannon Stakes (Aust-II).
The 54 yearlings that were sold on the third day grossed Aust$12,402,500 ($12,757,100) and averaged Aust$229,676 ($236,242). The median price was Aust$160,000 ($164,574). The clearance rate was 87.1%.
The results for all the days of session one of the auction combined included a gross of Aust$72,825,000 ($74,907,100) for the 330 horses that were sold. The average price was Aust$220,682 ($226,991) and the median was Aust$160,000 ($164,574). Compared to last year, the number sold rose 6.1%, but the gross declined 1.8%. The average and median fell 7.4% and 11.1%, respectively.
The clearance rate was 82.9%, up from 81.2% in 2011.
During session two of the Easter sale, which also was held April 12, the 88 yearlings that were sold grossed Aust$6,481,000 ($6,666,290). The average was Aust$73,648 ($75,754) and the median was Aust$55,000 ($56,572). The clearance rate was 83%.
A More Than Ready – Faith Hill filly established a record for session two when she brought Aust$360,000 ($370,292). John O’Shea acquired her from Edinglassie Stud.
