Inglis Easter Sale Marches On

Highlighted by the $1.025million half-brother to Black Caviar, today’s second session of the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale continued at a strong pace, with total sales surging through the $60million mark.

With 251 yearlings sold to date, the average of $241,394 represents a near 10% increase on last year’s overall Session I figure.

With more sales completed today, the clearance rate from yesterday’s opening day is now up beyond 80%.

“To have an average up nearly 10 per cent is a very satisfying result at this stage,” Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster said.

“The clearance rate today was a little disappointing, but as yesterday’s figures show, it can be expected to improve as post sale negotiations are completed.

“Buyers should note that there’s still a great opportunity to secure a future champion at tomorrow’s closing session.

“There’s still 57 horses catalogued in the first session for tomorrow and then we move onto Session II. It should be noted that Group 1 winners like Response ($50,000) have been purchased on the final day of the sale, so there is sure to be a horse to suit everyone’s budget here at Newmarket tomorrow.”

No less than 25 yearlings have cracked the $500,000 mark, as the second seven figure yearling of the sale went through the ring today.

Makybe’s Casino Prince half-brother to The World’s Highest Rated Racehorse Black Caviar, offered on behalf of Rick Jamieson’s Gilgai Farm, was eventually knocked down to Hawkes Racing (pictured) for $1,025,000 after an enthralling bidding duel with Peter Moody.

“It seemed like $600,000 was going to do it, but the two boys obviously wanted him. I’m thrilled to bits,” Jamieson said in the moments following the sale.

Former grand Zabeel mare Champagne also provided a highlight lot today, with James Bester going to $850,000 for her Redoute’s Choice colt out of the Cressfield draft.

Chantilly Bloodstock was also on the Redoute’s Choice bandwagon today, buying the Clean Sweep colt from Arrowfield for $750,000.

After being beaten on the Black Caviar sibling, Peter Moody was able to spend $600,000 on the Redoute’s Choice-Lisheenowen half-brother to Private Steer and All Silent.

Mark Kavanagh proved strongest in the battle for the Street Sense three-quarter-brother to Shocking, winning out with a $450,000 bid.

Ingham Racing continues to lead the buying list, securing 11 yearlings overall for $3.27million, closely followed by Shadwell, who have nine for $3.04million.

James Bester has also been very active over the two days, securing eight yearlings under his own bloodstock banner for $1.83million and another five in partnership with Demi O’Byrne for $2.71million.

Arrowfield is the leading vendor by aggregate, having sold 24 yearlings for $6.95million, while Coolmore has 27 sold for $5.995million. Widden Stud has sold 16 for $3.85million and Yarraman Park have parted with 11 yearlings for $3.53million at an average of $320,909.

Other vendors to boast an average above $300,000 include Cressfield (2 at $555,000), Emirates Park (5 at $525,000), Highgrove Stud (4 at $415,000), Tyreel (3 at $376,667), Willow Park (7 at $372,857) and Makybe (8 at $335,000).

Selling continues at 11am tomorrow, with Inglis Sale Day Live and Online Bidding services again available for those who can’t attend the Newmarket sale complex.

Horses passed in during today’s session are all still available for sale via the Inglis Make an Offer service.

Photos of today’s top sellers can be viewed and downloaded from the Inglis Photo Gallery