Oceanfast Tops First Session at Easter Broodmare Sale

Oceanfast, a mare whose progeny have lit up the famous Newmarket sale ring on so many occasions, took centre stage herself today, topping the first day of the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale. The dam of Alinghi sold for $700,000, carrying a positive test to top young Coolmore stallion Fastnet Rock.

Today's session netted a gross of $7.8million at an average of $67,522, which was up 25% on the opening day last year.

The median was also up, but the clearance rate was below expectations.

Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster said shrewd buyers are sure to find themselves a top breeding prospect over the remaining two days.

"The market was very selective, which was reflected in today's clearance rate," Webster said.

"We've seen the yearling market rebound strongly this year so some great opportunities exist for breeders here at Newmarket over the next two days.

"Anyone unable to make it to the sale can arrange to bid through agents here on the grounds or online."

The Mitchell family of Yarraman Park have enjoyed an unprecedented run of success with their top broodmare Oceanfast (Monde Bleu), having sold five yearlings from her at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale for a grand total of almost $7.5million.

Notably, Oceanfast was secured today by Peter Ford Thoroughbreds - the same man who secured Helsinge on behalf of Rick Jamieson's Gilgai Farm for $115,000 at the 2005 Easter Broodmare Sale. Of course, Jamieson went on to breed World Champion Black Caviar and last week's Easter Yearling $1,025,000 sale topping Casino Prince colt from Helsinge.

Yarraman Park's Arthur Mitchell confirmed that Oceanfast would return to their farm and they were able to keep a percentage in her ownership.

"She's been a great mare to us and we're delighted that we can retain ownership in her and have her come home," said Arthur Mitchell.

Gerald Ryan's former top staying More Than Ready mare Ready To Lift fetched $620,000 to the bid of New Zealand based Raffles Dancers Pty Ltd, which also share in the ownership of last Saturday's AJC Derby winner and Saturday's AJC Oaks favourite Shamrocker. A winner of 10 races up to Group 3 level, Ready To Lift was sold carrying a positive test to High Chaparral.

Another former top More Than Ready racetrack performer, Patronyme, made $425,000. Like Oceanfast, the Group 3 and Listed winner was sold in foal to Fastnet Rock.

Horses passed in during today's sale can still be purchased via the Inglis Make an Offer service.

Tomorrow's second session can again be viewed on Inglis Sale Day Live with Online Bidding for those unable to attend.