Magic Millions sale sets records

The premium catalogue at the Magic Millions yearling sale has realised record prices and the highest-ever gross for the Gold Coast auction.

After four days of the Book One sale, there were nine individual lots fetching $1 million or more, the last a Snitzel filly out of Group Three winner Initimate Moment, knocked down to Sydney trainer Mark Newnham for $1.1 million on Saturday night.

“That’s the one we were waiting for for the last three days,” Newnham said. “It’s nice we were able to get her.”

“She just looks a natural. She’s got a really good, strong pedigree behind her and you’d nearly give up if she couldn’t run.

“We thought she’d be pretty dear. For us she was the best one here. You’ve got to pay for them.”

“This is the first time I’ve gone past half a million (dollars). That’s how much we liked her, so hopefully she can repay us.”

The Book One sale rounded out with a gross of almost $156 million, an increase of more than $22.6 million on 2017.

The average was $228,000 while the clearance rate was a record-equalling 89 per cent.

“We’ve closed out with the highest grossing yearling sale ever in the southern hemisphere,” Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said.

“The previous record was back in 2008. It’s been a wonderful sale and it’s a wonderful result for Magic Millions and obviously a massive result for our breeders.”

Arrowfield stallion Snitzel edged out I Am Invincible as leading sire by average (for three or more lots sold), while James Harron Bloodstock was leading buyer and Arrowfield Stud (by gross) and Yarraman Park Stud (by average) led the way for the vendors.

STATISTICS: (2017 in brackets)

Lots Catalogued: 853 (816)

Lots Sold: 684 (649)

Lots Passed In: 87 (100)

Lots Withdrawn: 82 (67)

Sale Aggregate: $155,952,000 ($134,292,500)

Top Price: $2,000,000 ($1,300,000)

Average Price: $228,000 ($206,922)

Median Price: $170,000 ($160,000)

Sold percentage: 89 (87)

The highest-priced yearling was an I Am Invincible colt out of Tai Tai Tess who made $2 million.

He was bought by a Reg Inglis, Jon Kelly and Paul Frampton in partnership and will be trained in Sydney by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

The second part of the sale continues until Tuesday.