The 2010 South African National yearling sale concluded on Monday evening with record receipts across the board.  Over three sessions, turnover rose 4.5% to R160 million (AUD 23.42 million) and the average increased 5.5% to R326,378 (AUD 47,780).

“Our horsemen have undoubtedly raised the bar with arguably the best consignment of yearlings ever sold in this country,” BloodStock SA auctioneer Andrew Miller said.  “To have an existing top price bettered twice during a three-day period says it all.”

The Sale received tremendous support from a strong contingent of international buyers representing the UK, Ireland, Dubai, France, USA, China and Hong Kong.

Topping the third and final session on Monday was a colt by Sadlers’ Wells sire Fort Wood from a half-sister to Champion Chilean filly Normality (Roy).  Mary Slack’s Wilgerbosdrift sold him for R2.20 million (AUD 322,060).

Highlands Stud, who sold both record-breakers yearlings on Friday and Sunday, led the vendor aggregate and average at R551,071 (AUD 80,670).

Form Bloodstock was the biggest buyer by aggregate, signing for 22 lots totalling R11.40 million (AUD 1,66 million).  Shadwell South Africa bought six lots at an average of R940 000 (AUD 137,605) including a Captain Al colt related to Al Mufti.  The magnificent son of Roberto was initially owned by Shadwell’s Sheikh Hamdan.  

Champion sire Jet Master stamped his authority on the sale with 42 of his lots selling for an average R650,000 (AUD 95,155).

Leading the freshman sires on average was Black Minnaloushe (R338, 571 – AUD 49,565),ahead of Tiger Ridge (R371,136 – AUD 54,330) and Zabeel stallion Greys Inn (R274 000 – AUD 40,110).