An improved catalogue and a first class buying bench led to massive increases across the board during Day 1 of the Magic Millions Adelaide yearling sale at Morphettville on Tuesday.
A colt by More Than Ready topped the day’s proceedings when purchased by leading local horseman Phillip Stokes for $210,000. He was one of four yearlings to sell for over $100,000 ahead of colts by Stratum ($140,000), Churchill Downs ($125,000) and Testa Rossa ($110,000).
A total of 164 yearlings were sold at an average of $34,570 which was up almost 30% on last year’s figures. Turnover of $5.66 million was up a staggering 65% and the clearance rate increased five points to 81%.
“It was the best opening day figures of any sale in Australasia this year,” Magic Millions Acting Managing Director David Chester reported. “We had buyers from Malaysia, China, Macau and New Zealand – but without doubt the biggest impact came from our large contingent of buyers from Singapore assembled by our local representative Wade Burridge.”
Adelaide buyers were active led by Phillip Stokes who purchased five yearlings including the sale topper.
Interstate trainers including Mark Kavanagh, Mick Price, Rick Hore-Lacy, Byron Cozamanis, Robbie Laing, Mark Young, Darren Weir, Terry O’Sullivan and Luke Oliver were among successful bidders throughout the session.
ADELAIDE DAY 1 TOP SELLERS
$210,000 – More Than Ready-Sun Chariot colt
Vendor: Baramul Stud / Buyer: Phillip Stokes (SA)
$140,000 – Stratum-Duchess Cara colt
Summerset Park Stud / Mark Riley (Vic)
$125,000 – Churchill Downs-Scagliola colt
Meadowbrook Park / Lindsay Park Racing (SA)
$110,000 – Testa Rossa-Livid colt
Baramul Stud / Robbie Laing (Vic)
$95,000 – Good Journey-Violet Haze colt
Ducatoon Park (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (NSW)