The 2009 Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale got away to a very healthy start at the Gold Coast on Wednesday night when the average rose an incredible 65% to $54,534.  The first session saw 88 lots sell for a gross of $4.79 million.

A Bel Esprit colt was the highlight making $360,000 from the Washpool Lodge draft.  Victorian trainer Peter Morgan was the successful bidder.

“He’s a very nice colt,” Morgan commented.  “If you believe what they are telling me he’s a cheap horse.  He breezed up nicely and looks a great prospect.”

Morgan said the colt, who is from the winning Bellotto mare Bellain, would most likely be racing sooner than later.  “I will get him home and we might set him for the ($2 million) Magic Millions Classic.”

Next on the leader-board was the Fastnet Rock colt from Wisp that realised $220,000.  Leading Singapore trainer Don Baertschiger was thrilled to get the youngster who was presented by Attunga Stud.

“I thought he was the nicest horse on the grounds,” Baertschiger said.  “He’s a lovely type and I probably had to go a little higher than I would have liked – but all the good judges are on the quality lots.”

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said while delighted with the increased figures across the board, he was far from surprised.  “I always thought the catalogue this year was the best we’ve ever put together,” Chester said.  “I’m pretty sure we’ve never had this number of international clients at any Magic Millions sale ever.”

The auction will continue from 11am (Qld time) on Thursday.

SESSION 1 LEADER BOARD

$360,000 – Bel Esprit-Bellain colt
Vendor: Washpool Lodge / Buyer: Peter Morgan (Vic)

$220,000 – Fastnet Rock-Wisp colt
Attunga Stud (As Agent) / Donald Baertschiger (Singapore)

$150,000 – El Moxie-Fire Lake colt
Doyle & Associates / Magus Equine Ltd (Hong Kong)

$130,000 – Happy Giggle-Freaky Fan colt
Kingsportz Pty Ltd (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (Singapore)

$125,000 – Ferocity-Survive colt
Robyn Wise (As Agent) / Magus Equine Ltd (Hong Kong)

$120,000 – More Than Ready-Princesse De Paris colt
Baramul Stud / Scone Bloodstock Services (NSW)

$120,000 – Bletchley Park-Crimson Pak colt
Robyn Wise (As Agent) / J Fang Co. (Singapore)

$110,000 – Antonius Pius-Cloudmist colt
Attunga Stud (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (Singapore)

$105,000 – Savabeel-Etoile Centieme colt
Oakwood Farm (As Agent) / Lucky Owners Pty Ltd (Hong Kong)

$105,000 – Hussonet-Excellent Song colt
Kingsportz Pty Ltd / David Joice (NSW)