Trainer Peter Moody topped the opening session of the Gold Coast Magic Millions when he paid $500,000 for a brother to his G1 winning filly Headway.

The colt is by Arrowfield sire Charge Forward and was offered by Turangga Farm.  “He’s a lovely colt,” Moody said.  “He’s a bit bigger than his sister and might look pretty cheap if Headway comes out and wins the Lightning Stakes next month.”

Magic Millions reported the Day 1 average of $125,400 dropped 16.5% for Australia’s first yearling sale of the year.  There were no seven-figures sales compared to last year when three lots made more than a million.  The clearance rate dipped marginally to 73%.

The results were disappointing but Magic Millions took heart from an international buying bench that included buyers from Hong Kong, South Africa, Japan and Ireland.

“I’m hoping for the clearance rate to rise on Thursday when are some lovely prospects to go under the hammer,” Magic Millions managing director David Chester said.  “There were buyers on hand from every state in the country as well as many overseas locations.

Darley Australia spent $470,000 for the second dearest lot of the day, a filly by Redoute’s Choice from Arrowfield Stud.  She is the first foal of WA Railway Stakes (G1) winner Covertly.

The Ingham family spent $730,000 on five yearlings – including a cracking colt by their former star galloper Lonhro.

Anthony Cummings outlaid $720,000 on six youngsters, while the Hong Kong Jockey Club snapped up four exciting prospects for $1 million.

The connections of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking were also active.  Trainer Mark Kavanagh purchased three yearlings for $640,000, while owner Laurence Eales snapped two lots for a total spend of $250,000.

Day 1 TOP SELLERS

$500,000 – Charge Forward-Chatelaine colt
Vendor: Turangga Farm / Buyer: Peter Moody

$470,000 – Redoute’s Choice-Covertly filly
Arrowfield Stud / Darley Australia

$350,000 – Encosta de Lago-Crowned Glory colt
Widden Stud / Hong Kong Jockey Club

$340,000 – Fastnet Rock-Cathie’s Lane filly
Widden Stud / Bill Mitchell

$340,000 – Starcraft-Burningwood colt
Arrowfield Stud / Peter Caporn

$300,000 – Fastnet Rock-Diamond de Triano colt
Three Bridges / Mark Kavanagh