Strong competition for foals at the Inglis Broodmare and Weanling Sale saw buyers secure 162 lots at a healthy clearance rate of 85% on Sunday.

The Platinum Session average dipped 11% to $42,449 and the median was also down 19% to $25,000.

Pinhookers, bloodstock agents, stud farms and leading interstate trainers were all active, with the progeny of both proven and young sires finding plenty of admirers in the Newmarket ring.

Waterford Bloodstock headed the buyers having purchased three of the top lots for a total of $380,000, including a Pierro – Light Express filly (Lot 71) for $130,000.  “The Pierro filly is a really quality filly,” Waterford’s Mike Rennie said.  “She’s very athletic and very attractive and will be re-offered in 2017 along with our other purchases.”

Graeme and Barbara Gathercole were very busy with their bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills signing for five weanlings for a total of $340,000, including the $160,000 sale topping filly by Magnus out of Flowerdrum (Lot 51).  She is a half-sister to three winners including the stakes-performer San Choi Bao.

“I love her breeding and I love the way she walks,” Barbara Gathercole said.  “She is our first Magnus and had everything we look for in a foal.”

An average price of $42,449 was recorded through the Platinum Session, while top prices of $65,000 and $56,000 underlined persistent competition through the Select and General Sessions.