Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan secured the top priced lot during the final session of the Inglis Easter Sale when going to $1.30 million to purchase a Fastnet Rock colt from Gimcrack Stakes winner Defiant Dame.

The Day 3 leader was offered by Coolmore Stud.  The Jerry’s Plains operation finished at the top of the overall vendors list with 29 yearlings changing hands for $9.18 million.

A total of 326 yearlings from Session I grossed $82.94 million which was down 2% from last year.  The average of $252,873 dipped 13% while the clearance rate lifted 5 points to 83%.

The across-the-board declines can be attributed to the lack of the $5 million and $4 million yearlings that highlighted the 2013 Sale.  “I am delighted with the results,” Inglis CEO Mark Webster said.  “The diversity of buyers and stallion strength was a feature of this year’s sale.”

Shadwell Australia spent $8.08 million on 20 yearlings to top the buyers list.  Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa (5 for $4.37 million) and Hawkes Racing (9 for $3.33 million) were next best.

Darley stallion Street Cry was the leading sire by average with 10 yearlings selling at $465,500.  Next were Redoute’s Choice (22 at $380,909), Fastnet Rock (41 at $377,683), Choisir (4 at $367,500), Snitzel (13 at $310,385) and More Than Ready (30 at $278,167).

A new record Session II average of $94,922 was set on Thursday afternoon with 83 lots sold at a clearance rate of 77%.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa topped Session II with $750,000 for the half-brother to Golden Slipper winner Mossfun.  The colt by Magic Albert was offered by Fairview Park Stud.