Group 1 winning mare Cheeky Choice topped the opening session of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Sunday when making $1,025,000 to the bid of Gerry Harvey.

The Redoute’s Choice mare won the G1 Flight Stakes and G2 Tea Rose Stakes when trained by Gai Waterhouse.  She was offered by Bellagio Lodge in foal to Vinery stallion More Than Ready and will join Harvey’s broodmare band at Baramul Stud.

Harvey was one of the most active buyers during Day 1 of the Broodmare Sale and he was delighted with his latest acquisition.  “She’s a lovely mare who proved her class on the racetrack and she has a bright future ahead at stud,” Harvey said.  “She would be a stand-out at any farm around the world.”

Impeccably bred three-year-old filly Bakarje Diva was next on the leader board at $600,000.  She is a three quarter sister to champion mare Makybe Diva and a full sister to group winning sire Musket.  She was purchased by Patinack Farm.

Over $9.60 million was traded on 184 fillies and mares on Sunday at a healthy average price of $52,196.  The average was down on last year’s corresponding session but the 2009 figure was boosted by the sale of Princess Coup for $3 million.

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said he was happy with the way the National Broodmare Sale had commenced.  “The 86% clearance rate is outstanding,” he said.  “Similar sales throughout Australasia this year have struggled with their clearance rates – so we’re very happy.  We’ve still got a long way to run yet – but so far, so good.”

DAY 1 BROODMARES – TOP SELLERS

$1,025,000 – Cheeky Choice – Baramul Stud (NSW)
$600,000 – Bakarje Diva – Patinack Farm (NSW)
$460,000 – Illuminates – Baramul Stud (NSW)
$380,000 – Indian Ocean – Magic Millions as agent (NSW)
$270,000 – Assertiveobsession – Marcus Corban Bloodstock (NZ)
$250,000 – Loving New – Patinack Farm (NSW)
$250,000 – African Rain – Vin Cox Bloodstock (NSW)
$225,000 – Angel Girl – Blue Sky Thoroughbreds (Qld)
$220,000 – Squalls – Glenn Burrows Bloodstock (NSW)