Day 9 Magic Millions National Sale – Encosta de Lago yearlings dominate leader-board

Champion Coolmore sire Encosta de Lago dominated the second session of the Magic Millions National yearling sale on Monday with three of his youngsters topping the leader-board.  The Encosta colt from Ellicorsam was the most expensive when snapped up by Patinack Farm for $320,000.

Offered for sale by Willow Park Stud, he was purchased by Patinack’s Rick Connolly who outbid local agent Grant Morgan.  “We thought he was the top colt of the sale,” Connolly said.  “He’s a great mover from a Group 1 winner and could become a top sire prospect.”

Morgan was also under-bidder for the Encosta de Lago filly from Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal.  New Zealand’s David Ellis spent $280,000 to acquire her from the Newgate Farm draft.  She will join the Te Akau stable of trainer Mark Walker.

“If you want to make a business out of buying horses, the real goal is a colt or filly by a champion sire or out of a champion mare that looks a real athlete,” Ellis noted.  “With this filly you get all three.”

Ellis said the National Sale had been a happy hunting ground for him over recent years.  “I’ve purchased the Group 1 winners Princess Coup and Tell a Tale and we’ve also bought a couple of other handy ones.  It’s been a great sale for us and we enjoying coming over each year.”

Leading South African based bloodstock agent Andy Williams, buying under his World Wide Bloodstock outfit was busy again – taking his two day spend to over $1.34 million.  His feature purchase on Monday was the half sister by Rock of Gibraltar to Group 1 winner Arlingtonboulevard for $100,000.

The third session of the sale will be held from 11am (Qld time) on Tuesday.  That sale will be following by the National Racehorse Sale.

Day 9 – TOP SELLERS

$320,000 – Encosta de Lago-Ellicorsam colt
Vendor: Willow Park Stud (As Agent) / Buyer: Patinack Farm (NSW)

$280,000 – Encosta de Lago-Calaway Gal filly
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / David Ellis (NZ)

$220,000 – Encosta de Lago-Twyla colt
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / Dermot Farrington (Ireland)

$200,000 – Fastnet Rock-Storm Fille colt
Redbank North (As Agent) / Peter Moody Racing (Vic)

$140,000 – Stratum-Vahine colt
Yarraman Park Stud (As Agent) / Peter Morgan (Vic)

$120,000 – Anabaa-Clever Pins colt
Glenlogan Park (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (Qld)

$120,000 – Encosta de Lago-Heavenly Dreamer filly
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / Magic Millions as agent (Qld)

$110,000 – More Than Ready-Happy Play filly
Baramul Stud / Graeme Rogerson (NSW)

$105,000 – Dehere-Arid Miss colt
Emerald Thoroughbreds / Magic Millions as agent (NSW)

$100,000 – Rock of Gibraltar-Golden Bridge filly
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / World Wide Bloodstock (Sth Africa)

$100,000 – More Than Ready-Hazlanded colt
Vinery Stud (As Agent) / Shane Edwards (WA)