The positive signs from earlier in the year continued at the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale on Tuesday with the opening session grossing $31.86 million. The $248,906 average on Day 1 was up 13% on last year’s overall figures.
Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster was pleased with the opening session, particularly with the number of overseas buyers active during the day. “While still cautious, it’s encouraging to see confidence returning to the market,” Webster said. “If we can hold these figures throughout the sale we would be delighted.”
Gerald Ryan set the early benchmark when he went to $1 million for the Redoute’s Choice – Schiaparelli filly from Emirates Park.
Ryan trained her G2 winning three-quarter-brother Rothesay and her promising three quarter sister Fast Shanti. “At the same stage, she’s a better type than them,” Ryan said. “She’s a lovely filly and I think she will run earlier than the other two. Sepoy’s in the family and it’s a pedigree that can only continue to improve.”
French based Chantilly Bloodstock was also a leading player during the opening session, securing the Redoute’s Choice filly from VRC Oaks winner Special Harmony for $850,000. The filly was offered for sale by Arrowfield Stud and will remain in Australia to race.
A More Than Ready filly from True Blonde, offered by Segenhoe from the same family that produced Golden Slipper winner Forensics, sold to Belmont Bloodstock for $750,000, while a High Chaparral colt from Windsor Park Stud made the same amount to a bid from Anton Koolman.
Redoute’s Choice yearlings from Highgrove Stud and Willow Park Stud also made $700,000 during the first session.
Ingham Racing finished as the leading buyer during the opening session, securing six yearlings for a little over $2 million, with an Encosta De Lago filly from the immediate family of Rangirangdoo the highest price at $690,000.
Shadwell Australia finished the day with four yearlings for a $1.82 million spend, headed by Highgrove’s Redoute’s Choice filly from Valadon and a Redoute’s Choice – Winning Belle colt from Willow Park – both for $700,000.
Peter Moody was also active, picking up four youngsters for $1.28 million, headed by Torryburn Stud’s More Than Ready-Sharp Aunty colt for $400,000.