A Redoute’s Choice half-brother to Champion 2yo Hasna topped the fourth session of the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale on Saturday night.  Agent Mark Pilkington outlasted Gai Waterhouse with a bid of $925,000.

“I think most people on the grounds thought he was the best colt,” Pilkington said.  “He has all the necessary athletic qualities and clearly the best pedigree in the book.”

Pilkington purchased the Redoute’s Choice – They Say (Thirty Six Red) colt in partnership with BC3 Australian manager Bill Vlahos.  He was consigned by Strawberry Hill Stud and will be prepared by David Hayes.

Redoute’s Choice ended the first four sessions of the Magic Millions as the leading sire by average with 17 sold at $343,235.  Encosta de Lago was second with 19 sold for $318,421 while Fastnet Rock was next with 41 sold for $200,488.

South African trainer Charles Laird topped the buyers with 10 yearlings purchased for an aggregate $2.86 million.  Waterhouse was second acquiring 13 lots for a total of $2.77 million.

Magic Millions officials were pleased with the results from the four select sessions.  The average panned out at $129,399 which was just 1.7% down from 2009.  The clearance rate was 82%.

“It’s been a very successful sale,” Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said.  “The sale gross is up on last year with a stronger clearance rate, and the average is only a tick under last year’s figures.  All in all, we’re very pleased, and I’ve spoken to many vendors and they seem pleased with their results.”