Darley sire Shamardal topped Day 1 of the Magic Millions National yearling sale at the Gold Coast on Sunday with a $180,000 colt destined for Hong Kong.

Offered by Newgate Farm, the session topper is from winning Volksraad mare Running Jeans.  The dam is a three-quarter sister to NZ stakes winners Katana (G2 Matamata Breeders St) and Smitten Kitten (LR Otago Breeders St).

“We bought two other Shamardal colts earlier this year for $550,000 and $410,000,” agent George Moore revealed.  “We have a couple of good Shamardals in the stable.  They have great temperaments and they are doing well.”

The Shamardal chestnut was one of 10 yearlings to sell for $100,000 or more during the opening session of the yearling sale.

A Fastnet Rock – Waltons Grove colt was snapped up by the Lucky Racing Syndicate for $150,000, while agent James Bester parted with $145,000 for the Redoute’s Choice – Paraca colt for a South African client.

The top priced filly for the session was the Encosta de Lago – Romantic River half sister to G1 winner Aqua D’amore.  She was purchased by Andy Williams’ World Wide Bloodstock.

Williams signed for nine youngsters during the day as he chases another champion.  It was at the 2007 auction that he paid $60,000 for the international sprinting champion Rocket Man.

Over $4.45 million was traded on 132 lots at an average price of $33,771 on Sunday but the clearance rate was a disappointing 64%.

“It’s what you would call a sticky market,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said.  “There are a lot of buyers here from around Australia and overseas but, ideally, we would like the clearance rate to grow.”

Day 1 TOP SELLERS

$180,000 – Shamardal-Running Jeans colt
Vendor: Newgate Farm (As Agent) / Buyer: George Moore Bloodstock (HK)

$150,000 – Fastnet Rock-Waltons Grove colt
Newhaven Park (As Agent) / Lucky Racing Syndicate (Vic)

$145,000 – Redoute’s Choice-Paraca colt
Torryburn Stud (As Agent) / James Bester Bloodstock (NSW)

$130,000 – Flying Spur-Touched By God colt
Strawberry Hill Stud / James Bester Bloodstock (NSW)

$130,000 – More Than Ready-Secover colt
Baramul Stud / Danny Bougoure (Qld)