Inglis Classic Closes On A High

The first three-day renewal of the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale Summer Book ended on a high yesterday, with increases across all indicators. A total of 459 yearlings were sold for A$19,178,000, up 47% from last year but with 91 more horses offered. The buyback rate dropped five points to 10.6%. The average climbed 20% to A$41,782, while the median was up 15.3% to A$30,000. Twenty-seven yearlings sold for A$100,000+, compared to 15 last year. 

“We couldn’t be happier with the direction the Inglis Classic is heading,” said Inglis managing director Mark Webster. “Vendors embraced the February time slot with record entries, and buyers have repaid that faith assembling in record numbers to purchase 84% of lots offered. Vendors should now have greater confidence to support the Inglis Classic Sale with even better types next year.” 

Topping trade yesterday was lot 452, a colt from Broadwater Thoroughbreds by leading sire Snitzel (Aus). The bay is the second foal out of the Group 3-winning More Than Ready mare Teasing (Aus), and he was picked up by trainer Paul Perry for A$260,000. Perry was the leading buyer at the sale, with six purchased for A$680,000. 

Lot 526, a colt by Dane Shadow (Aus), was purchased by the sale’s second-leading buyer, McEvoy Mitchell, for A$170,000. The bay from Bell View Park Stud is out of the Octagonal (NZ) mare Apocrypha (Aus), and his second dam is the G1 VRC Oaks winner Tributes (Aus) (Quest For Fame {GB}). 

Last year’s leading first-season sire I Am Invincible (Aus) was especially popular during Monday’s second session, and that trend continued yesterday when James Harron and Snowden Racing went to A$160,000 for lot 428, a colt by the Yarraman Park resident. The bay from Ferndale Farm is out of the South American Group 2 winner Star Prize (Arg) (Southern Halo), a full-sister to multiple Argentinean Group 1 winner Star Runner (Arg). 

Smart Missile (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) has been one of the more popular first-crop yearling sires at this year’s Australian sales, and he was represented yesterday by a colt (lot 441) that brought A$150,000 from Laurel Oak Bloodstock. Consigned by Rheinwood Pastoral, the September foal is the third foal out of the winning Encosta de Lago (Aus) mare Surfer Rosa (Aus). Smart Missile was fourth-leading sire by average at the sale, and leading first-crop sire, with 12 sold for an average of A$87,292. 

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