Turnover at Perth’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale burst through $20 million for the first time during a ground-breaking session at the Swan Valley on Friday.
“It’s been a sensational week. Record heat, a record sale and a record high price,” Magic Millions WA manager David Houston said. “It couldn’t be better to get such big results on Day 1 and Day 2 and it wasn’t just the local buyers underpinning the market.
“Perth is really relevant now. People want to come here and invest. People want to race horses here, they want to take them away and compete elsewhere. Generally, there’s a lot of interest in WA racing and breeding now.”
Magic Millions reported 275 yearlings found new homes for a total spend of $20,442,500 at an average of $74,336 which was up marginally on 2023. The West Australian racing industry has propelled the State’s major yearling sale to new heights and that demand saw 12 horses sell for $100,000 or more on Day 2.
A Dundeel (NZ) colt (Photo / Western Racepix) was the star of Friday trade when selling for a new record Day 2 price of $250,000. He was offered by Wyadup Valley Farm owner Trevor Delroy and is the second foal of the Stakes performed Starcraft mare Naivasha.
Leading international bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever had missed out on three lots before striking successfully for Lot 294.
“He’s an outstanding colt,” McKeever reported. “I’ve been amazed by the strength of the market but it’s lovely to be here.
“We had our eye on just the one horse today. We really liked him and luckily we got him. He’s for a group of investors and will head back east. I will need to talk to the group before working out a trainer.”
Playing God continued his table-topping form from Day 1 with a best-priced colt from Fanfara (Lot 247) purchased by trainer Jim Taylor for $210,000. He was offered by Yarradale Stud as agent for the late Allan Morton who operated Queenslea Park at Pingelly.
A close relation of Yarradale’s G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Ima Single Man, the colt was knocked down by Morton’s son-in-law Grant Burns.
Yarradale topped Day 2 turnover with 10 lots realising $792,500 while Lynward Park was leading averages vendor at $86,250.
“The momentum continued from Day 1 with vendors willing to meet the market,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “And buyers bid with confidence on stock, particularly Westspeed.
“To gross over $20 million for the two days has exceeded the company’s expectations.
“Overall the 2024 edition continued the upward trajectory within the industry of Western Australia and gives our breeders further confidence to invest in the environment that the local industry provides.”
Day 2 TOP SELLERS
$250,000 – Dundeel-Naivasha colt (Lot 294)
Vendor: Wyadup Valley Farms / Buyer: McKeever B’stock
$210,000 – Playing God-Fanfara colt (Lot 247)
Yarradale Stud / Jim Taylor
$160,000 – Playing God-Mazij colt (Lot 283)
Gervase Park (As Agent) / Williams Racing /Suman Hedge B’stock
$140,000 – I’m All the Talk-Angel of War filly (Lot 206)
Gervase Park Stud (As Agent) / John Hollington
$130,000 – Street Boss-Amelia’s La Bout colt (Lot 204)
Amelia Park (As Agent) / Michael Lane Racing/TMJ B’stock
$130,000 – Playing God-Lado Ciego filly (Lot 274)
Yarradale Stud / Parnham Racing Stables
