The 2009 Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale on Australia’s Gold
Coast got underway Wednesday with an eye-catching 65 percent gain in average.
The sale realized an average of A$54,534, up from A$33,008 in 2008.
Sales officials credited an international buying bench, with representatives
of clients from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia and South Africa on hand.
Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester was not surprised by the results.
“I always thought the catalog this year was the best we’ve ever put together
for the sale,” Chester said. “And we’ve worked extremely hard in getting as many
prospective buyers to the Gold Coast. I’m pretty sure we’ve never had this
number of international clients at any Magic Millions sale ever.
“We’ve got plenty more exciting prospects to go under the hammer as part of
our option two section of the auction. Hopefully, those buyers who missed out
tonight will be able to strike in the complex tomorrow.”
Topping Wednesday’s session was Lot No. 101, a juvenile colt by Bel Esprit
out of Bellain (Bellotto), who brought A$360,000 from Victoria-based trainer
Peter Morgan. Consigned by Washpool Lodge, his dam is a half-sister to dual
Group 3 winner Volare (Avaray) and Paris Interlude (Sagace [Fr]), herself the
dam of South African champion Rarotonga Treaty (Geiger Counter).
“He’s good-legged for a Bel Esprit, and he breezed up nicely,” Morgan said.
“He looks a great prospect. I will get him home and give him a little break —
but then get him into the stables, and we might set him for the (A$2 million)
Magic Millions Classic.”
The colt is paid up for the rich Magic Millions race series.
The sale continues Thursday. For the complete results, go to
www.magicmillions.com.au.