The 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale online was a unique sale that brought out innovation and a can do spirit between vendors, buyers and the auction house to deliver an outcome few would have dreamed possible a month ago.
With other auction houses around the world cancelling and rearranging their sales, Inglis took the decision along with the backing of the majority of vendors to attempt a world first virtual auction of premium bloodstock.
Results would indicate their bold gamble paid off as trade took place and vendors were able to sell a significant number of horses for prices that on the whole were better than expected.
62% clearance exceeded expectation and the average price of $318,040 was markedly higher than the Magic Millions recorded in January at $247,645.
This was not the Inglis Easter anybody expected at the start of the year, but it is what it is and at least vendors will have some money coming back in as opposed to none if the sale had been cancelled.
Coolmore was a key player in the success of this historic sale as leading vendor by aggregate with Tom Magnier also the leading buyer securing eight yearlings from eight different vendors and support like that in the current climate is gold.
Fittingly, Coolmore’s Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (USA) finished as the leading first season sire by average as he has done at every other major Australasian yearling sale this year.
His 14 yearlings sold averaged $233,929 with his best result a gorgeous half-sister to Group I winner Irish Lights from Aspen Falls (USA) that made $500,000 to the bid of Sheamus Mills Bloodstock.
Not far behind was the half-sister to Group III West Australian Oaks winner Tuscan Queen from Tavarnelle that made $460,000 for Lime Country Thoroughbreds on behalf of Matrix Bloodstock to the bid of Belmont Bloodstock.
Newgate Farm’s dual Group I winning 2YO Extreme Choice was next on the list with four yearlings averaging $231,250 with his best result the half-brother to Group I winner Invincibella from Abscond that made $340,000 for Sledmere Stud when secured by Anthony Freedman Racing.
Also from Newgate Farm, Golden Slipper winner Capitalist had a strong sale with 14 yearlings averaging $215,357 and his best result was also the single highest sale for any first season sire.
Star of the show for Capitalist was the half-brother to Hong Kong sprint star Hot King Prawn that made $540,000. Consigned by Torryburn Stud, the colt from De Chorus will have every chance as he was bought by Hawkes Racing.
Below is the complete list of all first season sire sales.
