Clouds clear as Easter approaches

Written by Bren O'Brien

Inglis is confident that the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale won't be adversely impacted by the floods that have hit much of New South Wales in the past week, with vendors working hard to be ready to go when inspections begin at the Riverside Stables next Tuesday.

Record rainfall and flooding in the areas around and north of Sydney have caused issues for many in the thoroughbred industry, including some of those who are sending drafts to the Easter Sale, which will be held on April 6 and 7.

Inglis itself has made its Riverside Stables complex at Warwick Farm available as a refuge for horses impacted by flooding this week, but with the weather finally on the improve, all will be in readiness for the first of the 466 yearlings in the catalogue to arrive from this Sunday.

"The complex here at Riverside is facilitating a large number of horses that have been temporarily rehomed as the consequence of the flooding," Inglis General Manager of Bloodstock Sales and Marketing, Sebastian Hutch, said.

"It won't impact the Sale, but we have been fortunate that we have been in a position to offer a facility that they can use for their stock. People have been very grateful for that."

While flood warnings remain in place, sunny skies greeted much of the impacted area on Wednesday, and with 13 days until the hammer drops on the first lot at the Riverside Stables, the build-up to Easter remains on track.

"I think the forecast going forward is very positive in terms of the weather. It’s been a massive inconvenience for a lot of people, but it appears that the worst of the weather is beyond us and now begins the repair from what has been a challenging time," Hutch said.

"In terms of people selling at Easter, I think a number of people are comfortable they have the situation well in hand. There are some inconveniences where it might have impacted people's pre-Sale photography, parading and filming, but people are very much on track for the Sale.

"The feedback on the horses has been fantastic. People seem genuinely excited to be back at Riverside for an Easter Yearling Sale having not been here 12 months ago."

Parades begin on March 30, with eight vendors in action on Tuesday, showcasing up to 130 horses. Full details are available on the Inglis website.

Hutch said the level of anticipation is building ahead of the Sale.

"I think people are excited about the Sale for any number of reasons. It has been competitive trying to buy stock, so this Sale represents the next opportunity for people to come out and source 2-year-olds for 2021/22," he said.

"They are the best yearlings that Australasia has produced from that crop and people are naturally excited to come out and see them and then buy them."