Cover image courtesy of Inglis
At A Glance
The Day 2 aggregate (as at 7pm AEDT) is $24,654,000, which is down on last year’s figure of $36,185,000 at the corresponding time. In 2021, the gross at the conclusion of Day 2 was $29,036,000.
The Day 2 average sits at $140,080, less than the 2022 figure ($164,477) and similar to 2021 ($142,333).
The Day 2 clearance rate of 73 per cent is well below last year (89 per cent) and 2021 (88 per cent), but this year’s figure is almost certain to rise, just as it did after Day 1, when the initial 76 per cent jumped to 81 per cent.
The Day 2 median was $100,000, which is below the $150,000 of 12 months ago, but the same as 2021.
Rosemont Stud consigned Monday’s top-priced yearling (Lot 515), a Starspangledbanner colt, knocked down to Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA) for $560,000.
The highest-priced filly of the day was Lot 295, which made $400,000. The daughter of Written Tycoon was bought by John Wheeler from the Noorilim Park draft.
Yulong is the leading vendor by aggregate; they have had 21 yearlings make a combined $4,150,000 at an average of $197,619.
MG Price Racing and Breeding is the leading buyer in terms of aggregate; they have spent $1,640,000 on nine yearlings at an average of $182,222.
Despite not having any progeny go through the ring on Day 2, I Am Invincible maintains his position as the leading stallion by average and aggregate, with his 10 yearlings grossing $3,368,000 at an average of $368,000. He also holds top price with his $1.1 million filly from Day 1.
#1. The Campbells sign off in style
Philip and Patti Campbell have been huge supporters of the Victorian breeding industry and the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, so it was fitting they didn’t go off quietly into the night.
After more than 40 years at the helm of the iconic Blue Gum Farm, the Campbells, in September last year, announced they had sold the Euroa property to Trilogy Rural Investments - a team that includes Jason and Mel Stenning and Sean and Cathy Dingwall.
Established in 1981 by Philip’s parents, Graham and Margaret, and then later purchased by Philip and Patti, Blue Gum Farm has been a cornerstone of the Victorian bloodstock scene.
Philip Campbell with Lot 499 - Zoustar x Jestajingle (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis
The origins of Group 1 stars such as Alinghi (Encosta De Lago), Fields Of Omagh (Rubiton), Mnemosyne (Encosta De Lago), Rubitano (Rubiton), Sacred Kingdom (Encosta De Lago), Umrum (Umatilla {NZ}) trace back to Blue Gum Farm, and they have stood top-performing stallions including Noalcoholic, Umatilla, Rubiton, Encosta De Lago and Elvstroem.
Often the leading vendor at Premier, Blue Gum’s Lot 499 - a Zoustar colt from the winning Lonhro mare Jestajingle - fetched $500,000 to the bid of Annabel Neasham Racing.
And it just so happens to be the last horse through the Premier ring the Campbells are associated with.
“It is an emotional time; it is my 44th Premier Yearling Sale and 42nd here at the complex,” Philip Campbell said.
“It is an emotional time; it is my 44th Premier Yearling Sale and 42nd here at the complex.” - Philip Campbell
“It’s the last time in the Blue Gum shirt. I was involved in two that went through (on Sunday) and then the big fella… it’s a bit emotional.”
The Campbells left the farm in mid-December and have since been planning for the future.
“Patti and I are still catching our breath, we’ve taken a big step back, obviously,” Campbell added. "I’m just here giving the guys a hand this week.
Lot 499 - Zoustar x Jestajingle (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis
Campbell lavished praise on the colt, saying he is one of the best they have offered at any sale.
“We’ve been lucky enough to sell a lot of horses for a lot of money and a lot of those horses have gone on and won bloody good races, but I’ve never sold a horse like that.
"He didn’t make as much as some of the others, but as far as a physical being, a horse with a mental attitude, I honestly do not believe I have put one through the ring as good as him.”
“We’ve been lucky enough to sell a lot of horses for a lot of money and a lot of those horses have gone on and won bloody good races, but I’ve never sold a horse like that (Lot 499)...” - Philip Campbell
The colt’s grandam, Jestajune (Rory’s Jester), won four races, including three in succession and scored in Listed grade as a 2-year-old.
Fittingly, the Campbells were recognised at the conclusion of selling by way of a presentation from Inglis and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV).
Vendors by aggregate
| Yulong, Nagambie | 21 | $4,150,000 | $197,619 | $650,000 |
| Blue Gum Farm, Euroa | 21 | $3,410,000 | $162,381 | $500,000 |
| Widden Stud, Riddells Creek | 23 | $2,925,000 | $127,174 | $260,000 |
| Rosemont Stud, Gnarwarre | 15 | $2,570,000 | $171,333 | $560,000 |
| Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW | 11 | $2,530,000 | $230,000 | $500,000 |
| Noorilim Park, Arcadia | 11 | $2,390,000 | $217,273 | $1,100,000 |
| Segenhoe Thoroughbreds Aust Pty Ltd, Scone, NSW | 12 | $2,090,000 | $174,167 | $410,000 |
| Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, Longwood East | 11 | $1,730,000 | $157,273 | $400,000 |
| Mill Park Stud, Meningie, SA | 9 | $1,560,000 | $173,333 | $400,000 |
| Newhaven Park, Boorowa, NSW | 12 | $1,495,000 | $124,583 | $270,000 |
Vendors by average (3 or more sold)
| Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW | 11 | $230,000 | $2,530,000 | $500,000 |
| Noorilim Park, Arcadia | 11 | $217,273 | $2,390,000 | $1,100,000 |
| B2B Thoroughbreds, Mittagong, NSW | 6 | $216,667 | $1,300,000 | $600,000 |
| Yulong, Nagambie | 21 | $197,619 | $4,150,000 | $650,000 |
| Vinery Stud, Scone, NSW | 6 | $186,667 | $1,120,000 | $350,000 |
| Segenhoe Thoroughbreds Aust Pty Ltd, Scone, NSW | 12 | $174,167 | $2,090,000 | $410,000 |
| Mill Park Stud, Meningie, SA | 9 | $173,333 | $1,560,000 | $400,000 |
| Rosemont Stud, Gnarwarre | 15 | $171,333 | $2,570,000 | $560,000 |
| Musk Creek Farm, Flinders | 8 | $168,125 | $1,345,000 | $380,000 |
| Morning Rise Stud, Red Hill | 7 | $167,143 | $1,170,000 | $460,000 |
#2. Mithen’s love for Starspangledbanner
Rosemont Stud principal Anthony Mithen was singing the praises of the farm’s resident stallion Starspangledbanner, after one of his colts (Lot 515) made a Day 2-best $560,000 late in the day.
The colt, who is out of the winless Lonhro mare Kylix, was purchased by Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA) on behalf of a Hong Kong-based client.
Starspangledbanner | Standing at Coolmore Ireland
“My proudest thought process right now is with Starspangledbanner. He’s doing the job in Hong Kong, but he’s doing the job around the world. He’s had four Group 1 winners in the last six months in four different countries, so it proves that he’s a true international sire superstar; I’ve just got to work on my partners to get him back to Australia this year,” Mithen said.
“If I’ve been asked that once I’ve been asked that 100 times this week; ‘Is he coming back, can we breed to him?’ It’s a discussion that this horse and this result certainly… gives us some firepower to say to the team at Coolmore: ‘He’s still got really strong relevance here in Australia.’”
“He’s (Starspangledbanner) had four Group 1 winners in the last six months in four different countries, so it proves that he’s a true international sire superstar; I’ve just got to work on my partners to get him back to Australia this year.” - Anthony Mithen
Starspangledbanner has had six yearlings sell for a combined $1,395,000 at an average of $232,500 at Premier in 2023.
#3. In Secret’s half-sister makes $325,000
The Snitzel half-sister to star filly In Secret (I Am Invincible) is off to the stables of Peter Gelagotis at Pakenham, after Manny Gelagotis’ G W Racing Bloodstock and James Bester Bloodstock paid $325,000 for her.
The filly (Lot 397), who was consigned by Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, was initially passed in, before a deal was done soon after.
Lot 397 - Snitzel x Eloping (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis
She is the fourth foal of the Group 3 winner Eloping (Choisir), who is a sister to the stakes performer Jesse’s Girl and a three-quarter sister to the Listed scorer Of The Brave (Starspangledbanner). Eloping’s second foal is last year’s G1 Coolmore Stud S. heroine In Secret.
Bester said the filly, although on the small side, looks an early type.
“We’re delighted. In my opinion, she was one of the most athletic, precocious and speedy-looking animals on the complex,” Bester told TDN AusNZ.
“We’re delighted. In my opinion, she (Lot 397) was one of the most athletic, precocious and speedy-looking animals on the complex.” - James Bester
“She wasn’t big, which no doubt played its part in the hesitation of some of the bigger buyers, but she was certainly big enough and had the most extraordinary shoulder and girth. She has the shoulder and girth of a much bigger horse and that’s what particularly attracted me and Manny to her.
“And she had the most extraordinary action, a really determined, purposeful stride. In my opinion, it’s the action of a fast horse. I was most taken with her.”
James Bester | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Bester and the Gelagotises have enjoyed a successful relationship at Premier. At this sale in 2021, they, along with the Osher Group, paid $300,000 for an Exceed And Excel filly from the Noorilim Park draft. That filly, named Miss Roseiano, won last year’s G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies).
“She looks a typical Blue Diamond-type of filly,” Bester explained. “We bought Miss Roseiano here and we’re determined to win the Blue Diamond Preview next year.”
“We bought Miss Roseiano here and we’re determined to win the Blue Diamond Preview next year.” - James Bester
Manny Gelagotis is confident the filly will make an impression on the track, but explained that if she doesn’t, her residual value will keep her in the spotlight.
“She’s a lovely filly with a great pedigree. She’s by a Champion Sire from a stakes-winning mare and she has gone on to produce a Group 1 winner,” he said.
#4. Timing is everything
Mick Price admitted he felt ill after Communist’s (Russian Revolution) shock G1 Randwick Guineas victory on Saturday.
Price, who trains in partnership with Mick Kent Jnr, had his eye on the gelding’s brother, Lot 314, so when the Michael Freedman-trained Communist saluted, he envisaged the yearling’s price would be far less attractive.
Lot 314 - Russian Revolution x Cappadocia (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis
Thankfully, for Price’s sake, he was still able to fire enough ammunition with the colt fetching $300,000 from the draft of Vinery Stud.
“I was feeling ill when I saw that horse win the Randwick Guineas because I thought, ‘Well, I like the (yearling) colt, who just coincidentally happens to be a full brother’,” Price told TDN AusNZ.
“I liked him before Saturday, and I don’t think I paid too much for him.
“I was feeling ill when I saw that horse (Communist) win the Randwick Guineas because I thought, ‘Well, I like the (yearling) colt (Lot 314), who just coincidentally happens to be a full brother’.” - Mick Price
“The fact his brother won the Randwick Guineas is more incidental, it’s had no influence on me looking at that horse (Lot 314), I just thought he was a lovely horse like his father was. He’s a November foal, who I think is just going to keep improving.”
Price and Kent Jnr haven’t had many of Russian Revolution’s progeny, but the former admitted the stable has tracked the Newgate Farm stallion’s progress closely.
“I think he is doing a great job,” Price said of the now-Group 1-producing sire. “I like the stallion; I think he is a very well-credentialled stallion and he’s off to a good start.”
Mick Price | Image courtesy of Inglis
“I thought he could be a stud colt, possibly; those are the sort of horses you need to buy for stud and that’s what sort of horse he was.”
Lot 314 is from the stakes performer Cappadocia (Northern Meteor) and she herself is a half-sister to the stakes winners Zip Zip Array (Bellotto {USA}) and Zipanese (Bellotto {USA}).
#5. Lindsay Park back a sire on fire
Not surprisingly, Ben and JD Hayes are huge fans of Little Avondale Stud’s Per Incanto (USA), who is the sire of their G1 Blue Diamond S. hero Little Brose, as well as untapped 3-year-old filly Marble Arch - the winner of Thursday’s $300,000 Future Stars Final at Pakenham.
On Monday, the stable paid $180,000 for Lot 277 - a Per Incanto filly, out of the Listed victress Aspen Lass (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}), from the Golden Grove consignment.
Lot 277 - Per Incanto (USA) x Aspen Lass (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis
Per Incanto has risen to the top from humble beginnings, having started out at Little Avondale Stud at a service fee of just NZ$4000 plus GST. JD Hayes told TDN AusNZ the stallion has done a great job making himself more commercially attractive.
“Per Incanto has been very good to us the last couple of weeks and we feel he’s a stallion that’s going to keep improving,” JD Hayes said.
“Per Incanto has been very good to us the last couple of weeks and we feel he’s a stallion that’s going to keep improving.” - JD Hayes
“Since he’s started to get the runs on the board, he’s getting supported with better mares. He’s much more accepted by our database now, especially after Little Brose and Marble Arch.
“He’s proven he can get a 2-year-old, he can get a lovely 3-year-old filly, he can get a range of horses.
“She’s out of a Listed-winning mare and looks a real improving type,” Hayes commented. “We believe she was great value at $180,000. We’re very happy to secure her.”
Per Incanto (USA) | Standing at Little Avondale Stud
#6. First-Season Sire watch
A number of the new kids on the block continue to prove popular among buyers.
The aggregate for Yulong Farm’s Alabama Express is $1,435,000, with eight yearlings selling at an average of $179,375, placing him as leading first-season sire by average (three or more sold). In addition, Lot 444 made $400,000; the highest price for a first-season sire so far.
Gallery: Some of the first-season sires' highest-priced yearlings at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, images courtesy of Inglis
Darley shuttlers Blue Point (Ire) and Too Darn Hot (GB) have created a big impression. The former has had 14 yearlings gross $1,945,000 - making him leading first season sire by aggregate. He sits on a average of $138,929, with his top price being $320,000 for Lot 476.
Too Darn Hot’s three yearlings to sell have grossed $380,000 at an average of $126,667, with his best result being $210,000 for Lot 431.
Exceedance, who stands at Vinery Stud, has had five yearlings gross $790,000 at an average of $158,000. Lot 256 fetched $350,000; the second highest price for a first-season sire at this sale.
First-season sires by aggregate
| Blue Point | 14 | $1,945,000 | $138,929 | $320,000 |
| Alabama Express | 8 | $1,435,000 | $179,375 | $400,000 |
| Pierata | 11 | $1,005,000 | $91,364 | $200,000 |
| Exceedance | 5 | $790,000 | $158,000 | $350,000 |
| Brutal | 4 | $565,000 | $141,250 | $320,000 |
| Yes Yes Yes | 3 | $440,000 | $146,667 | $230,000 |
| Too Darn Hot | 3 | $380,000 | $126,667 | $210,000 |
| Cosmic Force | 3 | $360,000 | $120,000 | $140,000 |
| Super Seth | 3 | $340,000 | $113,333 | $200,000 |
| Castelvecchio | 3 | $250,000 | $83,333 | $140,000 |
First-season sires by average (3 or more sold)
| Alabama Express | 8 | $179,375 | $1,435,000 | $400,000 |
| Exceedance | 5 | $158,000 | $790,000 | $350,000 |
| Yes Yes Yes | 3 | $146,667 | $440,000 | $230,000 |
| Brutal | 4 | $141,250 | $565,000 | $320,000 |
| Blue Point | 14 | $138,929 | $1,945,000 | $320,000 |
| Too Darn Hot | 3 | $126,667 | $380,000 | $210,000 |
| Cosmic Force | 3 | $120,000 | $360,000 | $140,000 |
| Super Seth | 3 | $113,333 | $340,000 | $200,000 |
| Pierata | 11 | $91,364 | $1,005,000 | $200,000 |
| Castelvecchio | 3 | $83,333 | $250,000 | $140,000 |
#7. Another mixed bag
Day 2 again had its challenges, with the gross and clearance rate down on last year’s numbers.
Inglis Bloodstock CEO, Sebastian Hutch admitted it is a sign of the times, believing this will become the norm, but he does anticipate the figures will continue to improve over the coming days.
“As it tends to be with our sales, the clearance rate from Day 1 improved significantly into Day 2, it’s now at 81 per cent, and I expect the clearance rate for Day 2 to improve significantly,” Hutch said.
“It’s a challenging thing for buyers at certain levels for buyers and vendors to find an equilibrium at which both are happy to transact.
“It’s a challenging thing for buyers at certain levels for buyers and vendors to find an equilibrium at which both are happy to transact.” - Sebastian Hutch
“There seems to be a good appetite for the right horses out there, but very clearly the market is more conservative than what it has been and that is reflected in the clearance rate, ultimately.
“The clearance for the sale, I think, is going to get into the 80s (per cent), which, ultimately, is a very good clearance rate.
“We’ve been spoiled the last few years with clearance rates in the high 80s and low 90s and that’s not traditionally been the norm.
“If we can get to a good figure, we’ll be very pleased.”
Top buyers
| MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd | 9 | $1,640,000 | $182,222 | $410,000 |
| Upper Bloodstock | 8 | $1,260,000 | $157,500 | $380,000 |
| TFI | 1 | $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Griffiths de Kock Racing / Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (FBAA) | 7 | $1,032,000 | $147,429 | $350,000 |
| Busuttin Racing | 7 | $995,000 | $142,143 | $225,000 |
| John Foote Bloodstock (FBAA) | 6 | $990,000 | $165,000 | $230,000 |
| Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) | 4 | $970,000 | $242,500 | $460,000 |
| Lindsay Park Racing | 5 | $880,000 | $176,000 | $320,000 |
| Clinton McDonald Racing | 6 | $850,000 | $141,667 | $250,000 |
| Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) / Lindsey Smith | 4 | $810,000 | $202,500 | $240,000 |
The final word
B2B Thoroughbreds enjoyed a huge result on Day 1 when Lot 105 - an Exceed And Excel colt from Scarlet Billows (Street Boss {USA}) - made $600,000. The word in the press room is they deserve all the success they get, given the quality of catering they are providing in their marquee next to Barn G.
Sires by aggregate
| I Am Invincible | 10 | $3,680,000 | $368,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Toronado | 23 | $3,142,000 | $136,609 | $250,000 |
| Written Tycoon | 12 | $2,405,000 | $200,417 | $400,000 |
| So You Think | 15 | $2,405,000 | $160,333 | $460,000 |
| Blue Point | 14 | $1,945,000 | $138,929 | $320,000 |
| Capitalist | 8 | $1,870,000 | $233,750 | $460,000 |
| Russian Revolution | 11 | $1,635,000 | $148,636 | $300,000 |
| Dundeel | 13 | $1,630,000 | $125,385 | $380,000 |
| Shamus Award | 14 | $1,452,000 | $103,714 | $180,000 |
| Brazen Beau | 11 | $1,440,000 | $130,909 | $300,000 |
Sires by average (3 or more sold)
| I Am Invincible | 10 | $368,000 | $3,680,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Exceed And Excel | 3 | $340,000 | $1,020,000 | $600,000 |
| Capitalist | 8 | $233,750 | $1,870,000 | $460,000 |
| Starspangledbanner | 6 | $232,500 | $1,395,000 | $560,000 |
| Deep Field | 5 | $226,000 | $1,130,000 | $280,000 |
| Written Tycoon | 12 | $200,417 | $2,405,000 | $400,000 |
| Fastnet Rock | 3 | $198,333 | $595,000 | $360,000 |
| Harry Angel | 3 | $190,000 | $570,000 | $400,000 |
| Zoustar | 7 | $186,429 | $1,305,000 | $500,000 |
| Alabama Express | 8 | $179,375 | $1,435,000 | $400,000 |
