'Exceeded our loftiest expectations': Espiona lights up Magic Millions Virtual Sale at $4.15 million

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Despite being a virtual sale, there was no lack of atmosphere on Wednesday afternoon when Group 1 winner Espiona (Extreme Choice) went under the hammer in a standalone auction conducted by Magic Millions on behalf of Star Thoroughbreds and Glenesk Thoroughbreds.

The daughter of Extreme Choice was sold for a whopping $4.15 million to Zhijun Zhao after a strong challenge from the underbidder, Arrowfield Stud.

Espiona's bidding opened at $1 million and quickly jumped to $2 million. For a moment, it appeared $2 million would be the winning bid, as there was what felt like a long pause before another bid was placed.

The bidding then continued in $50,000 increments until Zhijun Zhao landed the critical hit at $4.15 million.

Top of the tree

As Managing Director Barry Bowditch remarked in Wednesday’s edition, “She would have been near the top of the tree back in May if she had been in the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale catalogue.”

Zhao partnered with Yulong to purchase the 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) for a record $6.6m at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Bowditch’s assessment proved accurate. If Espiona had been sold during the May showpiece, she would have ranked second only to Imperatriz.

Speaking to The Thoroughbred Report shortly after Espiona’s sale, Bowditch said, “That was sensational. She is a mare with immense quality, talent, and physique. We were confident that many parties would be interested in her, and as a result, we exceeded our loftiest expectations. It was fantastic.”

“We are elated,” an emotional Denise Martin said in the Magic Millions press release. “We were hoping for $3 million but to get $4.15 million is beyond our expectations.”

“We had 10 of her ownership group together in Sydney along with trainer Chris Waller to watch the sale and it was just amazing. I don't think any will be heading back to work or home soon!”

“I'm just elated for the team. Chris (Waller) did a remarkable job with her - I'm elated also for Brett Howard and the amazing team of owners who have been with Star for a long time.”

“It was really special - just spectacular.”

“I can't thank the Magic Millions team enough for their incredible promotion of the mare and to help us achieve the most remarkable price. From the moment it was decided to retire Espiona it has been a wonderful experience for connections. I couldn't be happier.”

“The virtual sale was a wonderful opportunity to market a special mare to the world and it's been a great success. We are so, so pleased.”

Champion Trainer Chris Waller added, “I'm over the moon for Denise, Star Thoroughbreds, the owners - it's just amazing,” Waller said. “It was a fitting result for the horse that she was.

“She had everything that the breeders want. She had performance, she has the pedigree and the type and that's what Star Thoroughbreds buy.”

“It's a bittersweet moment, but she won't be lost to the industry and now we can go back to Magic Millions and buy some more Espionas," Waller added

No lack of atmosphere

Some may assume that a virtual sale lacks atmosphere, without the horse parading in the ring and a convoy of potential buyers sitting in the auditorium. However, this was far from the case on Wednesday evening, with experienced auctioneer Clint Donovan making it a memorable moment for Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds and the ownership group.

“Clint (Donovan) did an exceptional job. I thought the virtual sale was extremely well handled by him. I felt we had a real live sale vibe with both bidders on the phone and the bid spotter taking their bids.

“It was really genuine and felt like you were at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in May. It was fantastic to watch, and it played out smoothly from our end.”

Fitting finale

It was a fitting finale to the racetrack career of Espiona. The daughter of Extreme Choice finished where it all started. In 2020, Espiona was offered by Torryburn Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) secured her for $190,000.

Trained by Chris Waller, Espiona won the G1 Coolmore Classic and the $2 million The Invitation, retiring with earnings of $3,306,715.

“The Magic Millions team is so thankful that Denise Martin and her ownership group allowed us the opportunity to market Espiona, and the job Brett Howard’s Glenesk Thoroughbreds has done with her.

“Espiona was of such importance to Denise, Brett, and the owners. They paid $190,000 for her here on the Gold Coast as a yearling, and she’s won over $3 million on the track, a Group 1, and another $4.15 million today (Wednesday).”

Many a highlight moment

It was a sensational end to the 2022/23 season for Magic Millions, concluding with the sale of Espiona for $4.15 million. However, the show isn’t over yet, as Magic Millions is set to hold its inaugural Magic Millions August Virtual Sale on Tuesday, August 27.

The virtual sale will enable vendors and owners to present stock at auction with a proven “live” Magic Millions sale feel, utilising the online platform.

“It hasn’t been the easiest year. No doubt the middle and lower end of the market is getting trickier. The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January held together reasonably well.

“I think Magic Millions has had many a highlight moment, and Espiona was another. We’re not done just yet; the end of the season is upon us, but we’re making our way towards our ‘August Virtual Sale’ at the end of next month.

“We’ve got some really nice mares and race fillies for it that we’re excited to release in the coming days and weeks.”

Table: Top mares sold in Australia and New Zealand