Cover image courtesy of Inglis
This edition of Bred to Win offered a comprehensive wrap-up of the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and key moments from Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick. The Easter Sale was a major highlight, achieving an 88 per cent clearance rate and featuring 25 yearlings sold for over $1 million. Leading sire Snitzel averaged $708,000, while big names such as Tom Magnier and Gai Waterhouse secured top-tier lots. The standout colt by Home Affairs and Shout the Bar fetched $2.7 million, while other high-priced yearlings drew attention for their pedigrees and presentation.
Day 2 of The Championships delivered strong results for major owners and breeders, particularly Yulong. Via Sistina stormed home to win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while dual Oaks winner Treasure the Moment added the Australian Oaks to her record. Yulong stallions Alabama Express and Tag Aloha had successful weekends, with their offspring showing real promise in Group races across Australia and New Zealand. The results underlined the strength of their breeding program and the rise of locally bred talent on the national stage.
Caroline Searcy | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
A standout moment in the episode was the extended interview with Verna Metcalfe, a respected figure in Australian thoroughbred breeding. Verna reflected on her hands-on career at historic studs like Woodlands and Widden, emphasising the importance of mentoring young staff, good horse sense, and maintaining high welfare standards. Her passion for the industry shone through as she shared insights into developing yearlings for elite sales and nurturing future industry leaders through a patient, respectful approach.
The show wrapped with the Cambridge Stud Performance of the Week, celebrating two standout fillies that fetched $675,000 and $575,000 at the Easter Sale. Both were bred from smart broodmare investments by Brendan and Jo Lindsay and signal a bright future for Cambridge Stud. With strong sale results, high-quality racing, and advice from one of the industry’s most experienced voices, this week’s episode offered a snapshot of excellence across the Australian racing and breeding scene.
