Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale: Six things we learned on Day 3

16 min read
The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale carried on its momentum, with another four more yearlings fetching seven-figure prices. A $1.6 million Snitzel filly topped the leaderboard, while strong clearance rates continued to rise from yesterday’s figures, and the sale currently sits at a healthy 85.39%.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

At A Glance

Four yearlings made seven figures on Day 3, led by Lot 504 who sold for $1.6 million to Hermitage from the Arrowfield Stud draft. The Snitzel filly is a full sister to this season’s Listed Gosford Guineas winner Caffe Florian, and a half-sister to Anders and Listed winner Ostraka. Four yearlings at this benchmark figure was up from two on Day 3 in 2025, bringing the total for the sale in 2026 to 12, one less than at the same time in 2025.

The average price of $281,043 is above the 2025 average at the same point, which was $277,351. The median at $200,000 is the same as last year at the corresponding stage.

The current gross is $146,142,500 at the close of play on Day 3 with 520 lots sold so far. The clearance rate is currently at a healthy 85.39%, which is well above last year’s 79.66% at the end of Day 3.

James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership with Tony Fung Colts leads the buying bench by gross expenditure, having signed for 7 yearlings outright for a total gross of $5,475,000 thus far. Tom Magnier remains the leading buyer by average with four purchased for an average of $1,175,000.

Arrowfield Stud leads the leading vendor standings with 35 lots so far sold for $11.57 million at an average of $330,571, while in second is Segenhoe Stud, who have sold 22 lots for $10.3 million at an average of $468,182. Milburn Creek remains on top by average (2 or more sold) with six yearlings sold for an average of $616,667.

With four lots in the top ten for Day 3, Arrowfield Stud’s deceased four-time Champion Sire Snitzel sits at the top of the sire standings by gross with $15.97 million for his 21 yearlings at an impressive average of $760,476, while in second is I Am Invincible with 24 sold for an average of $608,750 and a gross of $14.61 million.

Extreme Choice leads the sire tables by average (2 or more sold) with his eight lots sold averaging $822,500. Anamoe is the leading first season sire with 20 yearlings sold at an average of $425,000 and a gross of $8.51 million.

1. Snitzel vs ‘Vinnie’: who will come out on top?

There is plenty on the line tomorrow as Snitzel and I Am Invincible look set to battle it out for the title of leading sire by aggregate for the first elite sale of the year.

As it stands, Snitzel holds a lead with an aggregate of $15,970,000, having sold 21 yearlings at an average of $760,476.

I Am Invincible sits in second position with an aggregate of $14,610,000, trailing Snitzel by $1,360,000, with 24 yearlings having sold at an average of $608,750.

Tomorrow shapes as a pivotal day. Snitzel has seven yearlings scheduled to sell, with potential standouts including Lot 799 - a colt offered by Baramul Stud out of the classy stayer She’s Ideel (Dundeel {NZ}) - and Lot 942, colt first foal of G2 Golden Pendant winner Vangelic (Vancouver).

Lot 799: Snitzel x She's Ideel colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

I Am Invincible holds a slight numerical advantage, with 10 lots still to go through the ring. His potential headline lots include Lot 708 - a filly out of G1 South Australian Derby winner Qafila (Not A Single Doubt), offered by Coolmore Stud - and Lot 776, a filly out of Listed winner Scorched Earth (Nicconi).

The pair are well clear of the remainder of the field, sitting a significant $6,100,000 ahead of Anamoe, who has recorded an aggregate of $8,510,000 from 20 yearlings sold at an average of $425,500 as leading first-season sire.

With plenty still to play out, all eyes will be on the top of the pecking order tomorrow. Will it again be an I Am Invincible – Snitzel exacta like last year, or will Snitzel flip the order like the historical days?

2. It's a small world after all

There is no doubt that the international bloodstock world is getting smaller. For a long time, an abundance of outstanding international blood has made its way to Australia via shuttle stallions and shrewd breeders.

At the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, there is no exception.

The likes of Kingman (GB), Baaeed (GB), Munnings (USA), Blame (USA) and Siyouni (Fr), as well as stallions who shuttled only briefly such as No Nay Never (USA) and Night Of Thunder (Ire), have gone on to achieve enormous success after being permanently based back in Europe.

Frankel | Standing at Juddmonte Stud

While Frankel has naturally been stealing plenty of headlines - as he always has, both on the racetrack and at stud - two purchases that particularly caught the eye were the Blame colt and the Night Of Thunder filly.

Lloyd Kennewell was the successful bidder in partnership with Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA), Blueblood Thoroughbreds and SP Bloodstock for Lot 426 — a Blame colt out of the Listed winner Klassy Bridgette (USA) (Army Mule {USA}) from the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft.

Kennewell admired the international nature of the pedigree and was more than happy to take a punt on the son of Blame, who himself has sired 54 stakes winners, including seven at the elite level.

Lot 426: Blame (USA) x Klassy Bridgette (USA) colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“A lovely colt from a big American family,” Kennewell said.

“The first thing was obviously the horse — the horse is a really good physical type — before even looking at the pedigree.”

“We bought a Siyouni a few years ago, named Direct, and he placed in a Silver Slipper behind Home Affairs. He was a bit obscure at the time by that sire, and this horse reminded me of that.”

Kennewell also pointed to his existing international connections and the strength of the American bloodlines.

Lloyd Kennewell | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“We’ve got a few connections in America. Blame’s obviously doing a very good job, and Army Mule, the damsire, leaves very quick horses and they go on grass.”

“American dam lines are very proven here, and it is a little bit different being by an American sire as well, but I really liked him as a physical, as did Matt (Matt Becker). He has a really good brain, a good pedigree, and we had a bit of petrol left.”

“I did think he could have made between $400,000 and $500,000, so we did well.”

“It’s not abnormal for American blood to work down here and we were very, very keen to play in that international line. It’s not for everyone, but we are keen on it. Although it was hard to know who else was on, as there is a good, diverse international bench here.”

Another horse that caught the eye for her international origins was Lot 570 — the Night Of Thunder filly out of Mist Moment (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), a half-sister to two stakes winners.

Lot 570: Night of Thunder (IRE) x Mist Moment (IRE) filly | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) purchased the well-balanced filly from the Three Bridges Thoroughbreds draft for $700,000, and she was clearly a filly that Calvin McEvoy held in high regard.

“Every time we went and saw her, we loved her,” McEvoy said.

“Night Of Thunder, we don’t get a lot of them down here, but he’s a champion stallion over in Europe. He’s got the favourite for the 2000 Guineas in Bow Echo, his stats of stakes winners to runners is really good, it’s in elite company.”

“We loved the filly. She’s off a really good farm and she’s one that we’re really looking forward to developing. She’ll be a star 3-year-old filly hopefully.”

3. Vendors rewarded as clearance rates surge

Not only are Newgate Farm, Coolmore Stud and Yarraman Park Stud three of the major vendors at the sale, but they have also achieved the impressive statistic of having just one passed-in lot across the first three days.

Newgate Farm has sold 29 yearlings for an aggregate of $10,130,000, Coolmore Stud has sold 28 yearlings for an aggregate of $8,825,000, while Yarraman Park Stud has sold 20 lots for an aggregate of $6,695,000.

Several other vendors have also met the market strongly, with more than 10 yearlings sold and a perfect 100% clearance rate. These include Vinery Stud (17), Lime Country Thoroughbreds (13) and Silverdale Farm (11).

Glenbeigh Farm (nine) and Glenlogan Park (nine) are also notable, each achieving a 100% clearance rate with a solid number of yearlings sold.

Barry Bowditch | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The overall clearance rate now sits at a very healthy 85.39%. Considering the rate stood at 78.38% at the conclusion of Day One, the steady rise has been particularly pleasing for Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch.

“There is a motivation from us to ensure that the clearance rate is in line with where it is now, if not better,” Bowditch said.

“It is an important component - the more horses you sell, the happier the vendors are.

“If we can clear the decks with most of these horses, it is important. We have worked very, very hard to get buyers at all ends of the market. If someone comes here and they have a horse worth between $70,000 and $120,000, we have to find people to bid on them.

“I think we have found ourselves in great shape to have this clearance rate and we are delighted, as we have worked really hard - and will continue to, to achieve a clearance rate in the order of 85%, which is no small task when you are offering the volume of horses we are.”

4. MyRacehorse building for years to come

The MyRacehorse stable has enjoyed an extended run of success at Group and Group 1 level in recent times, highlighted by G1 Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice) and G1 New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}). Adding further momentum is Group 3 winner and R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas favourite Ninja (Farnan), another excitement machine that could claim a big pay day this weekend.

However, the progressive micro-share syndication company is not resting on past achievements. Instead, MyRacehorse is firmly focused on the future, a strategy that was again evident at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Throughout the first three days of selling, MyRacehorse has combined with leading trainers including Bjorn Baker, Michael Freedman, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Ciaron Maher, and Anthony and Sam Freedman, securing yearlings by the likes of Super Seth, Hitotsu, Stay Inside, Home Affairs and Anamoe.

The highest-priced MyRacehorse purchase was Lot 500 - The Anamoe colt out of Lugyaa (Exceed And Excel), secured for $850,000 in partnership with Michael Freedman Racing, Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA), AWB and Stallion Match.

Lot 500: Anamoe x Luqyaa colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“We thought he was the best Anamoe in the sale and we actually thought he was the best colt in the sale, and we didn’t want to leave without him,” MyRacehorse ambassador Emma Freedman said enthusiastically.

“The mare has done an amazing job with two stakes performers. On type he was great, on pedigree he was great, and we believe in the stallion going forward and we’re very excited to get him.”

“We know that our clients at MyRacehorse will dive into him. Anamoe, a nine-time Group 1 winner, he’s going to do a lot going forward on the farm and we look forward to sending him to Michael Freedman Racing.”

Freedman also highlighted the broader momentum within the stable, both on and off the track.

“We’re flying. Damon Gabbedy, our bloodstock agent, plus Ben Willis, our managing director, have been doing a great job in choosing the right horses. Obviously we had our top filly Apocalyptic — she trialled ultra well this morning and we are very excited about what the autumn holds for her, and obviously Ninja as well being the short-priced favourite for the three-year-old Guineas on Saturday.”

“Just choosing the right horses, sending them to the right trainers, plotting the right paths for them — hopefully this guy can be in a similar light.”

Emma Freedman | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

When asked about plans for the remainder of the Magic Millions Sale, Freedman outlined clear targets.

“We have the aim of getting between six and eight. He (Anamoe colt) was our fifth purchase for the sale so far. We have purchased one with Bjorn, one with the Price, Kent Jnr team, one with Anthony and Sam Freedman, this guy with Michael Freedman, and the Hitotsu colt yesterday with Ciaron.”

“So that’s five done. We’re not done yet - we still have a syndicate to fill and we’re hoping to buy a nice filly tomorrow.”

Freedman also spoke highly of the Super Seth colt purchased from the Widden Stud draft, acting for Waikato Stud, for $420,000 in partnership with Mick Price Racing & Breeding and Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA).

Lot 21: Super Seth x Acting (NZ) colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“He looks a great Guineas prospect, in the right stable obviously with the Price, Kent Jnr team. They have a great record with 1600-metre to 2000-metre horses and we thought that was the perfect fit for that yard.”

“Placing these horses with the right stables is part of our model, and making sure we understand their strengths.”

5. Satono stamping himself in Australia

A stallion to enjoy an excellent three days from a limited number of yearlings offered has been the Rich Hill Stud–based Satono Aladdin (Jpn).

From just four yearlings catalogued, three sold for an aggregate of $1,235,000, averaging $411,666.

The yearlings offered this season are the produce of Satono Aladdin’s first crop conceived after his service fee rose sharply to NZ$45,000 (plus GST), up from NZ$12,500 (plus GST) in the previous season. That increase followed the racetrack success of his progeny, headed by Group 1 winner Pennyweka and the R. Listed Karaka Millions winner and gun 2-year-old Tokyo Tycoon.

Lot 31: Satono Aladdin (JPN) x Ajaayeb colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

The buyers this week are well-regarded judges, including Vin Cox and Star Thoroughbreds, who paid $260,000 for a colt out of Ajaayeb (Snitzel), Knine Inc and the Rising Sun Syndicate, who paid $400,000 for the half-sister to G1 Victoria Derby winner Manzoice (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}), and Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA), who secured the filly out of dual winner Legramor (NZ) (Commands) for $575,000.

Lot 461: Satono Aladdin (JPN) x Legramor (NZ) filly | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

In Australasia, Satono Aladdin has now had 109 runners for 55 winners, including 13 individual stakes winners, representing an impressive 11.9% stakes winners to runners.

Sheamus Mills, after purchasing the Legramor filly - a half-sister to Group 3 winner Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) - was full of praise for a stallion he believes is firmly on the rise and whose prominence in the Australian market is only set to grow.

“Satono Aladdin is a horse on the rise. Interesting that they have crept into the Australian market now,” Mills said.

Satono Aladdin | Standing at Rich Hill Stud

“I noticed one of Segenhoe’s yesterday made $400,000. There’s a few more in the catalogue. I don’t know if there were any in the catalogue last year.

“We are a fillies syndicate and the mare has already had a good one. I notice they paid a bit of money for a Tarzino out of the mare last year. I believe they’ve got a good opinion of that horse.

“I would call it a bit of a fillies family, even though she is a half to a gelding. She fitted the mould for me. She is typical of the Satonos in that, in my opinion, they get better as they go on if you leave them alone.

“We bought a filly over there last year who is a half to Tokyo Tycoon and they’ve got a good opinion of her. She’s only a 2-year-old. It is a breed that I’ve been keeping an eye on. She’s probably out of one of the better mares he’s covered, I would have thought.”

6. Mr Snitzel: 'He owes no one, nothing'

Gerald Ryan, in partnership with training partner Sterling Alexiou and Stallion Match, paid $600,000 for Lot 563 from the Arrowfield Stud draft - a Snitzel colt out of Miss Sharapova (NZ) (Ustinov).

Miss Sharapova has already proven herself at stud, producing the young sire and Group 3 winner Doubtland and the Listed winner Pretty Fast (Not A Single Doubt). The pedigree is further strengthened by classy 3-year-old My Gladiola (I Am Invincible), and R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic contender Unit Five (Supido).

For Ryan, the purchase represented a return to familiar territory with Champion stallion Snitzel, whom he trained himself, and with whose progeny he has enjoyed considerable success.

Gerald Ryan | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“He just reminded me of a couple of the other Snitzels that I’ve had. He reminded me a lot of Menari actually - same build, stretchy, walked like him,” Ryan said.

Menari was the winner of the G2 Run To The Rose Handicap and the Listed Rosebud Handicap for Ryan, and he also placed in the G1 Golden Rose, and ran fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper.

“We just thought he might have slipped through the cracks, which I think he may have, because we were expecting to pay a lot more for him.”

For this colt, Ryan suggested patience would be key.

Lot 563 Snitzel x Miss Sharapova (NZ) colt | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“Watching him walk around here, he’ll be going early but we don’t really try our Snitzels pre-Christmas - they’re always better later in the season, so hopefully he’s aimed towards an autumn campaign.”

Reflecting on Snitzel, who sadly died last year, Ryan spoke with obvious emotion.

“Unbelievable stallion, unbelievable little racehorse, and he owes no one nothing.”

Magic Millions Day Three - a genuinely strong day

Managing Director Barry Bowditch was pleased with the day’s sales, describing it as a genuinely strong session in which the clearance rate continued to climb.

“I thought it was consistently genuine and genuinely strong across the board, at all levels,” Bowditch said.

“The auctioneers were of the opinion that it was really, really genuine, and even in that $80,000 to $150,000 bracket, there were plenty of bids coming. It was a good market to be auctioneering in, which is fantastic.”

Bowditch highlighted the strength of the key metrics, noting the consistency throughout the week.

“To have the numbers we do - the average holding at $281,000, which has been consistent for the week, the median at $200,000, which hasn’t moved, and the clearance rate continuing to thrive, now above 85% - these are numbers that are very much in line with our expectations.”

He also pointed to encouraging comparisons with last year’s sale.

“We’ve had 30 lots fewer at this point in time compared to last year, but the gross is up around $1.7 million on last year, so we are tracking along nicely and we have a similar day to last year coming up.”

Top Lots

504SnitzelMadame AndreeArrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW (As Agent)Ch.FHermitage Thoroughbreds Pty LtdNSW$1,600,000
680SnitzelPlay That Song (NZ)Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW (As Agent)B. or Br.CJames Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership/Tony Fung ColtsNSW$1,200,000
545Frankel (GB)Miss Alacrity (USA)Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW (As Agent)B.CJames Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership/Tony Fung ColtsNSW$1,100,000
455I Am InvincibleLankan StarSegenhoe Stud, Aberdeen, NSW (As Agent)B.FGai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott/Kestrel ThoroughbredsNSW$1,000,000
593I Am InvincibleMumbai RockCoolmore Stud, Jerrys Plains, NSW (As Agent for Morning Rise Stud)B.FCiaron Maher BloodstockVIC$950,000
561Wootton Bassett (GB)Miss QueCoolmore Stud, Jerrys Plains, NSW (As Agent)B.CCatheryne Bruggeman/Paul Moroney BloodstoockNSW$900,000
500AnamoeLuqyaaMilburn Creek, Wildes Meadow, NSW (As Agent)Ch.CMyRacehorse Pty Ltd/Michael Freedman Racing/Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA)/AWB/Stallion MatchQLD$850,000
637SnitzelOmei SwordArrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW (As Agent)B.FWaller Racing/Mulcaster BloodstockNSW$850,000
481Frankel (GB)Lolloping (USA)Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, Eddington, Vic (As Agent)B.FSheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)VIC$825,000
493SnitzelLoving GabyVinery Stud, Scone, NSW (As Agent)B.CDavid Ellis CNZM/Te Akau RacingNEW ZEALAND$800,000

Buyers by gross

James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership/Tony Fung Colts7$782,143$5,475,000
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott/Kestrel Thoroughbreds13$383,462$4,985,000
David Ellis CNZM/Te Akau Racing11$449,091$4,940,000
Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock9$535,556$4,820,000
Tom Magnier4$1,175,000$4,700,000
Ciaron Maher Bloodstock/David Redvers Bloodstock10$460,500$4,605,000
Ciaron Maher Bloodstock9$332,222$2,990,000
Archibald Racing Pty Ltd/William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA)9$323,333$2,910,000
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock5$564,000$2,820,000
Knine Inc/Rising Sun Syndicate5$511,000$2,555,000

Buyers by average (2 or more bought)

Tom Magnier4$1,175,000$4,700,000
Hermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd2$975,000$1,950,000
James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership/Tony Fung Colts7$782,143$5,475,000
Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)3$733,333$2,200,000
James Harron Bloodstock/Michael Freedman Racing Filly Partnership/Tony Fung Fillies3$591,667$1,775,000
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock5$564,000$2,820,000
Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock9$535,556$4,820,000
KPW Bloodstock3$525,000$1,575,000
Ridgmont Fillies Partnership/Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA)3$516,667$1,550,000
Knine Inc/Rising Sun Syndicate5$511,000$2,555,000

Vendors by gross

Arrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW3536$330,571$11,570,000
Segenhoe Stud, Aberdeen, NSW2242$468,182$10,300,000
Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW2991$349,310$10,130,000
Coolmore Stud, Jerrys Plains, NSW2970$312,931$9,075,000
Widden Stud, Widden Valley, NSW2417$316,875$7,605,000
Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW2141$335,000$7,035,000
Yulong, Nagambie, Vic21107$319,048$6,700,000
Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Blandford, NSW1310$363,462$4,725,000
Silverdale Farm, Avoca, NSW1100$425,455$4,680,000
Sledmere Stud, Scone, NSW2323$192,826$4,435,000

Vendors by average (2 or more sold)

Milburn Creek, Wildes Meadow, NSW630$616,667$3,700,000
The Chase, Sutton Forest, NSW610$538,333$3,230,000
Three Bridges Thoroughbreds, Eddington, Vic412$481,250$1,925,000
Segenhoe Stud, Aberdeen, NSW2242$468,182$10,300,000
Silverdale Farm, Avoca, NSW1100$425,455$4,680,000
Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, Longwood East, Vic311$388,333$1,165,000
Kia Ora Stud, Scone, NSW921$385,000$3,465,000
Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Blandford, NSW1310$363,462$4,725,000
Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW2991$349,310$10,130,000
Tyreel Stud, Agnes Banks, NSW410$345,000$1,380,000

Sires by gross

Snitzel2154$760,476$15,970,000
I Am Invincible2443$608,750$14,610,000
Anamoe2021$425,500$8,510,000
Home Affairs2891$289,286$8,100,000
Zoustar1463$495,357$6,935,000
Extreme Choice831$822,500$6,580,000
Frankel (GB)1000$616,500$6,165,000
Stay Inside2431$225,833$5,420,000
Ole Kirk1541$272,000$4,080,000
Justify (USA)1431$290,000$4,060,000

Sires by average (2 or more sold)

Extreme Choice831$822,500$6,580,000
Snitzel2154$760,476$15,970,000
Frankel (GB)1000$616,500$6,165,000
I Am Invincible2443$608,750$14,610,000
Zoustar1463$495,357$6,935,000
Anamoe2021$425,500$8,510,000
Satono Aladdin (Jpn)311$411,667$1,235,000
Too Darn Hot (GB)920$387,222$3,485,000
Written Tycoon323$376,667$1,130,000
Wootton Bassett (GB)951$347,778$3,130,000

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Blame (USA)
Night Of Thunder (Ire)
Lloyd Kennewell
Calvin McEvoy
MyRacehorse
Emma Freedman
Anamoe
Satono Aladdin (Jpn)
Sheamus Mills
Snitzel
I Am Invincible
Gerald Ryan
Silverdale
Coolmore Stud
Barry Bowditch
Yarraman Park Stud