Cover image courtesy of Inglis
At A Glance:
Clearance improved to 79% from 76% last year, and the aggregate increased to $60,707,000, ahead of $52.5 million in 2025 and $50.8 million in 2024. 413 horses sold on the first two days this year compared to 376 in 2025.
The average lifted to $146,990 from $139,759 last year, while the median lifted in 2026 to $120,000 from $100,000 in 2025.
The top lot on Day 2 was Lot 499, a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB) who was sold by Gilgai Farm to Malaysian trainer Han Yong Cheng's X Bloodstock for $750,000.
Top buyers across the sale by aggregate was Lindsay Park Racing in combination with Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ), they purchased three more lots on Day 2 to take their total spend to $2,330,000 across nine lots.
Gilgai Farm heads the vendors table by aggregate, selling 13 yearlings for $3.74 million. By average (two or more sold), Bell River Thoroughbreds ended Day 2 on a $301,250 average for four yearlings sold.
Toronado (Ire) leads the sires by gross with $4,955,000 from 30 lots, while Kermadec (NZ) topped the averages at $332,500 across two lots sold.
#1. Le Metayer doubles down on Gilgai quality
Five minutes can feel like a blur in the Oaklands sale ring - and for Astute Bloodstock’s (FBAA) Louis Le Metayer, it was a fast and expensive passage of play. But it was also one he walked away from extremely satisfied, securing two elite fillies offered by Gilgai Farm in quick succession, one lot after another.
First came Lot 418 - a powerful, sharp-looking daughter of Written By, related to the Group winners and sires Bruckner and Jukebox, knocked down for $450,000. Moments later, in partnership with Ciaron Maher Racing, Le Metayer stretched to $625,000 for Lot 419, a classy Kermadec (NZ) filly out of the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes winner Turaath (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). The result set a new record for Kermadec, making her the most expensive yearling ever sold by the sire.
Louis Le Metayer | Image courtesy of Inglis
For Le Metayer, the purchases are part of a clearly defined strategy.
“We look for fillies only, and when we’re looking at fillies we can compare apples with apples. Part of our strategy is to try to buy elite fillies that we can win stakes races with and we can put back through our consignment at broodmare sales.”
The Kermadec filly in particular stood out.
“She (Lot 419) is from an exceptional farm who have bred elite horses year in year out, often by obscure stallions. Their mating strategy is exceptional and when you’re buying an elite horse from a farm like that you know you’ve got a good chance.”
There was no illusion that they would slip under the radar.
Lot 419 - Kermadec (NZ) x Turaath (GB) filly | Image courtesy of Inglis
“I never thought they’d be good value because they’re elite in their physique and their demeanor, and the farm, and it’s hard to buy horses of this quality from Gilgai at a discount.
“We’re not looking for value, we’re looking for something that can be an elite performer. I didn’t think they’d make that much money, but I’m still happy to get them.”
“We’re looking for something that can be an elite performer.” - Louis Le Metayer
As for the Written By filly, Le Metayer said she made an immediate impression.
“When you look at thousands of horses, some just jump at you, and when they’re bred from an elite family, it all makes sense. These elite horses, they have a combination of strength, demeanor, compusure and fluency.”
Lot 418 - Written By x Tune Doubt filly | Image courtesy of Inglis
Both fillies will head into the care of Ciaron Maher, aligning with a strategy that has already seen Astute Bloodstock secure Profondo and The Autumn Sun fillies at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$425,000 apiece.
For Gilgai Farm, these two classy fillies added to an outstanding day where they also had the Day's top lot when their Too Darn Hot (GB) colt out of Baveno (Street Cry {Ire}) sold to Malaysian trainer Han Yong Cheng's X Bloodstock for $750,000. The farm finished the second day of selling as leading vendors by aggregate, and second by average, across the entirety of Book 1.
| X Bloodstock | 4 | $1,820,000 | $455,000 | $750,000 |
| Gelagotis Racing / James Bester Bloodstock | 2 | $650,000 | $325,000 | $350,000 |
| Archibald Racing / William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) | 2 | $600,000 | $300,000 | $360,000 |
| Hong Kong Jockey Club | 2 | $600,000 | $300,000 | $360,000 |
| O'Shea-Charlton Racing / James Bester Bloodstock | 2 | $560,000 | $280,000 | $380,000 |
| Lindsay Park Racing / Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) | 9 | $2,330,000 | $258,889 | $520,000 |
| Bennett Racing | 2 | $500,000 | $250,000 | $430,000 |
| Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) | 4 | $990,000 | $247,500 | $340,000 |
| MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd | 6 | $1,410,000 | $235,000 | $350,000 |
| Mulberry Racing | 4 | $930,000 | $232,500 | $280,000 |
Table: Top lots from Day 2 of the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
#2. Fashions fade, but horse flesh can always speak for stallions
One of the more intriguing takeaways from Book 1 at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale was the sheer variation at the top end of the market.
The Top 10 lots were represented by 10 different stallions - a striking spread and a reminder that elite types can emerge from a broad spectrum of sires.
Among them were names that may not traditionally dominate the upper tier of yearling results. Darley Stud’s Kermadec set a new benchmark result for him when Astute Bloodstock and Ciaron Maher Racing went to $625,000. A colt by first-season sire Hitotsu, offered through the Glen Lee Thoroughbreds draft, sold to his old trainer Ciaron Maher for $480,000, while a Written By filly from the Gilgai draft made $450,000 to Louis Le Metayer’s Astute Bloodstock.
There were, of course, more familiar heavyweights in the mix - Too Darn Hot (GB), Extreme Choice, Toronado (Ire) and Zoustar - but the presence of Kermadec, Hitotsu, Written By, Ole Kirk, Ghaiyyath (Ire), and No Nay Never (USA) underlined the depth and diversity at play.
Kelly Skillecorn | Image courtesy of Inglis
For Gilgai Farm, commercial fashion has never been the driving force. The focus, as always, is the racehorse. They were responsible for four of the Top 10 lots in Book 1, a result that reflects a philosophy long championed by Rick Jamieson.
“The boss (Rick Jamieson), he doesn’t pay attention to what a stallion’s fee is, he doesn't worry about being commercial.” - Kelly Skillecorn
“The boss (Rick Jamieson), he doesn’t pay attention to what a stallion’s fee is, he doesn't worry about being commercial. We bought that mare Turaath for $1 million privately and he’s sent her to an eight grand stallion. He doesn’t care about the fee, he just tries to breed racehorses,” Gilgai Farm manager Kelly Skillecorn commented.
In an industry often driven by trends and service fees, Jamieson’s approach continues to challenge the norm.
“In such a fashion business with stallions, Rick sort of seems to be able to defy that, we have had a lot of success with Kermadec. A lot of our success has come from lesser known or performed stallions. All Too Hard was by an obscure stallion, and at the time, Black Caviar was by an obscure stallion, Jameka was the same.”
Rick Jamieson | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
That sentiment was echoed by Louis Le Metayer, who said the same thinking played a role in his decision to secure the Kermadec.
“She is from an exceptional farm who have bred elite horses year in year out, often by obscure stallions. Buying from Gilgai gives you confidence, those extra 10 percenters count.”
“She (Lot 419) is from an exceptional farm who have bred elite horses year in year out, often by obscure stallions. Buying from Gilgai gives you confidence.” - Louis Le Metayer
If Book 1 proved anything, it’s that quality still cuts through. Buyers will back the right individual, regardless of the name on the page, and breeders will continue to follow their own systems and convictions.
The lesson? Never discount the so-called underdog stallion. In a marketplace built on opinions, there are no hard and fast rules, people believe in different theories, use different stallions - and a great type can come from anywhere.
| Kermadec (NZ) | 2 | 0 | $765,000 | $382,500 | $625,000 |
| Zoustar | 6 | 2 | $2,175,000 | $362,500 | $850,000 |
| Extreme Choice | 7 | 1 | $2,400,000 | $342,857 | $540,000 |
| I Am Invincible | 3 | 1 | $955,000 | $318,333 | $400,000 |
| Frankel (GB) | 3 | 0 | $820,000 | $273,333 | $375,000 |
| Anamoe | 8 | 3 | $1,910,000 | $238,750 | $360,000 |
| Too Darn Hot (GB) | 9 | 0 | $2,120,000 | $235,556 | $750,000 |
| Written By | 4 | 2 | $870,000 | $217,500 | $450,000 |
| Ghaiyyath (IRE) | 12 | 0 | $2,570,000 | $214,167 | $520,000 |
| Street Boss (USA) | 6 | 0 | $1,240,000 | $206,667 | $340,000 |
Table: Top 10 sires by average (two or more sold) at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
| Toronado (IRE) | 30 | 7 | $4,955,000 | $165,167 | $410,000 |
| Ghaiyyath (IRE) | 12 | 0 | $2,570,000 | $214,167 | $520,000 |
| Extreme Choice | 7 | 1 | $2,400,000 | $342,857 | $540,000 |
| Home Affairs | 12 | 2 | $2,370,000 | $197,500 | $360,000 |
| Alabama Express | 16 | 7 | $2,220,000 | $138,750 | $340,000 |
| Zoustar | 6 | 2 | $2,175,000 | $362,500 | $850,000 |
| Too Darn Hot (GB) | 9 | 0 | $2,120,000 | $235,556 | $750,000 |
| Anamoe | 8 | 3 | $1,910,000 | $238,750 | $360,000 |
| Dundeel (NZ) | 11 | 5 | $1,735,000 | $157,727 | $350,000 |
| Shamus Award | 15 | 6 | $1,680,000 | $112,000 | $260,000 |
Table: Top 10 sires by aggregate (two or more sold) at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
#3. Team Archibald goes all in on Anamoe
A clear buying theme has emerged across the opening two days of Book 1 at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale - and it centred on one stallion and a particular group of buyers.
Rob and Annabel Archibald, in conjunction with Will Johnson Bloodstock, and OTM have made a decisive play on Anamoe, the Champion nine-time Group 1-winning son of Street Boss (USA), securing four yearlings by him that will join the Annabel and Rob Archibald stable in the coming months.
Rob and Annabel Archibald | Image courtesy of Inglis
After missing their mark earlier in the year, the team arrived in Melbourne with purpose and an agenda.
“We struggled on the Gold Coast, and at the Classic sale. So we came here with the aim of getting an Anamoe or a couple, and lo and behold, we bought four, and we just bought this beautiful colt from the draft of Blue Gum Farm," Will Johnson commented.
“We came here with the aim of getting an Anamoe or a couple, and lo and behold, we bought four.” - Will Johnson
The confidence in the stallion is clear, with Anamoe widely regarded as one of the most exciting horses to retire to stud in recent seasons.
Anamoe | Standing at Darley
“He’s one of the most highly credentialled stallions that have gone to stud in the last few years. He was a top two, three and 4-year-old. So looking at that, hopefully they have a lot of longevity with the ability to run too. And as a son of Street Boss, who has left the likes of Tentyris and the list goes on. He is a stallion we have a lot of faith in.”
While some young sires can stamp a distinct type, Johnson believes Anamoe’s progeny are reflecting their maternal lines - something the team has embraced in its selections.
Will Johnson | Image courtesy of Inglis
“I think they actually throw more to the dam. So throughout the year, the physical types I have seen almost had a bit more of the shape of the mum. We bought the colt yesterday out of Eleusa, related to Tentyris, and that horse had the substance of the family. So I do think mum’s influence is coming through too.”
That variation has created subtle differences across the quartet, but the team is comfortable with what they’ve secured.
“Yes there is a point of difference between the four of them, we are very happy with them, shares are available and all details are on archibaldracing.com.”
The Archibalds were happy to spend big to secure their Anamoes, landing them in the top three buyers by average at the end of the second day of the sale.
| X Bloodstock | 4 | $1,820,000 | $455,000 | $750,000 |
| Gelagotis Racing / James Bester Bloodstock | 2 | $650,000 | $325,000 | $350,000 |
| Archibald Racing / William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) | 2 | $600,000 | $300,000 | $360,000 |
| Hong Kong Jockey Club | 2 | $600,000 | $300,000 | $360,000 |
| O'Shea-Charlton Racing / James Bester Bloodstock | 2 | $560,000 | $280,000 | $380,000 |
| Lindsay Park Racing / Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) | 9 | $2,330,000 | $258,889 | $520,000 |
| Bennett Racing | 2 | $500,000 | $250,000 | $430,000 |
| Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) | 4 | $990,000 | $247,500 | $340,000 |
| MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd | 6 | $1,410,000 | $235,000 | $350,000 |
| Mulberry Racing | 4 | $930,000 | $232,500 | $280,000 |
Table: Top 10 buyers by average spend (two or more bought) at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
#4. McDonald and McGrath reload after Diamond success
On the back of the current season that has so far been highlighted by the Group 1 winner Streisand (Magnus), it was little surprise to see Shane McGrath Bloodstock and Clinton McDonald Racing very active again at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Streisand - a $100,000 purchase from Northmore Thoroughbreds at this very sale last year - went on to claim Group 1 glory in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes last month, and the pair have returned to Oaklands hoping lightning might strike twice.
The familiar combination has once again secured a strong lineup, picking up 8 together, another two in combination with Blueblood Thoroughbreds and another in combination with Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and Trilogy Racing for a total of $2,225,000 at an average of $202,273.
They have a clear plan in place. A number of their purchases are being aimed at the Inglis Ready To Race Sale later in the year, while others will remain in the stable to be syndicated and raced.
One that will definitely stay in-house is Lot 322 - a striking black colt by the international sire No Nay Never (USA) out of Setarhe (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}). The mare was a classy juvenile herself, winning at two and placing in the G3 Royal Ascot Albany Stakes and the Listed Sandown Star Stakes, and her son has made a lasting impression on McDonald.
“I've probably seen him six times this sale, so a number of times I went down to look at him. We sort of identified him early in the sale, and we just thought he was probably our favourite colt at the sale to be honest,” McDonald said.
“We sort of identified him early in the sale, and we just thought he was probably our favourite colt at the sale to be honest.” - Clinton McDonald
“Just the way he moves, you can sort of picture him next year running in a race like the Blue Diamond.”
With a juvenile target already in mind, McDonald has clearly done his homework.
“This year, we looked at all the colts in the Blue Diamond field, very similar to Closer To Free, but the black version. So we sort of really identified it in the way he moves, we feel he is going to be early and his pedigree suggests that he could be early.
“He’s what we want here in Australia, and I think when you look at the horse, you see that he looks fast, he has got a beautiful temperament to him, loved his attitude. Every time I looked at him, he was so professional.”
"He’s (Lot 322) what we want here in Australia." - Clinton McDonald
Beyond the physical type, it was the colt’s intent that stood out.
Clinton McDonald and Shane McGrath | Image courtesy of Inglis
“He had a real purpose, a horse that when he was going from A to B, he was really going somewhere with conviction. He will go through our system, Tim Martin, will break him in, then back to Newhaven and then back to Tim Martin, and then down to us, and we'd hope to see him racing in the Spring.”
As for the broader buying strategy alongside Shane McGrath Bloodstock, McDonald confirmed there’s a clear split between Ready To Race prospects and those earmarked to remain in the stable.
“Yes, a combination, there's a lot at the moment that we will take to the 2-year-old sales. Obviously, we'll work out. But we will probably take a good amount, we really want to focus on getting some quality horses there.”
McGrath and McDonald were amongst seven buyers to spend more than a million across the Inglis Premier sale.
| Lindsay Park Racing / Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) | 9 | $2,330,000 | $258,889 | $520,000 |
| X Bloodstock | 4 | $1,820,000 | $455,000 | $750,000 |
| Shane McGrath Bloodstock / Clinton McDonald Racing | 8 | $1,625,000 | $203,125 | $420,000 |
| Ciaron Maher Bloodstock | 11 | $1,595,000 | $145,000 | $480,000 |
| MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd | 6 | $1,410,000 | $235,000 | $350,000 |
| Liam Howley Racing Pty Ltd | 6 | $1,020,000 | $170,000 | $280,000 |
| Vahala Racing / SM & KB Bloodstock | 6 | $1,020,000 | $170,000 | $360,000 |
| Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) | 4 | $990,000 | $247,500 | $340,000 |
| Busuttin Racing Pty Ltd | 6 | $960,000 | $160,000 | $300,000 |
| Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Kestrel Thoroughbreds | 5 | $940,000 | $188,000 | $260,000 |
Table: Top 10 buyers by aggregate (two or more bought) at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
#5. Zoustar colt explodes into action as Day 2 started strongly
Day 2 at Oaklands might have dawned under grey skies - a smaller, quieter crowd braving wet and windy conditions compared to the “Sunday Funday”, as described by Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch - but the action in the ring wasted no time heating up.
X Bloodstock ensured proceedings began with real intent, going to $340,000 for the first lot through the ring. Lot 291 - an imposing colt by Zoustar out of the three-time winning sprinter Ready To Soar (More Than Ready {USA}), was offered by Segenhoe Stud and immediately justified the early attention.
“He is a beautiful horse, nice free action, beautiful colour and obviously by a Champion stallion in Zoustar, he is out of Ready To Soar, which is a family that we've had a lot of success with,” Segenhoe Stud’s Brian Clarke commented.
“He (Lot 291) is a beautiful horse, nice free action, beautiful colour and obviously by a Champion stallion in Zoustar.” - Brian Clarke
The result was a satisfying one for the Hunter Valley nursery, particularly given the level of pre-sale interest.
“I'm really delighted with that result at $340,000. Inspections were huge, I think he had 18 x-ray hits, so he was very popular in that regard also. So we were confident of a good result, but very happy with that.”
Segenhoe has often treated the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale as a sale to target with quality, and Clarke was quick to reference past success stories.
“We've had a lot of success at this sale, we've sold some very good horses, like Reserve Bank who has been a Group 1 winner and I Am Me, so it's a sale that we tackle with good numbers, but also good horses.”
Drawing an early lot can sometimes divide opinion. Buyers often appreciate the opportunity to strike before momentum builds, while vendors can feel they’ve drawn the short straw. Clarke admitted he wouldn’t have minded a later slot, but confidence in the colt never wavered.
“Ideally you'd probably like to be late on the day, but he was such a nice horse that was so popular. We were so confident that he'd make his money, which he did. So overall, we're very happy with the result.”
“He (Lot 291) was such a nice horse that was so popular.” - Brian Clarke
And with the colt being a late November foal, Clarke believes there is still plenty of upside to come.
“Absolutely, you know, you really wouldn't believe how much the horse has improved, particularly in the last three weeks. He's really matured, developed more substance, he'll only keep improving. So I actually think he's very well bought at that price.”
Zoustar finished the second day of selling as the second seed sire by average (two or more sold) behind Kermadec across the entire sale.
#6. 'Exceptionally rewarding' sale so far for Inglis team
Raised metrics across the board led to Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch describing the first two days of the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale as “plenty of fun and exceptionally rewarding’’.
Sebastian Hutch | Image courtesy of Inglis
“As I said yesterday, we were always of the belief in the lead-up to the sale that we were being supported with a really strong catalogue and worked hard to recruit a large and diverse buying bench, and I think a combination of those two things created a fantastic atmosphere which led to strong and consistent bidding over the past two days,’’ he said.
“I think a combination of (a strong catalogue and a diverse buying bench) created a fantastic atmosphere which led to strong and consistent bidding over the past two days.” - Sebastian Hutch
Hutch was pleased to see a particularly international buying bench at the 2026 renewal, and encouraged those who missed out on lots over the first two days of the sale to stay for Book 2 and inspect the passed in lots from Book 1.
“We have worked hard over a number of years to give vendors and breeders confidence that we can deliver the best results,” Hutch said. “In the context of this sale, there is a particular focus on getting the support of local breeders with their best horses and hopefully the results this year create a platform for us to progress this sale even further in the years to come.”
| Gilgai Farm, Nagambie | 13 | 0 | $3,740,000 | $287,692 | $750,000 |
| Yulong, Nagambie | 28 | 25 | $3,230,000 | $115,357 | $340,000 |
| Widden Stud, Riddells Creek | 23 | 7 | $2,910,000 | $126,522 | $400,000 |
| Blue Gum Farm, Euroa | 18 | 4 | $2,535,000 | $140,833 | $360,000 |
| Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW | 11 | 1 | $2,440,000 | $221,818 | $400,000 |
| Two Bays Farm, Flinders | 11 | 1 | $2,420,000 | $220,000 | $850,000 |
| Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW | 13 | 5 | $2,355,000 | $181,154 | $380,000 |
| Segenhoe Stud, Aberdeen, NSW | 13 | 1 | $2,052,000 | $157,846 | $420,000 |
| Newhaven Park, Boorowa, NSW | 17 | 0 | $2,030,000 | $119,412 | $240,000 |
| Rosemont Stud, Gnarwarre | 13 | 2 | $1,990,000 | $153,077 | $260,000 |
Table: Top 10 vendors by aggregate at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
| Bell River Thoroughbreds, Glen William, NSW | 4 | 0 | $1,205,000 | $301,250 | $375,000 |
| Gilgai Farm, Nagambie | 13 | 0 | $3,740,000 | $287,692 | $750,000 |
| Mill Park Stud, Meningie, SA | 6 | 1 | $1,375,000 | $229,167 | $410,000 |
| Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW | 11 | 1 | $2,440,000 | $221,818 | $400,000 |
| Two Bays Farm, Flinders | 11 | 1 | $2,420,000 | $220,000 | $850,000 |
| Cannon Hayes Stud, Scone, NSW | 4 | 0 | $860,000 | $215,000 | $260,000 |
| Penfold Thoroughbreds, Nagambie | 3 | 2 | $640,000 | $213,333 | $300,000 |
| Milburn Creek, Wildes Meadow, NSW | 10 | 2 | $1,850,000 | $185,000 | $540,000 |
| Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW | 13 | 5 | $2,355,000 | $181,154 | $380,000 |
| Grenville Stud, Whitemore, Tas | 4 | 0 | $720,000 | $180,000 | $260,000 |
Table: Top 10 vendors by average (two or more sold) at the 2026 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale
