National Yearling Catalogue Online

The catalogue for the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale June 7 and 8 is online. The National Yearling Sale is the penultimate book of the Magic Millions National Sale Series, which comprises the National Weanling Sale May 29 and 30; the National Broodmare Sale June 1 to 5; the yearling sale June 7 and 8; and the National Racehorse Sale June 9.

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox was in Kentucky this week to visit with American clients and promote the sale, and he said, “there's more of a focus from American buyers on our industry these days, and it's great to get up and see everyone and hopefully get some of them to come down to our National sale.” He added, “I've seen a few farms and had a look at a couple stallions. It's been good; it's a good time of year to get here and catch up with everyone.”

There are 459 lots catalogued for the yearling sale, including the progeny of 84 stakes-performing mares. The 459 lots catalogued for the yearling sale include close relations to Group 1 winners like Good Project (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}), Harry's Son (Aus) (Haradasun {Aus}), Mentality (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}), Monaco Consul (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), Response (Aus) (Charge Forward {Aus}) and Shamus Award (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}).

Group-winning mares with progeny catalogued include Barinka (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), Cavalry Rose (Aus) (Charge Forward {Aus}), Champagne Harmony (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), Eskimo Queen (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), Karuta Queen (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}), Pear Tart (Aus) (Dehere), Vietnam (Aus) (Admiralty) and Wowee (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}).

The majority of the yearlings catalogued are eligible for nomination to the Magic Millions Race Series, and represent the last opportunity of the year to buy a horse to race on the A$10- million Gold Coast raceday each January.

This year's broodmare catalogue has an added American flair, with Newgate Farm offering the young, well-related mare Morning Fix (El Corredor) (lot 721) in foal Southern Hemisphere-time to Tapit. The three-time winner and Grade III-placed Morning Fix is out of a half-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly (Summer Squall), and is carrying her first foal.

“She's Grade III-placed and in foal to Tapit, so it's quite exciting,” Cox noted. “It's going to be a good opportunity for somebody in the Southern Hemisphere to have a foal by Tapit.”

Morning Fix is far from the only mare with international appeal catalogued. In addition to young Group 1 winners including Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) (611) and Peggy Jean (Aus) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) (lot 756) and a handful of offerings from coveted Teeley families, the National Broodmare Sale will offer a mare in foal to the Japanese champion sprinter Lord Kanaloa (Jpn). Vamoose (Jpn) (Admire Moon {Jpn}) (lot 909) will be offered by Swettenham Stud.

“It's really jumped up,” Cox said of the profile of the National Sale. “It's really the breeding stock sale of the Southern Hemisphere. We sell most of the high-profile horses and have a very strong, deep catalogue. If you're looking to invest in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the best opportunity.”

Cox admitted optimism was still running high after a vibrant yearling sale season Down Under.

“It'll be driven by the breeders, and the breeders have had a good year and a good harvest,” he said. “The yearling sales across the board have been very, very strong, which has been mainly driven by our domestic market and the syndicators, and trainers being able to sell their horses. The lower Australian dollar has brought in the Asian market and increased participation from markets like America and Europe.”