3 minute read
Heading into Magic Millions, we talk to some of the agents attending this year’s sale
With most international buyers unable to attend the 2021 sale, do you think this will present additional opportunities for domestic buyers?
Not necessarily - there are always horses to suit all budgets and tastes; fortuitously for those spending Aussie dollars the top flight horse list doesn’t discriminate by brand, cost or post code.
Have you had more enquiries this year with overseas agents / buyers, or equally domestic buyers, unable to travel to Queensland for the sale?
No. I’m primarily a private operator these days and actually utilise the services of several FBAA agents and our network of Seymour Bloodstock trainers who work the sales.
Australia has led the way with increased information and transparency around bloodstock sales. Do you think there will be any other positives come out of the global Covid pandemic and how do you feel this will change the industry over the coming years?
Vendor and auction house information provided to sales facilitators these days is terrific. If this information increases the level of engagement and comfort with the ultimate cheque signer - the owners, then it’s an added bonus.
Vendors have been reporting high numbers of on farm inspections this year. Do you think these are becoming an increasingly important part of the inspection process and how do they help you?
From a time management perspective it’s imperative to ‘on farm look’ for those professionals looking at the entire catalogue. Personally I prefer to see how they handle the whole sales process away from the comfort of their home environment - they can’t train and race on their home stud.
Which of the first season sires have caught your eye?
I haven’t done farm inspections but the progeny of our homebred Merchant Navy are rippers so I’m really looking forward to seeing some of them on the Coast.
Which horse is your favourite Magic Millions yearling purchase?
All American. Was bought to be a Guineas horse yet Lindsay Park’s system allowed him to be winning pre Christmas two-year-old. We de-risked and sold down in him after a Moonee Valley stakes win. He then ran second in the Diamond and won the Skyline prior to Arrowfield buying into him.
He ran a great fifth in Sebring’s Slipper. As a four-year-old he ran the fastest Flemington mile by an entire when knocking off So You Think - who was at the peak of his Cox Plate powers in the Emirates Stakes. He’s no top 20 sire but nonetheless sired the Group 1 star filly Yankee Rose. That big scopey three-year-old type can take his owners on that sort of ride epitomises what the Magic Millions sale can provide - the success of the graduates isn’t just defined by winning the 2YO Classic. That said, winning the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas with the Singo-bred Tippitaka was a big thrill for all concerned.
What is your favourite Magic Millions moment?
Groundhog Day every year for me. Inspecting second/third looks. You appreciate just how many lovely horses are on the grounds. Star fillies Away Game, Exhilarates, Sunlight, Houtzen and gun colt Capitalist are the most recent winners of the 2YO Classic - the bar is high. My malfunctioning thermostat then demands a coupla icy cold XXXX’s in the Newhaven wash bay, en route to finding a wave strong enough to carry me back to shore.
