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?
Look it’s hard enough to buy a nice horse at any auction, here or abroad, so yes perhaps this year will provide more opportunities for the locals. In saying that the overseas buyers are usually working in with local trainers and agents so it’s a shame really they can’t get here. My hope is that their absence doesn’t affect the market too much. 
 

Have you had more enquiries this year with overseas agents / buyers, or equally domestic buyers, unable to travel to Queensland for the sale?
Yes and no. I’ve had a few emails and calls but it’s been almost 12 months of Covid now and people are getting used to the online format and I think a few people are waiting to see how restrictions play out. If they continue to be an issue closer to the sale, I’m sure we’ll have people wanting physical inspections done for them on the grounds. 


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?
I worked in with Stephen Hillen at the Tattersalls Yearling Sale in October to buy two yearlings for Anthony and Sam Freedman and with Arthur Hoyeau to buy mares at Keeneland in November, so more cooperation I guess is one positive to come out of the pandemic. You’d love to see horses in the flesh but we’re all doing our best aren’t we to get the work done and find a nice horse. 
 

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?
On farm inspections are really useful I think, mostly to get through the numbers. I think it’s important to go as late as possible though, as yearlings change so much. If in doubt, I relook at a horse at the sales. One must be careful not to put a line through a horse too quickly that’s growing and changing all the time. 
 

Which horse is your favourite Magic Millions yearling purchase and why?
Sunlight is certainly the best horse I’ve bought at the Magic Millions. She’s the best horse I’ve bought full stop to date. She’s a horse you dream of gave us all so many wonderful experiences. 

What is your favourite Magic Millions moment?
Winning the Magic Millions with Sunlight for sure and doing so standing next to my now wife Kacy Fogden of Aquis. I’d had From Within start favourite the year prior and we’d run second exactly ten years earlier with She's Meaner in my first year of Blue Sky Bloodstock. It was a monkey off the back and a great feeling having worked and auctioneered for Magic Millions in the past.