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Russian Revolution filly tops second and final day on Tuesday when bought by John Morrisey for $190,000

A record breaking Gold Coast March Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday with a filly from the first crop of Newgate Farm’s Russian Revolution (Snitzel) topping the sale when bought by John Morrisey for $190,000. 

Over the two days 323 of the 384 lots offered were sold for $14,462,500 at a clearance rate of 84 per cent. At last year’s renewal 279 of the 374 lots were sold for $7,917,500 with a clearance rate of 74 per cent. With 16 per cent more horses sold this year, the aggregate rose 82 per cent compared to last year’s figure. The average of $44,776 was up 58 per cent compared to last year’s figure of $28,378 and the median of $35,000 was up 75 per cent from $20,000 a year ago.

Speaking to Racing & Sports bloodstock at the conclusion of the sale Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said that the sale had far exceeded expectations. 

“We’ve sold in all corners of Australia in the last month whether it be Perth, Adelaide, Tassie or here and each one of those sales far exceeded our expectations,” said Bowditch. “In particular, this sale has been fantastic. It would be unfair to compare it to last year’s sale but this sale has exceeded the unprecedented renewal in 2018 with all the Spirit Of Booms and the gross, the average and clearance rate were all better than they were in that year, so it’s unbelievable to be honest.” 

The 2018 sale saw 311 lots sell for $13,946,000 at a clearance rate of 86 per cent. The average that year sat at $44,842 while the median was $25,000. Bowditch pointed to the bonuses available in Queensland to be partly responsible for the results achieved this week. 

“I think obviously prize money, but also the credibility the sport has here in Australia and the fact that anyone can be involved in either a small or big level. This sale in particular, the bonuses that these horses can run for and what they can earn week in, week out all over Queensland gives the buyers confidence. 

“A lot of these buyers couldn’t come last year given COVID had struck and they were out in rural areas and the trepidation of travelling meant that they weren’t able to come, but some of those have doubled down and spent what they didn’t spend last year and some. They’ve stepped right into the market, they’ve come down and had fun here and a motivation to not only make up for last year but really support the Queensland industry and take them home and race for the big money that is on offer.” 

The next sale to be conducted by Magic Millions will be the National Sale and Bowditch said he is hopeful the strength of the market seen at the yearling sales will continue into the breeding stock sales.  

“I think when breeders have done well at the yearling sales, the anticipation is that they will upgrade their product and come and reinvest and make their stock at home bigger and better for next year,” he added. 

Morrisey Racing finished the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale as the leading buyer having spent $910,000 on for lots headed by the sale topping Spirit Of Boom (Sequalo) colt who he bought for $370,000 on Monday. 

Tuesday’s session topping filly was sold by Eureka Stud as Lot 291 and is the third living foal out of the winning General Nediym (Nediym) mare Pinpoint who is a half-sister to Listed winner Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom). 

"The Russian Revolution filly was extremely popular right from the start of inspections and we've been rewarded nicely," Eureka Stud’s Scott McAlpine said.

"It turns out she was the filly of the sale today - she had plenty of admirers and she is heading to a great home.” 

Eureka Stud finished the sale as the leading vendors having sold 36 of the 42 lots they offered for $1,900,000 at an average of $52,778 and McAlpine said what a fantastic sale. 

"It's been enormous," McAlpine said of the sale in general. "We've been able to continue the upward trend of sales across Australia. The gross, average and clearance rate have all increased substantially and overall it's been a very successful sale.” 

Eureka Stud sold one of the three lots to make $180,000 on Tuesday with a colt by their resident sire Spirit Of Boom selling to First Light Racing, Rob Heathcote and Paul WIlletts Bloodstock for that price. 

Offered as Lot 235, the colt is the 11th foal out of the dual winner Matinee (Flying Spur) from the family of Duporth (Red Ransom), Excites (Danewin), Tickets (Redoute’s Choice) and Delago Deluxe (Encosta De Lago).