3 minute read

Prospective owners are encouraged to become involved with purchases from the 2024 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

The sale took place on Monday, 26 February, where 90 lots were sold at a clearance rate of 70%, with an average sale price of $30,750.

The sale was undeniably difficult for vendors; however, on the other side of the auction, it presented an opportunity for those who went to Quercus Park with the intent to purchase.

"It was definitely a buyer's sale," said Neil Walsh of Tasmanian Bloodstock, who, along with his partner Jessie Bazan, spent $192,500 on four lots.

"We thought all of our purchases would go for a lot more than they did and we're stoked with what we've ended up with."

The Walsh/Tas Bloodstock haul of four includes a Frosted x Ehor filly, a half to Turk Warrior, and a Needs Further x Kwai colt, their most expensive purchase at $67,500.

The locals weren't as active at the 2024 sale as the previous year, purchasing six fewer horses year on year, an interesting statistic given the investment in the Tasbred scheme in Tasmania.

Longford trainer John Blacker bucked the trend, purchasing eight lots in total, including the third most expensive purchase, an All Too Hard x Princess de Lamour colt bought for $82,500.

Trainer/breeder Brendon McShane was on the wrong side of the 2024 sale results with his Magnum Park sire Levendi, but that does present an opportunity for potential buyers.

"I think it was a bit rude the way the market treated us, but we were there to sell regardless, we wanted the Levendi stock out there," McShane said.

"We have more to move at home through the same basis at a very low cost.

"Levendi bolted in his two-year-old race and won the best of the best at three," McShane added of the 2018 Group 1 ATC Derby winner.

Most buyers at the 2024 sale are now in the process of syndicating their purchases, presenting the ideal time for new and existing owners to experience racehorse ownership.