Redoute's Choice Colt Tops Strong Inglis Easter Sale

Topped by a colt by leading Australian sire Redoute's Choice sold for AU$2.5 million (about US$1,892,850), the William Inglis & Son Easter sale concluded on a high note April 6 in Sydney.

The sales company reported across-the-board spikes in key statistical categories when compared with 2016.

The 303 horses sold grossed AU$107,830,000 (US$81,646,700), compared with AU$98,937,500 a year ago. This year's average of AU$355,875 (US$269,461) represented a 26% increase over the 2016 figure of AU$283,498, and the median rose 30% to AU$260,000 ($196,867), compared with AU$200,000. The RNA rate was 15%.

The 17 yearlings sold for $1 million or more in one sale is the third highest number, behind the Easter auctions in 2008 (28 lots) and 2007 (23).

"There has never been a stronger message to vendors that Inglis is the clear market leader and continuing to increase that lead, and that's something all of us here work very hard toward achieving and are extremely proud of," said Inglis managing director Mark Webster. "Easter has always been one of the world's top sales and it's never been more evident than this year.

"With buyers from all around the world, including Japan, North America, Hong Kong, China, New Zealand, South Africa, the Middle East, and of course Australia, it's created an unbelievably strong marketplace and the results have been evident. There is no doubt we will see the graduates of this sale go onto great things all over the world when they hit the racetrack.''

The sale-topper offered by Arrowfield Stud, which set a record for an Australian yearling sale with gross receipts in excess of AU$20 million (US$15,143,600) for 34 horses sold, was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum's racing manager Tim Stakemire. The colt is a full brother to Pariah, recent second-place finisher in the group 1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes, in which Arrowfield has acquired a 50% interest and plans to eventually stand at stud.

"I was expecting a big price, but I didn't know what that price would be," Arrowfield's John Messara said of the sale-topper. "It's fitting that Redoute's Choice should top the sale too, because he's been leading sire here for so long now. We brought a very strong product to market, but Inglis brought the market together from all around the world, and when you get a strong product and a strong market, you get maximum results."

Leading buyer by lots purchased was Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott with 14 horses bought, while by aggregate was Shadwell Stud with AU$5,755,000 (US$4,357,570).

The leading sire by aggregate was Snitzel with AU$20,425,000 (US$15,465,400) as 38 of his 39 progeny offered were sold; leading sire by average was Not A Single Doubt at AU$750,000 (US$567,885) from three sales.