An English businessman, on his first journey to Australia, has paid $2.8 million for a thoroughbred yearling, setting a brand new report.
The colt provided by the Hunter Valley’s Widden Stud is the most costly horse ever offered on the Magic Thousands and thousands Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Widden Stud proprietor Antony Thompson stated it was a really particular second for the entire workforce.
“We knew we had a beautiful horse on our arms … however to see him promote for a report value on the Magic Thousands and thousands of $2.8 million was actually beautiful and fairly humbling.”
The colt’s mom Humma Humma was a “quick mare” on the monitor earlier than beginning a broodmare profession.
Its father, Snitzel, is one in all Australia’s prime stallions, with a service price of virtually $250,000 and dozens a gaggle race successful progeny.
Snitzel additionally sired champion racemare Winx’s 2024 foal.
Purchaser of the $2.8 million colt Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, fronted by one in all Australia’s main horse trainers, was bidding for English businessman Phil Cunningham, who owns a steady within the UK.
“It is his first time right down to Australia … and he is purchased the sale topper,” Ciaron Maher informed Sky Racing.
The earlier report of $2.7 million was set on the 2023 sale, when longstanding data fell thrice in three days.
Widden Stud additionally holds the report for the most costly filly traded by the Magic Thousands and thousands Yearling Sale, $2.6 million, set in 2023.
Paying with kilos, bidding in {dollars}
Widden proprietor Antony Thompson stated bidders “actually went to battle” over the colt.
“As soon as we obtained over $2 million there have been actually two camps on both facet of the auditorium in deep dialogue.
“It appears like a lifetime ready for the subsequent bid and the pause in bids you suppose, ‘Possibly that is it, they’re completed’.
“They actually went to battle over him and that is finally led to this beautiful outcome.”
Mr Thompson stated purchaser Mr Cunningham had a robust footprint within the UK and was excited by his entrance to the Australian market.
“[He] races greater than 50 horses in England at anybody time,” Mr Thompson stated.
“I assume paying with kilos and bidding in Aussie {dollars} for the time being provides him an enormous benefit.
“For him it is half value on the pound, and it is thrilling to have new individuals investing within the trade.”
Ciaron Maher stated he knew the unnamed colt would deliver prime greenback.
“He was a standout for us and people top-line colts you all the time know you have to bid up for them … most likely a bit bit greater than I anticipated however these high quality horses, you have all the time obtained to pay up,” he informed Sky Racing.
The colt is amongst 1,400 horses to be provided on the sale this week. (Equipped: Magic Thousands and thousands)
Shiny future
Mr Thompson stated the worldwide curiosity on the sale was a credit score to the state of the Australian racing trade.
“We now have extra races value one million {dollars} than another nation, we now have nice prize cash, an ideal love of racing and it is a very fashionable sport.”
He expects a brilliant future for the colt on and off the monitor.
“It was the true energy and athleticism and the way in which the horse dealt with himself that added to the worth.
“There’s lots of funding, lots of thought, lots of work gone into this outcome.”
