A "wonderfully successful'' Inglis Chairman's Sale – a new concept on the Australasian sales scene – has seen unbeaten 2YO Gunnison become the highest-priced gelding ever sold at auction in Australia at $1,4 million.
In front of a strong crowd in the Newmarket ring, the boutique sale exceeded expectations as all four horses that were offered for 100% of sale were sold.
In total, nine Lots were offered, with Gunnison's price tag of $1.4 million the sale-topper, ahead of Stakes-placed 2YO Eden Roc ($900,000) and Sydney Cup-bound Chance To Dance ($260,000).
Both Gunnison and Eden Roc exceeded their yearling prices of $850,000 and $750,000 respectively.
Gunnison was bought by Chris McAnulty, on behalf of a Hong Kong-based client, outbidding Louis Lau (Hong Kong-based bloodstock agent) and Julian Blaxland of Aquis Farm.
McAnulty confirmed Gunnison's future racing would be in Asia.
"We targeted this horse for a specific reason and that is that sprinting events in Hong Kong at the moment are very open with not huge fields, so we see this as a great opportunity to get a high-quality sprinter from Australia over there,'' McAnulty said.
"Gunnison is a lovely gelding, he's proved in his short career already that he is loaded with ability and we're looking forward to getting our hands on him and seeing what he can do in Hong Kong.''
Chance To Dance was purchased by David Ellis, on behalf of John Galvin of Fortuna Syndications.
He will immediately be transferred to the stables of Jamie Richards and Stephen Autridge, who also train Australian Derby favourite Gingernuts.
Richards confirmed the son of Teofilo would line up in next weekend's Sydney Cup.
"We've got a team going to Brisbane too so he could join them as well after the Sydney Cup, or he could go back to Te Akau Stud and get ready for our staying races back there,'' Richards said.
"It could be a big couple of weeks. Let's hope so.''
Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster was thrilled with the success of the inaugural The Chairman's Sale Session I (Elite Racing Prospects).
"We wanted to present a concept to the market where they could be involved in purchasing elite-level racehorses, and I think tonight proved there is definitely a market for it here in Australia,'' Webster said.
"We've also showed there's a very transparent way to sell geldings into Asia - $1.4 million is an Australasian record for a gelding at auction.
"It's clear buyers are more confident buying 100% of a horse rather than a smaller share, but that's something I'm sure will shift over time.
"I would like to thank RacingNSW and the ATC for their support of the sale and wish them the best of luck with The Championships over the coming days.''
To view the full results of The Chairman's Sale Session I (Elite Racing Prospects),CLICK HERE.
The Chairman's Sale Session I kick-started a big fortnight of sales at Newmarket as Inglis bids farewell to the iconic site.
Next up is the crème de la crème of the Australasian sales season, the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale (April 4-6).
A total of 480 Lots have been catalogued for the sale, which will run for three days starting next Tuesday.
Inspections are underway and will continue right up until sale day.
To view the catalogue,CLICK HERE.
Following the Easter Yearling Sale, the Chairman's Sale Session II (Elite Breeding Prospects) takes place on Friday April 7 from 5pm.
A total of 93 Lots have been catalogued for the sale including top class mare Heatherly who has two Group 1 targets in coming weeks.
In the broodmare section are mares in foalto the likes of Frankel, Fastnet Rock, Snitzel and I Am Invincible, highly-credentialed weanlings including a three-quarter brother to recent Group 1 The Galaxy winner Russian Revolution and several stallion shares including Sebring, Hinchinbrook and breeding rights to I Am Invincible.
To view the catalogue,CLICK HERE.
The last ever sale at Newmarket will then take place, the revamped Australian Broodmare & Weanling Sale from April 10-12, where a catalogue of over 550 quality weanlings, race fillies and broodmares will be offered.
The supplementary catalogue for The Chairman's Sale Session II and the Australian Broodmare and Weanling Sales will close on Monday April 3 at 10am.
To view the catalogue,CLICK HERE.
