Group I winning juvenile Sheeza Belter has sold for $1.35 million at a special Virtual Auction held on the Gold Coast today.
The outstanding daughter of Gold Standard, just turned four, was purchased by Victoria's Highway Farm (Yulong) after an enthralling online bidding battle before auctioneer Clint Donovan brought down his gavel.
Sheeza Belter is another G1 winning mare headed to Yulong.
The result was celebrated by Sheeza Belter's ownership group who were tuned into the auction from Western Australia.
"It is a very nerve-wracking experience selling a horse around that level," her original buyer and part owner Justin Warwick said.
"I'm relieved that the process has been a success and I'm very happy to see where she is going and the opportunity she will have."
Sheeza Belter was purchased by Warwick for $50,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and she kicked away her career in Perth with trainer Luke Fernie.
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She headed east after winning the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (RL) at Pinjarra and won the Group Two BTC Sires' Produce Stakes before a famous win in the Group One JJ Atkins.
At three she trained on to win the Group Two Hot Danish Stakes in Sydney - beating her older and more experienced rivals.
"She has taken all of us on such a wonderful ride," Warwick noted. "When you buy a horse you dream of what might be to come."
"This girl delivered on that dream. She gave us so much joy on the racetrack and we are excited about her prospects for the next stage of her journey."
"One chapter of the book has now finished but the best thing is, she will get looked after so well and be given a chance with the best stallions in the world."
"Breeding is not what us part owners do, but we can now sit back and hope that her offspring go well and we can say we played a part in that," Warwick added.
Today's special one lot virtual sale was the first of its kind conducted by Magic Millions and has been heralded as an exciting way forward for the industry.
"I believe moving forward this is the most genuine and transparent way to sell horses outside of a large auction," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
"When you're lucky enough to have the best auctioneers in the world you can create an experience for both vendor and buyer that is unparalleled."
"We are delighted with the way today's auction played out and we look forward, when the right opportunity arises, to doing more of these in the future."
"Thanks to Justin and the ownership group for entrusting us to offer Sheeza Belter," Bowditch added. "We're proud to have a delivered a great result."
The Magic Millions focus switches to the upcoming Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale which will be held on October 24. The third breeze-up session was held today at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
To see the Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale line up as well as breeze-up times and cocontinually updated videos click here
