A Brazen Beau colt stole the limelight early on Day 1 of the Melbourne Premier
Yearling Sale, becoming the second-most expensive yearling ever sold in
Victoria.
Orbis Bloodstock paid $800,000 for the colt (ex Up In Lights), edging out
Newgate Farm's Henry Field in a stunning bidding duel for the Bhima
Thoroughbreds offering.
The early action set the scene for the day, where a huge crowd attended the
opening of the new-look Oaklands Junction, creating some great theatre
throughout the afternoon.
Orbis Bloodstock's Paul King had one simple instruction when it came to bidding
on the top lot – don't stop.
"This was the best colt in the sale and we wanted to take the best home with
us, and we're doing that so we're very happy,'' King said.
"The Brazen Beaus are going really well on the track, this colt is so athletic
yet so calm and has taken all this attention in his stride so well.
"Did I think I'd have to go to $800,000 to get him? No. But was I going to get
him no matter what? Yes.''
The colt (pictured) will be trained by Hawkes Racing.
Mike Fleming, of Bhima Thoroughbreds, wasn't expecting such a high price for
the colt, who was offered on behalf of client David Gillies.
"I've never bought a horse to a sale that has improved so much each day as the
week has gone on,'' Fleming said.
"This colt is an exceptional individual. He was extremely popular all week with
parades so we were confident we would get him sold well, but to reach $800,000,
wow, that certainly was well above expectation.''
In reaching $800,000, the colt became the highest-priced Brazen Beau ever sold.
There are a further 13 progeny of Brazen Beau to be offered at the Premier
Yearling Sale over the next three days.
The day's second-top lot was a Vancouver colt (ex Epingle) from Gilgai Farm,
which John Foote bought for $540,000.
Yulong Investments purchased the day's third-top lot, a Brazen Beau x Beautiful
Pleasure filly from Blue Gum Farm, for $420,000.
Today's action ended with an increased average ($125,511) and median ($100,000)
and a clearance rate of 77%.
Inglis' Victorian Bloodstock Manager Simon Vivian was encouraged by the Day 1
action.
"There was some exceptional competition at the top of the market and there's
also plenty of chances to buy at the middle to lower end of the market, giving
all sections of the buying bench an opportunity to strike,'' Vivian said.
"Plenty of buyers found outstanding value throughout the day and competition
was very strong for the highly sought after lots, which you would expect.
"There was a fantastic vibe and atmosphere at Oaklands today for the first
yearling sale at the renovated complex and I look forward to that being the
case over the next three days as well.''
To view the full Day 1 statistics, CLICK HERE.
To view our Inglis TV story on the Fast Track Program developed by Thoroughbred
Breeders Australia, CLICK HERE.
To view the Facebook Live end of day review show, CLICK HERE.
To enquire about a Passed In Lot from today's action, contact Matt Scown from
the Inglis Bloodstock division on 0481 989 661.
Day 2 action begins at 11am tomorrow, Monday March 4.
To view the catalogue, CLICK HERE.
The remaining three days of the 2019 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale will again
be broadcast live at inglis.com.au as well on the Inglis
Facebook Page.
Online Bidding and Make An Offer services will again be available.