The Australian Pacing Gold Perth Yearling Sale grossed a record $3,705,000 at Magic Millions on Sunday, with 90 of 133 horses sold for an almost 70 percent clearance.
The average price of $41,167 was the highest ever for any standardbred sale conducted by APG and the top price paid of $200,000 was a fresh record for a WA sale.
A total of 42 colts sold averaged out at $43,700 and 42 fillies sold at an average of $38,300.
No fewer than eight yearlings brought $100,000 or more with the sale topper at $200,000 being the Downbytheseaside filly out of the Group 1 winner Tenniele Erin, consigned by Kevin, Annette and Kody Charles’ KTC Bloodstock and bought by leviathan Perth owner Albert Walmsley.
Three of the five highest priced yearlings were sired by Downbytheseaside and the other two were by his Woodlands studmate Bettor’s Delight.
The top price paid for a colt was $180,000 for the Downbytheseaside-Falcon’s Gem youngster from Trevor and Colleen Lindsay’s Karnup Racing draft. He was also secured by Walmsley, who outlaid a hefty $946,000 for 10 lots on the day.
KTC Bloodstock knocked down four of the 10 most expensive yearlings, while Karnup Racing and Mike and Sharron Howie’s Copper Lodge both brought out three.
Besides Walmsley, the major buyers were Jim and Willie Giumelli’s Swandoo Harness Racing, who shelled out $533,500 for eight lots, Greg and Skye Bond, who outlaid $355,000 for four, and Shardon Lodge, who spent $240,500 for five.
“We’re extremely pleased with how the sale unfolded. The credit really belongs to the vendors, breeders and preparers who brought such a strong draft of yearlings to market,” APG general manager Anthony Essex said.
“It wasn’t just what was on the pedigree page — it was the way these horses were prepared and presented. The quality across the board was outstanding and that certainly didn’t go unnoticed.”
“We’ve had plenty of people say this was the best catalogue they’ve seen in WA, and some have even suggested it’s right up there with the best in the country. When you look at the results, the figures certainly support that view.”
Mr Essex continued “One of the most encouraging signs was the lift in buyer registrations. We saw some new faces and some familiar ones who hadn’t been to the sales in quite a few years. That kind of support is what keeps the industry moving forward. It shows confidence in the product and in the future of harness racing here in WA.”
Another first for this year was APG hosting a Gala evening on the Saturday night before the sale. This night included a parade of yearlings, the annual WASBA awards and a charity auction to support Fight MND.
“The Gala Night was something really special. To have more than 160 people in the room celebrating the WA standardbred industry was a fantastic way to kick off sale weekend. It was the first time we’ve held the event before the Perth sale and the response was incredible.” said Mr Essex
“The yearling parade, the WASBA Awards and the FightMND charity auction all came together beautifully. The feedback we’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive.
“A big thank you to WASBA for hosting their awards as part of the night and for everything they do for the industry here in WA. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
Mr Essex stated that there is still a few quality yearlings available for purchase. For the list of the available lots and make an offer visit the results page on the APG website or their social media.
