Magic Millions has looked to revamp its Horses in Training Sale, which will be opened up to three-year-olds in 2024 and include a possibility of a virtual sale process application for interstate-based horses.
The sale has, until now, been reserved for two-year-olds coming through the usual breeze-up system but investment in two-year-olds in training sales in Australia has stalled.
Last year’s gross of $5.3 million for the Gold Coast sale was the lowest in nearly 20 years, while investment in Inglis’ Ready To Race Sale fell to a five-year low.
In contrast, New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale has experienced considerable growth as overseas investors, in particular, focus their energies on Karaka.
It was clear something needed to change, and Magic Millions has made that move ahead of its 2024 sale, which will be held on the Gold Coast on October 22.
"This year we will welcome young educated horses, including three-year-olds, who have been educated and seen in public at trials or official jumpouts - they can also optionally breeze up at one of our four sessions across Australia,” managing director Barry Bowditch said.
"This new section of the sale will enable owners and vendors to present exciting young stock to a strong lineup of domestic and international buyers."
The international market will be a key focus of the new format, and it will allow vendors to showcase older, unraced prospects through an option of breezing.
The two-year-olds will still be the main drawcard, with Magic Millions looking to build on the innovation introduced last year through data and tracking software.
"This sale is a proven source for racetrack success," Bowditch said. "We have been lucky to have been supported from some of the region's leading horsemen and women."
"Our vendors specifically source youngsters to re-sell at the Gold Coast. This is something they have mastered over the years and is why they are regarded as leaders of their field."
"Last year, we introduced industry-leading TripleS data with electronic chips, which provides interested parties with raceday-quality data on stride length, frequency, and speed. This innovation will be back again."
