More records tumble as Perth Yearling Sale ends on a high for Magic Millions

Records continued to fall as a colt by Dundeel topped Book Two of the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

In setting a Book Two record, the colt sold for $250,000 in a reward for the patience shown by prominent international bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever.

The colt, the second foal of the stakes-performed Starcraft mare Naivasha, was offered as part of the Wyadup Valley Farms draft.

At the close of action on Friday, the overall sale gross climbed past $20 million – a record result for the Western Australia industry.

The average price across both books sits at $74,597 and the clearance rate is more than 83 per cent.

For UK-based McKeever, the wait was worth it after a frustrating opening day.

“To me he was the outstanding colt of the day today,” McKeever said. “By a sire that is international,” McKeever said.

“I sat through the sale and tried on three different horses – was underbidder on one and I’ve been amazed by the strength of the market.

“We had our eye on just the one horse today – this was the colt by Dundeel, we really liked him and luckily we got it.

“We bought him for a group of investors and he will head back to the east. Which trainer, I will need to talk to the group and work it out.

“I’m not a stranger to Perth,” McKeever added. “It’s more of a difficult market for me to compete into with the local strength here. But it’s lovely to be here.”

The record price for a Book Two Lot was beaten twice during a spirited day of bidding.

Earlier, the Playing God-Fanfara colt offered by Yarradale Stud, was purchased by leading local trainer Jim Taylor for $210,000.

The colt was the final yearling bred by the late Allan Morton, who operated Queenslea Park.

“We’re really excited to be going home with him,” winning bidder Lochie Taylor said.

“The Playing Gods come in all shapes and sizes and this guy stood over plenty of ground and he looks like a horse who will furnish over a little bit further.”

Playing God filly secures record price at Perth Yearling Sale

Bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills set a new record price for a yearling at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, paying $625,000 for the sister to Group 1 winner Bustler.

The StraightStaff Writer

Magic Millions boss Barry Bowditch said the Perth sale exceeded the auction house’s expectations.

“Overall the 2024 edition continued the upward trajectory within the industry of Western Australia and gives our breeders further confidence to invest in the environment that the local industry provides,” he said.

BOOK 2 STATISTICS
(2023 in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 160 (150)
Lots Sold: 123 (118)
Lots Passed In: 24 (18)
Lots Withdrawn: 13 (14)
Sale Gross: $5,825,500 ($5,949,000)
Top Price: $250,000 ($170,000)
Average Price: $47,362 ($50,415)
Median Price: $35,000 ($45,000)
Sold %: 84 (87)

COMBINED BOOK 1&2 STATISTICS
(2023 in brackets)
Lots Catalogued: 352 (327)
Lots Sold: 273 (264)
Lots Passed In: 54 (33)
Lots Withdrawn: 25 (30)
Sale Gross: $20,365,000 ($19,424,000)
Top Price: $625,000 ($350,000)
Average Price: $74,597 ($73,576)
Median Prince: $55,000 ($60,000)
Sold %: 83.49 (89)