Magics give a Taste of return to digital market

A half-sister to the legendary Redoute’s Choice will highlight Magic Millions return to the digital auction space.

Taste Of Heaven, a daughter of Encosta De Lago and blue hen Shantha’s Choice, will be offered by Yarraman Park in the sale,  which will run from October 24 to 29.

The sale, the entries for which close this Wednesday, marks a significant move by the sales company into the online auction market, which has been dominated by rival Inglis over the past five or so years.

It was crucial for Magic Millions to secure a headline name, and Taste Of Heaven fits the bill, given she is a half-sister to both Redoute’s Choice and Platinum Scissors, and a full-sister to Manhattan Rain.

Other members of the extended family include Rubick, Shoals and Schwarz.

Now 15, Taste Of Heaven won one race on the track and was then sold to James Harron for $1.5 million before heading to the United States to begin her breeding career.

She was then returned to Australia in 2020, selling for $1.6 million in 2021 to Mitchell Bloodstock on behalf of a partnership which includes Gerry Harvey.

Her first foal was the Curlin filly, Heavenly Curlin, who won a Group 3 race, before he too headed back to Australia, where she has produced a $1 million Frankel filly this year.

“She is from arguably the best family in the Stud Book that consistently produces on the racetrack and the sales ring,” Yarraman’s Matt Scown said.

“We really like the I Am Invincible filly that is heading to the Gold Coast in January. Coupled with the fact she is carrying a pregnancy to Home Affairs, she offers plenty of upside for prospective buyers.”

Entries for the first Magic Millions Digital Sale close at 12pm on Wednesday.

“It is a great endorsement for the platform to have a broodmare the calibre of Taste of Heaven entered in our first sale,” Magic Millions Head of Digital Bryce Bevan said.

“We are very excited to publish our first catalogue on Friday,” he added.