 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Extreme Choice is continuing his remarkable ascent as a stallion after his half-brother to Group Two winner Prost equalled the record price at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale.
The colt, catalogued as Lot 1282, was knocked down to Yulong for AU$850,000 (US$551,306) during the opening session, matching the sale's previous high established in 2019. Team Hawkes had paid that sum for the Dundeel colt from Arrowfield Stud, who became Santadeal and was subsequently sold to Hong Kong following a Ballarat maiden victory.
The record-equalling purchase comes from the draft of Baramul Stud, owned by Magic Millions boss Gerry Harvey. Conceived in January but born in December due to being bred to Northern Hemisphere time, the colt boasts an exceptional female line through his dam Samarmeteors, a city winner who has produced dual Group winner Prost and is a half-sister to the dam of Gr.1 Golden Slipper hero Shinzo and Magic Millions 2YO Classic victress Exhilarates.
Extreme Choice commanded three of the four highest-priced lots, underlining his growing reputation as one of Australia's most sought-after sires. The son of Not A Single Doubt has been represented this season by Gr.1 Melbourne Cup winner Knight's Choice and Yulong's Gr.1 Blue Diamond hero Devil Knight.
The second-highest lot, Lot 1263, also came from Baramul Stud's consignment. This filly, bred to Northern Hemisphere time and sharing lineage with Blue Diamond winner Danelagh, was purchased by Springwood of NSW for AU$240,000 (US$155,520 ).
The sale's international flavour remained strong, with Extreme Choice providing the fourth-highest yearling through Infinity Thoroughbreds' daughter of the unraced Sheza Shamardal. First Light Racing, Waterhouse-Bott, and Kestrel Thoroughbreds secured the filly for AU$160,000(US$99,840), with connections announcing plans to target 2YO honours at Royal Ascot.
The opening session produced encouraging figures, with the average reaching AU$44,961 (US$29,161), surpassing last year's overall figure of AU$42,551 (US$29,161). The median climbed to AU$28,000 (US$18,161) from AU$27,000 (US$18,161)in 2024, while thirteen lots achieved six-figure sums.
The gross totalled AU$5,785,000 (US$3,752,123) for 129 horses sold, with the clearance rate standing at 70.11 percent, improving on last year's opening day figure of 67 percent.
Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch expressed satisfaction with proceedings, noting the selective nature of the market. "When a nice horse walks in and it's vetted out well, is well conformed and has a pedigree, that's highly sought after," he observed.
International buyers remained active, with 54 horses selling to overseas connections. Hong Kong secured twelve lots, the Philippines eleven, New Zealand nine, while China and Malaysia each purchased seven, and Thailand acquired four.
The sale's strength reflects the growing international recognition of Australian bloodstock, with Extreme Choice emerging as a flagship for the local breeding industry's global appeal.