An Exceed And Excel colt from American mare Vicennalia (More Than Ready) has tonight realised a record price for an online weanling auction of $170,000.
The colt, lot 703, was offered by Three Bridges Thoroughbreds as agent in the Great Southern Sale, which formed part of the Inglis Digital August (Early) Online Auction.
He sold to Wagga Wagga-based breeder Brett Bradley of Arlington Park Racing.
He was one of many highlights of the auction, which grossed $3m and achieved a 70% clearance rate.
“I was just having a look through the catalogue and came across this colt and really the main attraction was his sire Exceed And Excel, I’ve always wanted to send one of my mares to Exceed And Excel and it’s never worked out for one reason or another,” Bradley said.
“This colt was the best weanling in the sale so I knew we had to be strong and I didn’t really look at anything else – the photos, videos and reports were very helpful, in fact even at a live sale I find any parade videos to be advantageous, it’s like going back for your second and third looks.
“It’s a fast, American pedigree – and it was good to see the dam’s half sister Speaktomeofsummer win her second Stakes race a few weeks ago – but for me it was all about Exceed And Excel.
“I haven’t 100% decided yet on the future plans for the colt, I’ll get him to Kitchwin Hills first and have a good look at him, then discuss options with Mick Malone.”
Bradley – a Director of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club for almost a decade – moved to Australia from the United States 24 years ago and became interested in horses through his wife and friends.
“I honestly just really love horses, it’s evolved to an interest in breeding and I have a small band of broodmares at Kitchwin Hills – while the name Arlington Park Racing comes from the town Arlington in Texas where I once lived,’’ Bradley said.
“I’m a fan of the Inglis Digital format, I have used it before and people are definitely getting more used to trading online, it’s like working from home how people are adapting – I’m happy with the process and the result.’’
A thrilled Toby Liston of Three Bridges said the colt had presented as a fantastic opportunity for savvy buyers and the result was “terrific” in the current market.
“We feel we got the right money for this colt, he’s by Exceed And Excel and there’s only 49 of them – 26 of which are colts – and if you look at the stats, six colts have raced on this cross for three Stakes horses including Bivouac, that’s a 50% stakes horses to runners,” Liston said.
“We also sold a Toronado x Our Spirits Bay (Stravinsky) filly for $40,000 to a gentleman for the Dubai Racing Club and purchased lot 698, a Sebring colt from the Burnewang North draft for $30,000 through Paul Willetts, which we plan to send to Inglis Premier in 2021.
“Credit to the Inglis team for all the work they’ve done in what has been an ever-changing landscape, especially here in Victoria.”
Liston said while the situation had been challenging for everyone, it had probably pushed technology – and attitudes towards it – five years forward.
“If you want anything in the world you can buy it online, so why should horses be any different? But it’s not a new concept for Three Bridges, I would say we’ve sold $3 million through Inglis’ online platform, going back to Bloodstock.com.au classifieds,’’ Liston said.
“[Inglis Digital Business Manager] Nick Melmeth has been incredible to deal with over the years and now this platform has this massive wide reach.
“It’s a valuable part of our business because it bridges this disconnect between racing and breeding, it’s the best place to meet new clients and we’ve learned that providing every detail possible and decent photos and videos, builds your reputation as a vendor and maximises return.
“My wife Jana and I are the next generation at Three Bridges and if you don’t adapt and learn, you’re quickly left behind.”
The Vicennalia colt is one of 64 horses to sell for $100,000 or more on the Inglis Digital platform since 2018, while the August (Early) Sale is the 7th consecutive to gross $2m or more.
Burnewang North Pastoral sold two colts for $90,000, a Sebring from Midnight Fantasy (Commands) bought by Hirsch Racing and a Caravaggio x National Velvet (Commands) to Ciaron Maher Racing.
Maher also snapped up another colt in their draft, a Dundeel youngster ex Blendwell (Hard Spun) for $70,000, no doubt noting the success in recent years of graduates of the sale like Gytrash, Sopressa and Extra Brut.
A number of quality lots are still available through the Inglis Make An Offer service.
CLICK HERE for the Great Southern Sale or contact a member of the Inglis Bloodstock team.
CLICK HERE for the full Inglis Digital catalogue or call 1300 711 683.
Entries are now open for the August (Late) Online Sale and close at midnight on Wednesday, August 19.
The sale is scheduled to run from August 21-26.
CLICK HERE to enter a horse.
