A Capitalist colt realised the second-highest price ever recorded at a Gold Yearling Sale on a successful opening day of the 2021 renewal.
Lot 160, a Capitalist x Chateau Griffo colt, sold to friends Andrew Lafontaine and Peter Macvean for $115,000.
He was offered by Ponderosa Park and will be sent to Moe to be trained by Craig Blackshaw.
Lafontaine and Macvean have been racing horses together for more than 15 years and have rarely been more excited about a yearling purchase than today.
“He’s by Capitalist, out of a Stakes-placed mare, he’s a cracking type with a nice page so we’re really pumped to be taking him home,’’ Lafontaine said.
“We’ve been racing horses with Craig for a few years now and have given him some cheapies but we wanted to give him a proper horse and we think this is the one.
“We came here wanting to buy one of the best horses in the sale, we had a few on our list and our limit was $100,000 but we basically knew that we would need to dig a bit deeper to get our hands on a Capitalist colt, so we did and we’re pretty happy we did!
“Capitalist can do no wrong, he’s going from strength to strength so hopefully this colt can add to that in years to come.’’
Ponderosa’s Paul Kelly described the colt as “an outstanding looking horse’’.
“We’re very happy with the price, he was on the market early enough for trainers to get on him and we’d hoped he’d roll up toward the $100,000 mark but never did we think it would exceed that, let alone reach $115,000 so we’re thrilled,’’ Kelly said.
“He’d be the best horse we’ve ever put through a yearling sale…he grabbed everyone’s attention and it was a great bidding battle with 360 Bloodstock the underbidder.
“Full credit needs to go to the staff at the farm, they do a great job and have done so especially with this colt and we can’t wait to get back here tomorrow where we have four more to offer, including a beautiful Merchant Navy filly.’’
The Day 1 second-top lot honours were shared, with an All Too Hard x Savsenga filly (lot 33) of Blue Gum Farm and a Toronado x Bluegrass Danni colt (lot 140) of Bombora Downs both selling for $100,000.
Christoph Bruechert offered the Toronado colt on behalf of breeder Raymond More, who was “over the moon’’ with the result.
“Raymond is thrilled, he’s so excited, we’re all very happy with that,’’ Bruechert said.
“He sold very well. For such a strong horse he moves quite lightly and I think that’s what attracted people to him.’’
The colt was purchased by long-time friends Mark Cook and Rod Scott, who met at Inglis’ former complex at Newmarket more than 20 years ago.
Scott, who is based on the mid North Coast, said: “We’re delighted to get him. I wasn’t planning on spending that much but sometimes you’ve just got to go with your instinct.
“He developed so well even here on the complex, even from Thursday to this morning he just kept getting better. Mark is a great judge, it’s great working alongside him so hopefully we have some fun with this colt.’’
Blue Gum’s All Too Hard filly sold to trainer John Sadler and is a half sister to Sadler’s talented 2YO Starry Legend (Zoustar), which has won two of his three starts to date.
“We’ve got a very healthy opinion of Starry Legend and if he goes on to do what I think he’s capable of doing in the spring or next autumn, he really could enhance this filly’s page,’’ Sadler said.
“I really liked this filly as well, she’s going to be a lovely addition to the stable.
“I’d say she’d be up and running by this time next year and hopefully she can go on and make a name for herself in her own right, which I certainly think she can.’’
Blue Gum’s Phil Campbell – who enjoyed a 100% clearance rate today from 12 yearlings offered – added: “She’s a nice running type of filly, a particularly good mover and I think they’ll have plenty of fun with her.
“We’re tickled pink with the sale, we sold her for a good client Phil Wilton and she’s been raised on the farm all the way along.
“We’re very happy with what’s been achieved so far and tomorrow looks to be another strong day too.’’
Day 1 ended with an average of $18,986 and clearance rate of a growing 80%.
To enquire about any passed in lots from today’s action, please contact Will Stott on 0408 126 952.
Day 2 of the Gold Yearling Sale begins tomorrow at Oaklands at 10am, when lots 171-339 will be offered.
For those unable to attend Oaklands, the sale will be live streamed on the Inglis website, while our online bidding platform will again be available for buyers.
To view the Gold catalogue, CLICK HERE.
