A series of exceptional results ensured today’s Inglis Digital November (Late) Sale was the most successful online auction in the Southern Hemisphere this year.
A total of 11 lots realised $100,000 or more – the most of any individual Inglis Digital sale in 2024 – taking the overall number of six-figure lots sold on the platform this year to 115.
The sale grossed a yearly record $5,602,000.
The catalogue was headlined by a draft of 39 entries under the Halo Racing banner, on behalf of the late Colin McKenna.
The Halo Racing draft – which not only included the two top lots of the sale overall and four of the top five, but also shares in popular horses such as Duke De Sessa, Attrition and Light Infantry Man - grossed $2,223,100.
“It was a successful day, certainly touched with sadness,’’ Janice McKenna said.
“We have mixed emotions and the day is bittersweet. Racing was Colin’s passion so although it’s sad to see some horses he loved get sold, he would have been delighted that other people will have the opportunity to continue to race these horses, some with our family as we have retained some shares in certain horses.
“We would like to thank the entire Inglis team and especially Sinead (Flannery) for all the work they’ve done in putting this together and making it possible and so successful, as well as Sophie (Negre) back home for all the hard work she continues to do and has done for such a long time.
“There are many more horses within our system so you’ll continue to see the royal blue and lime hoops, but we will manage it as best we can, as per Colin’s wishes.’’
Today’s top lot was Perfect Excuse (Justify), an undefeated 3YO colt which sold to Alexander So’s So Bloodstock for $355,000.
The horse will be sent to Hong Kong for the next phase of his racing career.
“We’re very happy to have got him. We own the brother (Pray For Mir) here in Hong Kong and we love him so hopefully we can get the same joy with this horse,’’ So said.
“David Eustace will train the horse. Perfect Excuse did well with Ciaron (Maher) and he really likes the horse so we’ve spoken to David and he’ll take him.
“We don’t have any expectations, it takes horses time to adapt into Hong Kong racing and nobody really knows how they’re going to adapt but all going well, we do think he’ll get over a mile or further.
“This is our first time on Inglis Digital but we really believe in Inglis, we’re big supporters and fans of Inglis in general. [Using Inglis Digital] was a great experience and we’ll be back for sure.’’
The second-top lot was Half Yours (St Jean), which sold to Damon Gabbedy’s Belmont Bloodstock and Tony and Calvin McEvoy for $305,000.
“He looks like a really nice horse, we’ve been really impressed with what he’s done to date, we’ve seen him a little bit being trained a bit at Ballarat,’’ Calvin McEvoy said.
“Talking to a few of the guys who know the horse well and they say he’s got plenty of upside and we feel he’s going to get to a nice level.
“We were keen with some loyal owners in the stable but there’s still a couple of shares available so feel free to pick up the phone if you’re interested!
“We had to chase hard to get him, we thought he’d make $250,000 so we had to click that button a few more times than we really wanted to but we really wanted him so it’s a nice relief to have him heading to our stable and not somebody else’s.’’
Other significant results in today’s sale included Snitzel Blitz (offered by Glenbeigh Farm) in foal to Tassort, selling to Lime Country Thoroughbreds for $255,000, the 4YO Some People Callme, also in the Halo Racing Reduction, realising $240,000 to Cameron Cooke for Charlie Sita and Our Belisa – in foal to Stay Inside – selling to Durham Park for $225,000 while shares in profile gallopers Attrition (5%), Chorlton Lane (17.5%), Federer (10%), Light Infantry Man (5%), Fawkner Park (5%) and Duke De Sessa (5%) sold for $75,000, $60,000, $55,000, $50,000, $45,000 and $40,000 respectively.
Entries are now open for the Inglis Digital December Online Sale, which will run from December 6-11.
Sellers and buyers please note, there will be only one Inglis Digital sale in December.
Already confirmed for the catalogue is G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and stallion prospect Griff (Trapeze Artist).
Entries for the sale will remain open until
