Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
At A Glance
Group 1-winning trainer Neville Parnham went to $180,000 to secure the Day 2 Sale-topper, Lot 228, a son of Rommel offered by Mogumber Park.
Parnham was the leading buyer with 10 purchased for $950,000 and the leading vendor by aggregate was the Western Breeders Alliance with 31 lots sold for $2,098,000 and the leading vendor by average was Willaview Park with 12 yearlings sold at $74,042.
The leading sire was Playing Gold with 11 Lots sold for $1,115,000 at an average of $102,364.
Yarradale Stud sold a Bradbury’s Luck colt, Lot 197, for $60,000 to Albany trainer Roy Rogers and donated half of the purchase price to the Janine Chalwell Grant for research into melanoma.
Through Books 1 and 2, 303 Lots sold for $13,834,500 compared to 331 sold 12 months ago for $13,247,00 with the clearance rate up from 84 per cent to 90 per cent.
The overall Sale average increased from $51,156 in 2020 to $55,338 and the median was constant at $40,000.
Parnham lands popular colt
Offered by Mogumber Park on behalf of Ridgeport Holdings, the son of Rommel had been a popular colt at the Swan Valley complex before he was knocked down for a Book 2 Sale record to Group 1-winning trainer Neville Parnham.
All the interest had been welcomed by Brown, but he hadn’t anticipated that translating into such a stellar result on Friday.
“Wasn’t that amazing, the thing about him is that his sister (Pixie Chix) is going really well and will start favourite at Ascot on Saturday. She was unlucky in the Magic Millions,” he said.
Pixie Chix (Rommel) was sold by Mogumber to bloodstock agent John Chalmers 12 months ago for $20,000 and from three appearances has placed and finished fifth in the R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and steps out again at Ascot on Saturday.
“This colt has been the world’s perfect horse, just his behaviour and the way he has grown out. He was clean on everything and every time somebody looked at him they liked him and came back again,” Brown said.
To put the Sale result into perspective, the Rommel colt strolled around the auction ring with a reserve of $50,000.
“We thought there would be interest in him around there, but it just took off. It’s really nice and unfortunately he’s not mine, but it was really exciting. You can’t ask for anymore,” Brown said.
“It just shows what can happen when a horse turns up and does everything right at the Sale. There was a lot of talk about his sister. I knew a number of people would be on him but I never ever knew he would go for that sort of money.
“I knew a number of people would be on him but I never ever knew he would go for that sort of money.” – Colin Brown
“It’s great for the Sale and shows you can front up on Day 2 of the Sale and get good money.”
The filly’s sire Rommel was a talented performer who won four races, including the G2 Western Australian Guineas and the G3 Zeditave S. from Parnham’s stable before his retirement to Mogumber.
“It’s good for Rommel and shows he’s on the doorstep as a stallion so we are really, really happy,” Brown said.
Rommel’s oldest progeny are 2-year-olds and has been represented by the winner Ultimate Command from just four representatives.
Parnham had earlier gone to $85,000 for a Universal Ruler filly, Lot 213, from a family with a strong international flavour and also presented by Mogumber.
Lot 213 - Universal Ruler x Quiet Name (Ire) (filly)
“I like the Universal Rulers and this is a nice type of horse, well grown and a good body. A client of mine, Peter Diamond, was pretty keen on her so she’ll be racing in Western Australia,” Parnham said.
The filly is out of Quiet Name (Ire) and she has produced half a-dozen winners, including Crime Fighter (Street Boss {USA}) who has been successful five times and finished runner-up in the Listed Moonee Valley Night Cup.
The North American element to the family is provided by the Group 1 winners and sires Dare And Go (USA) and Go Deputy (USA) appearing on the pedigree page.
“We had a feeling she’d be around the $80,000 mark so I was on the wrong leg and went one more,” Parnham said. “In general, it’s been a good Sale and the nice horses get the people on them.”
Generous gesture
A worthy cause significantly benefitted from the sale of Lot 197, a grey colt by Bradbury’s Luck from the draft of Yarradale Stud.
Farm owner Ron Sayers donated half of the sale price of $60,000, paid by Albany trainer Roy Rogers, to the Janine Chalwell Grant for research into melanoma.
The youngster is out of the six-time winner and G2 Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic placegetter Passion Cantata (Oratorio), who is the dam of Power And Passion (War Chant {USA}), who has won two races.
The pedigree page also features the Listed Marton Cup winner and G1 Wellington Cup runner-up Viz Vitae (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}).
Lot 257 - Dissident x Across The Moon (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Rogers was active during Day 2 and went to $120,000 for Lot 257, a daughter of Dissident and a half-sister to David Pfieffer’s Inglis Sprint winner Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}).
Offered by the Western Breeders Alliance, the filly is out of Across The Moon (Stratum), a three-quarter sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute’s Choice).
Rogers also secured for $100,000 Lot 234, a filly by Vert De Grace (Ire) offered by Geisel Park Stud from the family of the G1 Railway S. winner Elite Belle (Canny Lad) and the G2 Perth Cup winner Mississippi Delta (High Chaparral {Ire}).
Day 2 rises to challenge
Day 1 results of the Perth Sale delighted Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch and set the bar high, but nothing Day 2 couldn’t rise to.
“I thought yesterday’s Sale was extremely good and today went to a whole new level. The clearance rate was more than 92 per cent and the average was up $10,000 on last year and the gross is up, they are extraordinary numbers,” he said.
“The buyers have got here and endorsing what is happening in the West. It was a local market and, by gee, they’ve got in and liked the product we had here.
“The vendors were extremely well-rewarded and we’re hoping this gives confidence to continue to reinvest in bloodstock portfolios and drive this market and drive the quality of horses we sell to another level.”
Barry Bowditch | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Seven horses sold at or over the six figure mark on Friday with keen competition throughout the session.
“That’s a big number considering a catalogue of 140-odd and there was very genuine bidding from start to finish. There was a great vibe here from our perspective and it feels that the investment Gerry and Katie (Harvey) have made in the Swan Valley is reaping the rewards it deserves,” Bowditch said.
“There was a great vibe here from our perspective and it feels that the investment Gerry and Katie (Harvey) have made in the Swan Valley is reaping the rewards it deserves.” – Barry Bowditch
“It has taken the Sale to a whole new level in 2021. We were concerned going in, not having inter-State participation we would normally have.
“We went in with out eyes wide open, but I guess it works on the other side. The Western Australians haven’t been able to travel to attend other Sales and they invested heavily here in the own product in a great scheme in WestSpeed, which most of the horses here were eligible for.
“It has just reflected what has been happening on the East Coast. The Sales have been very strong and buoyant and we’re thrilled that it has happened here in the West.”
Colt close to trainer’s heart
Trevor Andrews had plenty of inside knowledge to convince him to secure Lot 167, a son of Lucky Street offered by the Western Breeders Alliance of Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park.
While the youngster won’t trouble the scorers as far as the top lots of the Sale goes, he is a colt close to Andrews’ heart and at $50,000 he made perfect sense to the Ascot-based conditioner.
Lot 167 - Lucky Street x Jester Derriere (colt)
“I trained Lucky Street and he was a very good horse. We’ve got three or four by him in work and I like what they are showing so were more than happy to go out and get another,” he said.
“He’s a lot like his father and is out of a half-sister to The River, who we also trained to win a Magic Millions.
“He’s (Lot 167) a lot like his father and is out of a half-sister to The River, who we also trained to win a Magic Millions.” – Trevor Andrews
“This colt looks an early-running type of horse and is eligible for all the bonuses so he ticked all the boxes. We paid $50,000 for him and he can be going around in races on a Saturday worth $90,000 to the winner if he’s good enough.”
He is a three-quarter brother to the winner Celiatore (Patronize) and also the family of Vizard (Magic Of Money), who was twice successful at Listed level.
Andrews purchased Lucky Street at the Perth Sale in 2014 for $75,000 and he proved to be an outstanding money-spinner for connections, who included Andrews’ wife Joanne.
He won six of his 12 starts with victories in the G2 Karrakatta Plate and the R. Listed Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic his career highlights and retired to Darling View with stake earnings in excess of $810,000. His oldest progeny are 2-year-olds.
Top lots
| 21 | Russian Revolution | Magical Belle | C | Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | Simon Miller Racing | WA | $325,000 |
| 31 | Capitalist | Munjai | C | Willow Dale Farm, Waroona, WA (As Agent) | Lindsey Smith | WA | $220,000 |
| 161 | Choisir | Hot Goods | C | Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | Ridgeport Holdings | WA | $220,000 |
| 147 | Oratorio | Frizzled | C | Yarradale Stud, Gidgegannup, WA | Vern Brockman | WA | $210,000 |
| 41 | Snippetson | Pearlesque | F | Scenic Lodge, Muchea, WA | Millfields Park | WA | $200,000 |
| 105 | Playing God | Boutique | F | Willaview Park, Narrikup, WA (As Agent) | Michael Fagan | WA | $200,000 |
| 228 | Rommel | Snow Pixie | C | Mogumber Park, Bullsbrook, WA (As Agent for Ridgeport Holdings) | Parnham Racing Stables | WA | $180,000 |
| 61 | Zoustar | Scenes | C | Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | Parnham Racing Stables | WA | $170,000 |
| 113 | Toronado | Cathay Belle | C | Alwyn Park Stud, Serpentine, WA (As Agent) | Thoroughbred Union | QLD | $160,000 |
| 122 | Playing God | Countess Of Tiba | C | Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | Morton Racing | WA | $160,000 |
Top buyers
| Parnham Racing Stables | 9 | $785,000 | $87,222 | $170,000 |
| Simon Miller Racing | 4 | $640,000 | $160,000 | $325,000 |
| Ridgeport Holdings | 3 | $450,000 | $150,000 | $220,000 |
| Pearce Racing | 5 | $400,000 | $80,000 | $120,000 |
| Morton Racing | 5 | $375,000 | $75,000 | $160,000 |
| Millfields Park | 4 | $356,000 | $89,000 | $200,000 |
| Roy Rogers Racing | 5 | $325,000 | $65,000 | $130,000 |
| Luke Fernie | 3 | $290,000 | $96,667 | $135,000 |
| Lindsey Smith | 2 | $280,000 | $140,000 | $220,000 |
| Vern Brockman | 2 | $260,000 | $130,000 | $210,000 |
Top vendors by aggregate
| Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | 18 | $1,566,000 | $87,000 | $325,000 |
| Yarradale Stud, Gidgegannup, WA | 11 | $728,000 | $66,182 | $210,000 |
| Scenic Lodge, Muchea, WA | 10 | $719,500 | $71,950 | $200,000 |
| Willaview Park, Narrikup, WA | 8 | $632,500 | $79,063 | $200,000 |
| Alwyn Park Stud, Serpentine, WA | 10 | $592,500 | $59,250 | $160,000 |
| Ruby Racing & Breeding, Kojarena, WA | 9 | $515,000 | $57,222 | $135,000 |
| Mogumber Park, Bullsbrook, WA | 8 | $501,000 | $62,625 | $100,000 |
| Willow Dale Farm, Waroona, WA | 5 | $467,500 | $93,500 | $220,000 |
| Geisel Park Stud, Myalup, WA | 5 | $385,000 | $77,000 | $130,000 |
| Gold Front Thoroughbred Breeding & Racing, Gingin, WA | 6 | $370,000 | $61,667 | $110,000 |
Top vendors by average (3 or more sold)
| Willow Dale Farm, Waroona, WA | 5 | $93,500 | $467,500 | $220,000 |
| Western Breeders Alliance (Darling View Stud, Einoncliff Park and Westbury Park), WA | 18 | $87,000 | $1,566,000 | $325,000 |
| Lynward Park Stud, Bullsbrook, WA | 4 | $81,875 | $327,500 | $120,000 |
| Willaview Park, Narrikup, WA | 8 | $79,063 | $632,500 | $200,000 |
| Forest View Farm, Jindong, WA | 4 | $78,750 | $315,000 | $115,000 |
| Geisel Park Stud, Myalup, WA | 5 | $77,000 | $385,000 | $130,000 |
| Scenic Lodge, Muchea, WA | 10 | $71,950 | $719,500 | $200,000 |
| Yarradale Stud, Gidgegannup, WA | 11 | $66,182 | $728,000 | $210,000 |
| Mogumber Park, Bullsbrook, WA | 8 | $62,625 | $501,000 | $100,000 |
| Gold Front Thoroughbred Breeding & Racing, Gingin, WA | 6 | $61,667 | $370,000 | $110,000 |
Top sires by aggregate
| Playing God | 9 | $945,000 | $105,000 | $200,000 |
| Snippetson | 6 | $475,000 | $79,167 | $200,000 |
| War Chant | 10 | $447,500 | $44,750 | $100,000 |
| Universal Ruler | 5 | $332,500 | $66,500 | $130,000 |
| Russian Revolution | 1 | $325,000 | $325,000 | $325,000 |
| Oratorio | 3 | $312,500 | $104,167 | $210,000 |
| Awesome Rock | 6 | $308,500 | $51,417 | $130,000 |
| Magnus | 5 | $275,000 | $55,000 | $120,000 |
| I'm All The Talk | 3 | $265,000 | $88,333 | $120,000 |
| Winning Rupert | 2 | $260,000 | $130,000 | $140,000 |
Top sires by average (3 or more sold)
| Playing God | 9 | $105,000 | $945,000 | $200,000 |
| Oratorio | 3 | $104,167 | $312,500 | $210,000 |
| I'm All The Talk | 3 | $88,333 | $265,000 | $120,000 |
| Snippetson | 6 | $79,167 | $475,000 | $200,000 |
| Deep Field | 3 | $68,333 | $205,000 | $100,000 |
| Universal Ruler | 5 | $66,500 | $332,500 | $130,000 |
| Manhattan Rain | 4 | $62,500 | $250,000 | $100,000 |
| Magnus | 5 | $55,000 | $275,000 | $120,000 |
| Awesome Rock | 6 | $51,417 | $308,500 | $130,000 |
| Rommel | 5 | $49,200 | $246,000 | $80,000 |
