The 2010 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale commenced in style on the Gold Coast today with competitive selling the order of the day.

Over $9.6 million was traded on 184 fillies and mares at a healthy average price of $52,196 with an outstanding clearance rate of 86 per cent.

The average price was down on last year’s corresponding session (of $61,015) but that figure was boosted tremendously by the sale of Princess Coup for $3 million.

Today mares sold across all levels of the market with Cheeky Choice, in foal to More Than Ready, selling for the day’s biggest price of $1,025,000 to Baramul Stud.

The lightly raced three-year-old filly Bakarje Diva, a three quarter sister to champion mare Makybe Diva, sold to Patinack Farm for $600,000.

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said he was happy with the way the National Broodmare Sale had commenced.

“It was a solid day’s selling at the Gold Coast,” Chester commented. “To have the clearance rate at 86 per cent is outstanding.”

“A lot of other similar sales throughout Australasia this year have struggled with their clearance rates – so we’re very happy so far.”

“We’ve still got a long way to run yet over the next couple of days – but so far, so good.”

“The quality fillies and mares offered today attracted strong interest – but across all levels there was some outstanding value on offer.”

Judy Marheine of Stratheden Stud was delighted with the results from her family’s dispersal sale of mares.

With a 100 per cent clearance – the sale grossed about $1 million in what Marheine described as an “excellent result.”

The second session of the National Broodmare Sale will be held from 10am (Qld time) tomorrow.

SESSION ONE STATISTICS
(2009 in brackets)

Lots Catalogued: 236 (268)
Session Gross: $9,604,000 ($10,250,500)
Average Price: $52,196 ($61,015)
Top Price: $1,025,000 ($3,000,000)
Lots Withdrawn: 21 (50)
Lots Passed: 31 (50)
Lots Sold: 184 (168)
Sold %: 86 (77)

SESSION ONE TOP SELLERS

$1,025,000 – Cheeky Choice – Baramul Stud (NSW)
$600,000 – Bakarje Diva – Patinack Farm (NSW)
$460,000 – Illuminates – Baramul Stud (NSW)
$380,000 – Indian Ocean – Magic Millions as agent (NSW)
$270,000 – Assertiveobsession – Marcus Corban Bloodstock (NZ)
$250,000 – Loving New – Patinack Farm (NSW)
$250,000 – African Rain – Vin Cox Bloodstock (NSW)
$225,000 – Angel Girl – Blue Sky Thoroughbreds (Qld)
$220,000 – Squalls – Glenn Burrows Bloodstock (NSW)