Sibling love stood for nothing as two pairs of brothers slugged it out for two of the star lots at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale this afternoon.
While it was a filly by Snitzel who topped the day and the sale when selling for $145,000, it was the double dose of family rivalry that created most interest.
“There’s an old saying about there being no friends at an auction,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said.
“It would have to be a world first with two consecutive six figure lots at an auction knocked down after fierce bidding duels between brothers.”
Late in the afternoon it was the Jolly brothers David and Richard who went toe to toe in a battle to secure Lot 246 – Cornerstone Stud Farm’s Captain Gerrard-Punchline colt.
After a long bidding war it was Richard who secured the quality youngster for $100,000.
The sibling theme continued on the very next lot when Mill Park’s Testa Rossa half brother to Captain Sonador entered the ring as Lot 247.
There was action from around the ring early when the colt passed his reserve, but as his price headed to the six figure range it was a battle royale between brothers Levi and Sam Kavanagh.
When the hammer fell at $130,000 it was Levi’s bid who was successful. The colt will head to the stables of Saturday’s Australian Cup winning trainer Mark Kavanagh.
The brothers’ bidding duels highlighted an outstanding sale for locals – South Australian trainers and owners stepping up and starring at their home auction.
Cranbourne’s Robbie Laing outlasted Perth’s Neville Parnham to secure the day and Session One overall top seller, Baramul Stud’s Snitzel-Eureka Jewel filly.
A half sister to Cranbourne Cup winner Sermon, the lovely bay or brown filly is from the Kewney and Adrian Knox Stakes winner Eureka Jewel.
Overall some seven yearlings sold for six figures and the sale grossed over $5.7 million for 180 lots sold.
The average price of $32,053 was slightly lower than last year’s smaller corresponding session – but the clearance rate and gross were both much healthier.
The clearance rate for Session One – comprising last night and today – rounded out this afternoon at 80 per cent – and that looks set to grow overnight with some private sales likely.
“Buyers were here to bid and they did,” Vin Cox said. “The local buying bench was sensational and congratulations to them.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen as much spirited bidding from the locals at Morphettville – it is great to see for the South Australian industry.”
“A lot of hard work was put in by the vendors firstly, then the Magic Millions staff and also the buyers.”
“We sold 50 per cent more horses for more than $100,000 when compared to last year.”
“If you wanted to know what happened in Adelaide, you had to be here,” Cox added.
To view the Session One results and to make an offer on a passed-in lot click here.
Tomorrow’s final session, which will provide outstanding value for buyers, will commence at 10am (SA time).
TODAY’S TOP SELLERS
$145,000 – Snitzel-Eureka Jewel filly
Vendor: Baramul Stud / Buyer: Robbie Laing (Vic)
$130,000 – Testa Rossa-Pushing Daisies colt
Mill Park (As Agent) / Mark Kavanagh (Vic)
$100,000 – Captain Gerard-Punchline colt
Cornerstone Stud Farm (As Agent) / Richard Jolly (SA)
$100,000 – New Approach-Pipkin colt
Balcrest Stud / David Jolly (SA)
$100,000 – Encosta de Lago-Heriz filly
Grange Thoroughbreds (As Agent) / Kennewell Racing (SA)
$100,000 – Not a Single Doubt-Dowry colt
Glenelg Park (As Agent) / John Foote Bloodstock (Qld)
SALE STATISTICS
Lots Catalogued: 250 (226)
Sale Gross: $5,769,500 ($5,331,000)
Average Price: $32,053 ($34,843)
Median Price: $26,000 ($30,000)
Top Price: $145,000 ($135,000)
Lots Sold: 180 (153)
Lots Withdrawn: 25 (20)
Lots Passed In: 45 (53)
Sold %: 80 (74)
LEADING BUYERS
(ranked by total spend)
$372,000 – David Jolly (SA) – 7 lots
$275,000 – John Foote Bloodstock (Qld) – 4 lots
$264,000 – Richard Jolly (SA) – 5 lots
$215,000 – Robbie Laing (Vic) – 2 lots
