MM Magazine 2015

30th anniversary edition

$6 million series

celebrating the greats

SIRE potential

Nathan BERRY

offered by Gr1 2YOs tribute D

AS CO

EAR TY

LING SALE

GIC M MA

ILLI ONS

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5G

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nationwide races

Holly’s TOP 30

30 YEARS Million dollar dream

the birth of the sale Our early hero

Snippets

Timeline

memorable moments

Magic Millions always

SHOOTING TO WIN

OUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING T WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF B ASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE HOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWE PIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOM F CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING TLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY OSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHA UFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS UCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT MICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY EAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD OBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT RIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK OUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING T WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF B ASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE HOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWE PIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOM F CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING TLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY OSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHA UFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS UCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT MICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY EAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD OBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT RIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK OUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING T WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF B ASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE HOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWE PIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOM F CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING TLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY OSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHA UFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS UCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT MICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY EAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD OBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT RIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK OUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING T WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF B ASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE HOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWE PIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOM F CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING TLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY OSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHA UFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS UCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT MICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY EAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD OBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT RIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK OUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING T WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF B #BUYAUSTRALIAN ASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE www.aushorse.com.au HOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING ATLANTIC JEWE PIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY COSTA VIVA MOM F CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHANGE BUFFERING TLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS LUCKYGRAY OSTA VIVA MOMENT OF CHANGE SHOOTING TO WIN ZAC SPIRIT DRIEFONTEIN PEGGY JEAN HARRY’S SON MOMENT OF CHA UFFERING ATLANTIC JEWEL SPIRIT OF BOOM CASH LUCK ZOUSTAR ALMALAD BOBAN DISSIDENT AMICUS HAPPY TRAILS

HOME GROWN

WORLD CLASS

BUY AUSTRALIAN

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Welcome 2015

from Gerry Harvey, Katie Page-Harvey & Vin Cox

O

N behalf of the board and management of Magic Millions, we welcome you to the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Race Day. You are invited to engage in our flagship event that has become renowned for showcasing world class thoroughbreds and a world class entertainment experience, both on and off the track. It’s about the sales, it’s about the races and it’s about summer on Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast.

The 2015 edition of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale marks the 30th anniversary of the sale that has made an indelible impact on the breeding and racing industry in Australia. That very first sale in 1986 saw the auction of a bay colt by Lunchtime for $22,000. The following year that colt would become the inaugural Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner and later a breed shaping stallion and broodmare sire, known as Snippets. This is just one example of

how, in a relatively short time, Magic Millions has created its own history with results that count.

Recent racetrack results have seen Magic Millions as the leading source of stakes winners in Australia, with 177 successes at black type level in the past racing season, including 24 Gr.1 victories. The Gold Coast Yearling Sale is continuing its reputation as the sale to source a future stallion. Last season it was Zoustar and Sizzling, this year it’s Dissident, Shooting to Win and Rubick who are set to join the lengthy honour roll of Magic Millions graduates in the breeding barn.

In our 30th year of selling, we are honoured to present to you what we believe is unquestionably the finest collection of yearlings ever catalogued in a Gold Coast Yearling Sale, based on both pedigree and type. For this we have to sincerely thank our breeders for their loyal support in working alongside us to achieve significant growth that saw the

2014 sale set the tone for the yearling sale season with an outstanding clearance rate of 87% and increases in gross of 10.9% (Book 1) and 28.2% (Book 2).

In 2015, we are excited to welcome back Magic Millions Racing Women Patron, Zara Phillips MBE, who will be attending the carnival to draw awareness to the important roles played by women in this great industry and be part of Queensland’s richest race day, the Jeep Magic Millions Race Day with $4.7m in prizemoney including the ground-breaking $500,000 Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus.

To assist us run Australia’s most exciting sales and race day carnival, we are most grateful to have the tremendous support of the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, whose ongoing support has allowed us to grow the profile of Magic Millions and the exquisite Gold Coast on a global scale as we continue to attract new visitors

MAJOR PARTNERS

and new investment to the state. We are extremely appreciative of the support of all our event partners: Jeep, Racing Queensland, Betfair, Myer, R.M. Williams, Seven West Media, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Sky Racing World, Lion, Calleija Jewellery and Moet Hennessy Australia.

The success and achievements of the annual Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Race Day would not be possible without you, the thoroughbred enthusiast. The contribution and enthusiasm injected by all who attend the sales, races, barrier draw and social events, especially our buyers who travel from all parts of Australia and overseas, make the atmosphere of the carnival something fun-filled and unique.

We honestly can’t wait for you to join us on the Gold Coast in January 2015 to share in our passion for everything that is thoroughbred.

OFFICIAL EVENT PARTNERS

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

PAGE LION NATHAN

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JAMES BOAG PREMIUM

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MMGC CONTENTS

18 Timeline - 30 years of the sale

Minister’s welcome 24

Snippets tribute

30

Million dollar dream

3

Welcome

Kicking off another fantastic MMGC sale

6

Nathan Berry

A pictorial tribute to the late jockey

8 - 11

Calendar

The full guide for eveything happening during the carnival

12

News

Latest from Magic Millions

14 - 17

Carnival photos

Snapshots from last year’s amazing carnival

18 - 23

Timeline

A look back at the last 30 years of Magic Millions sales and the top 30 graduates

24, 26

Snippets

A tribute to the horse that was magic from day one

28

David Chester

50 years of auctioneering

30 -31

Million dollar dream

Carl Waugh, a million dollar dream

32

Stakes source

Magic Millions - the number one stakes producer

34 - 35

A boom year

The Teeley and Patinack dispersal sales combine for a huge year for Magic Millions

36, 38, 40, 42

Interviews

News & views from our industry experts

44, 46, 48

Champions

Winners of the 2YO race that have gone on to be champion sires

50 - 55

Sale day photos

All the faces from the 2014 sale yard

56 - 57

Two Kellys

A chance encounter that paid off

58

Race series

A truly national chance to race and win

60

Bernadette Cooper

From jockey to TV star

62

Ambassadors

Four stars combine for 2015

63

Aussie dollar

After many strong years a weaker currency is helping overseas buyers again

64 - 65

Winning connections

All the winners from a fantastic 2014 raceday

67

Accommodation

Stay with some of our accommodation partners for discounts

68 - 69

Dining

Tips on some of the best places to eat on the coast

70

Sale Dates

2015 Magic Millions sale dates

WELCOME to the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival, Sale and Race Day, a highly anticipated event on the Gold Coast calendar.

Celebrating the 30th Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2015, the Magic Millions Carnival, Sale and Race Day is expected to attract in excess of 21,000 people. It is with pride we welcome Magic Millions Racing Women Patron Zara Phillips MBE back to the Gold Coast for the 2015 event.

The Queensland Government’s 20-year plan, Destination Success, recognises the importance of supporting events in Queensland such as this to drive visitation to our world class destinations. Support for the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Carnival and Race Day forms part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to increasing annual overnight visitor expenditure.

I congratulate the organisers and everyone involved in ensuring this event is a resounding success for the Gold Coast.

Bluebloods Unit 1 & 2, 238 George Street, Windsor NSW 2756 • PO Box 286, Richmond NSW 2753 Phone: (02) 4587 8110 • Fax: (02) 4587 8145 • Email: accounts@bluebloods.com.au Established 1982 by Brian Russell as The Australian Bloodhorse Review website: www.stallions.com.au PUBLISHER Andrew Reichard EDITOR David Bay (02) 4998 8484 EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Margaret Ross ADVERTISING: Andrew Reichard Mobile: 0415 464 904 andrew@bluebloods.com.au Warren Wruck 0414 385 216 warren@bluebloods.com.au

EDITORIAL Nathan Exelby, Bart Sinclair, Graeme Kelly, Shane Anderson, Cassandra Simmonds, Val Hayward, Jenny McAlpine, Michael Vincent, Kristen Vincent, Kristen Manning, Peter Meilak, Donna Stoddart, Andrew Reichard, Jo Mckinnon, Liam Ferguson and Warren Wruck OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Hart 0413 731 658 ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Gatt, Bronwen Healy

Georgie Lomax, Katrina Partridge, Bruno Cannatelli, Martin King, Sharon Chapman BLUEBLOODS would like to thank all the participating vendors who provided their own photos.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Val Hayward - Magic Millions PRODUCTION MANAGER Margaret Reichard PRODUCTION David Reichard Liam Ferguson

PUBLISHED BY BADRANAD PTY LTD - ABN 98 002 825 069 Printed by Graphic Impressions, Victoria 03 9574 9211 Distributed to newsagents Australiawide by Network Services, 54 Park Street, Sydney, NSW. Typeset by Bluebloods.

While every care is taken in the compilation of this magazine, neither BlueBloods nor any of its agents will be held liable for any errors or omissions contained herein or their consequences either in original material or in any material (including advertisements) supplied.

The Hon. Jann Stuckey Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games

THE name Berry has become synonymous with Magic Millions success in recent years, winning three of the past four 2YO Classics.

Nathan Berry joined his twin brother Tommy on the Magic Millions roll of honour by delivering a faultless display on warm favourite Unencumbered in 2014.

Tommy had won the Classic in 2011 on Karuta Queen and repeated 12 months later when Driefontein won the race on protest.

After Nathan’s win, Tommy was the first to congratulate him on what was a career highlight.

In April, Nathan was tragically lost to the world, far too soon.

Rest in Peace Nathan. You will never be forgotten.

Nathan Berry 21/1/1991 - 3/4/2014

“Made by hand, using

age-old techniques,

passed down from one generation of craftsmen to the next”

Australian boots that are Australian made.

RM started out making pack saddles for one of South Australia’s largest cattle stations.

He got the job because of the great skill and painstaking attention to detail he brought to bear in producing work that was unequalled in quality and design. These qualities carried over into his boot making.

Signature Craftsman

The is a continuation of this tradition. Each boot is meticulously handmade from the finest leather by the company’s most experienced craftsmen, and carries their personal signature of quality. As such, they will satisfy the most discerning boot aficionados in the world. www.rmwilliams.com.au

4045 Magic Millions Preview FP Ad_255x332mm_01.indd 1

10/10/2014 9:39 am

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

EVENTS CALENDAR

MMGC2015 FRIDAY, 2nd January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

Gold Coast Turf Club Cocktail Party Where: Gold Coast Turf Club 7.00pm - 10pm Includes: Gourmet Canapes, 3 hour beverage package & live entertainment Tickets: Members $60, Non-Members $85 Available to purchase: www.gctc.com.au

SATURDAY, 3rd January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

GCTC Ladies Day Metropolitan Raceday Where: Gold Coast Turf Club About: Gates open from 10am Ladies Receive Free Entry General Admission for Gentleman only $15 Bookings: (07) 5538 1599 or www.gctc.com.au

SUNDAY, 4th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

Magic Millions Open Day (free event) About: Magic Millions opens its doors and invites you to explore the world of thoroughbred sales and racing.

Featuring an open forum of high profile business and international racing identities.

Where: Magic Millions Sales Auditorium, Racecourse Drive, Bundall, Queensland.

MONDAY, 5th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

Women in Racing Luncheon “MAGIC AT MIRAGE” About: Women In Racing Inc are proud to host this, the 10th Anniversary Birthday luncheon. With an exceptional presentation of millinery on display and for purchase from Queensland’s leading Milliners, this is an event not to be missed!

Where: Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach from 12pm Tickets: $115.00 – Luncheon and beverage package Dress: Race Wear Tickets: Baslyn Beel, 0411 698 484 before 28 December, 2014 Please book early for this as we know this luncheon will be a sell-out.

BMD Northcliffe Sportsman’s Lunch About: A fun and entertaining afternoon including special guests Tickets: $150 per person includes fresh seafood buffet and beverage package Where: BMD Northcliffe SLSC from 11.30am Bookings: Lee Vrolyks 07 5539 8091 or lvrolyks@northcliffesurfclub.com.au Book early as availability is limited

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

TUESDAY, 6th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

Free event to the public Horses sprint along the beach

Magic Millions Barrier Draw (free event) About: Join racing identities on Surfers Paradise foreshore for the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw Times: 6am Outside Radio Broadcast & Channel Seven Sunrise Live Weather Crosses 7.30am VIP guests arrive 8.15am Magic Millions horses sprint along the beach 8.45am Official Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic Barrier Draw commences 9:00am Official Gold Coast 3YO Barrier Draw commences 9.15am Event Concludes Times subject to change, check website for more details Tickets: Free to the public, family friendly, includes sausage sizzle

Carbine Club Lunch About: Join the Carbine Club for this fun and entertaining afternoon as they explore the business of racing. Special guest speakers will take a light hearted look at the racing industry and delve into past successes, before reviewing the race hopefuls for the 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Raceday.

Where: Jupiters Casino from 12noon Tickets: Peter Ladewig 0413 903 702 or ladewig3@bigpond.com

R.M.Williams Magic Millions Launch About: Hosted by R.M.Williams, the Launch Party brings together the who’s who of the racing world as they gather on the Gold Coast to celebrate the opening of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale week.

Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore (Opposite Trickett St) from 6.30pm

BY INVITATION ONLY

WEDNESDAY, 7th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 1 About: Magic Millions has gained a world class reputation for its consistent supply of champions not only to Australasian racing, but to the racing world. The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will again feature the cream of the crop of Australia’s yearlings and host a range of industry elite as they vie for a chance to purchase their next champion.

Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, Bundall from 11am Tickets: Free event Ringside dining available, bookings essential and numbers strictly limited Phone: 07 5504 1200, info@magicmillions. com.au or www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions Sparkling Ladies Luncheon About: This premier luncheon in the grand Palazzo Versace ballroom is infused with an atmosphere of glamour, style, high society and fashion.

Be part of the biggest off track fashion event for the 2015 Magic Millions Carnival!

Featuring over $6,000 in prizes for Best Dressed Magic Millions Lady, Best Headpiece and Best Dressed Gentleman.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Where: Palazzo Versace Ballroom from 12 noon.

Tickets: Tickets just $165 per person includes French champagne and cocktails, two course divine luncheon experience, bubbles and premium wines. Sensational entertainment, fashion show, door prizes and entry to Diamond Sunset Party.

Diamond Sunset Party Tickets ONLY: $50 per person includes cocktails & canapes Bookings: Online: www.stickytickets.com. au/20759 Phone: 07 5504 6055

THURSDAY, 8th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 2 Magic Millions Sales Complex from 11am

FRIDAY, 9th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 3 Magic Millions Sales Complex from 11am

SATURDAY, 10th January 2015 Jeep Magic Millions Raceday About: The Jeep Magic Millions is the largest sales incentive raceday in the world, where only graduates of the Magic Millions Sales are eligible to compete for the $4.7 million prize pool.

The Magic Millions Sales and raceday has established its reputation on the international racing scene, and has fast become a “must be there” event worldwide for buyers, punters and fashionistas.

Highlights: 11:00am Myer Magic Millions Fashions on the Field registrations open 11.30am Myer Black Carpet arrivals – celebrity and racing identities entertained in the Moet & Chandon VIP Marquee 1:00pm Myer Fashions on the Field Women’s Racewear winner announced 1:45pm Myer Fashions on the Field Men’s Racewear winner 3.25pm $2 million Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic main race Times subject to change due to race schedule, check www.magicmillions.com.au for updates Main Races: $2 million Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic RL; $1 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas RL Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall, Queensland Tickets: www.magicmillions.com.au or www.gctc.com.au

Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 4 Magic Millions Sales Complex from 6pm

SUNDAY, 11th January A calendar highlight Watch the sale complex come alive on Saturday night

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Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 5 Magic Millions Sales Complex from 11am

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MONDAY, 12th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale Inspections Magic Millions Sales Complex from 9am

Magic Millions Widden Stud Golf Day About: Take a break and relax on the spectacular RACV Royal Pines Golf Course as Widden Stud hosts its annual golf day. Enter as an individual or create a team and enjoy a great day on the green!

Registrations from 11am Shotgun Start from 12.00pm Presentations from 5.00pm in Tees Clubhouse Tickets: 4 person Ambrose - $130 per person Includes: Green Fees with Electric Cart, Prizes, Drink Vouchers, BBQ Luncheon and Presentations Where: RACV Royal Pines Benowa Booking: Laura (02) 6549 9999 or laura@widden.com

TUESDAY, 13th January Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Day 6 Magic Millions Sales Complex from 11am

Get Social Planning on attending any of our events? check out the latest info on all the social channels and don’t forget to tag us in your photos and posts.

MAGICMILLIONS @MMSNIPPETS MAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MAGIC NEWS The thoroughbred industry loves an awards night but can you remember the last time an individual or company in racing won an award outside of racing? In late October Vin Cox accepted the Premier of Queensland’s Award for Regional Exporter of the Year. It was a big year for the international buying bench at Magic Millions with a 47% growth rate. As Cox put it “It is a great honour to win this important export award, congratulations must go to our entire team for what was a successful 2013-14 year.”

Responding to the

RESPONSE

QUEENSLANDPremier delivers EXPORT AWARD

Online entries

SAVING TIME

Magic Millions launched its new online entry interface in July 2014 – in time to assist vendors with submission of entries for the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale Series. The online entry system saves vendors significant time via numerous handy features in the easy five step process. The horse look-up feature auto-populates entries with horse details, such as breeding, microchip number and brand ID. A key benefit of completing your entries online is the capability to assign multiple suppliers to each horse entry with individual proceed instructions. Studs who present large drafts on behalf of clients have enjoyed utilising the feature to save each suppliers’ information for future use, as well as being able to access a history of their submitted entries. When you submit online, you know your entries are received by Magic Millions instantly!

Channel 7 deal

The December launch of the highly anticipated magicmillions.com.au will see two major changes to the website; a responsive web design and a refreshing facelift. You may have heard a new “buzz” term, Responsive Web Design (RWD). RWD enables viewing of a web page and all its functions on PC, iPhone, iPad and most other Smart Phones or Tablet devices. The noticeable change is that whatever the horizontal sizing, the information will fit to the screen. Check it out, it’s surprisingly refreshing and easy to use.

SOUTHERN Hemisphere’s first

Chairman of SITA In 2012 MM’s MD, Vin Cox, was appointed Vice-Chairman of SITA, the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers, and in 2014 became the first elected Chairman from the southern hemisphere. Founded in 1983, SITA’s Chairmen have historically alternated between Europe and North America. Cox has a few other feathers in his cap that deserve mention - he is also on the board at IRPAC, has been on the Australian Pattern Committee since 2001, has been Keeneland’s Australian Representative since 2003, and is President of the Picnic Race Club in his home town of Mudgee.

Seven West Media have announced a long-term, multi-platform media rights agreement with Magic Millions Sales to broadcast and promote the annual Jeep Magic Millions Raceday. As Saul Shtein, Seven’s Head of Sport, said: “We are delighted to be the network of the Magic Millions. It adds further depth to our horse racing portfolio and provides a tremendous launch for our year covering the biggest races.”

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First hotly anticipated y e a r li ng s selling at Magic Millions 2015

SMART MISSILE

www.arrowfield.com.au | 02 9909 5555

150483-SmartMissile-Bluebloods.indd 1

11/4/14 12:48 PM

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MMGC2014 ON PARADE

Tuesday 7th - Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw

Tuesday 8th - Magic Millions R.M.Williams Launch Party

$15,410,000 – dollar value of economic tourism impact to the Gold Coast generated by the January 2014 MM Sale & Carnival

22 – the number of individual first season sires represented in the 2015 Gold Coast Yearling Sale

700 – the number of bottles of Moet and Chandon champagne PAGE

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5,000 – canapes served

7,000 – prawns

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

$41,000,000 – dollar value of media coverage for the MM January Sale & Carnival in 2014

47% – the percentage increase of MM exports this year

13 – the number of export awards won by MM

80.8% – the percentage increase in average price for the MM National Broodmare Sale this year

Saturday 10th - Jeep Magic Millions Raceday

60 – shoulders of Matt Moran’s family lamb in the VIP marquee

700 – the number of kilos of Wagyu steak cooked and served to 816 guests PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MMGC2014 ON PARADE

30 – the number of Chefs it took to prepare the feast

500 – kilos of prawns served around the track by the GCTC

10,000 – glasses of champagne across GCTC venues trackside

89 – the number of times Steve Davis says “Thank you to the underbidder, you stick with me and we’ll buy a horse”

Saturday 10th - Jeep Magic Millions Raceday

80,000 – the number of bids taken each year

Caring for the horses over the sale week:

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426 – bales of hay

57 – record number of consecutive lots sold at 2014 MM Sale without a pass-in

985 – bags of pre-mixed feed

2,100 – metres of sawdust

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

40 – kilos of tomatoes

500 – the number of waiters

15,268 – the number of visitor nights at Gold Coast hotels by yearling sale attendees in 2014

782 – the number of times the Auctioneers said ‘SOLD’ for Books 1, 2 & 3 at the 2014 Sale

86% – the percentage of yearlings in the 2015 catalogue which are BOBS Eligible

30 – the number of lots offered per hour

1,340 – bags of oaten and lucerne chaff, and oats consumed at the 2014 MM Sale PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

CELEBRATING YEARS

3

The top 30 Gold Coast MM graduates Magic Millions asked renowned racing journalist John “Holly” Holloway to select his top 30 graduates of the MMGC sale. John Holloway has an unmatched all round racing CV, having been a long serving STC committeeman, a publisher and owner and a consultant on top of his long, distinguished journalistic career.

We are delighted to present the benefit of his racing wisdom in John Holloway’s TOP 30.

Timeform ratings courtesy of Gary Crispe

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Clan O’Sullivan

Brave Warrior

Sire: Zoffany

Sire: Cossack Warrior

Dam: Blazing Bags

Dam: Nothing to Do

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 1991

Year: 1993

Price: $33,000

Price: $22,000

9 wins, inc. MM 2YO Classic S. L ,Black Opal S. Gr2, Todman Slipper S. Gr2

8 wins, inc. MM 2YO Classic S. L , Peter Pan S. Gr2, Gloaming S. Gr2, Phar Lap S. Gr2

TF rating: 123

30

TF rating: 124

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 On Sunday 2 February 1986 the very first Magic Million (no “s”) Yearling Sale was conducted at the Bundall Sales Complex, stirring a hub of excitement among horse people around the nation.

200 lots went under the hammer, unreserved, at an average of $31,765 – about twice the expected result, and a sale topper of $210,000.

(Lot 31 – stakeswinner Roman General)

The inaugural Magic Million $1 million race – the richest race ever run in Queensland at that time, and the first closed race ever run in the world – was run at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

A queue of racegoers more than a km long waited to enter the track. What a result! Won by Snippets (a future Gr1 winner and Champion Sire), with second place going to Prince Anton and third to Mother Duck – all starters in the 1987 Golden Slipper at Rosehill. In fact the inaugural MM Sale produced 25% of the final field for this year’s Slipper.

The second Magic Millions sale, now with an “s”, was held, this year doubling in size to 400 lots, at an average of $43,702.

Magic Millions was sold by its original owners Carl Waugh, Gordon MacNicol and Merryl Kruger for a reported $20 million to Malcolm Edwards’ Essington, the Richards’ family, and IBB. Prizemoney doubled with the running of the: Fosters Magic Million Race of $1 million for 2YO Colts and Geldings (won

by Molokai Prince after a controversial protest) and the Fosters Magic Million Race of $1 million for 2YO Fillies (won by Sea Cabin).

Prizemoney increased once again with the introduction of the Southern Cross Classic worth $1 million.

Sunblazer won the colts, Malibu Magic the fillies, and Prince Regent the SC Classic.

The sale averaged just over $70,000, up more than 37%, with Bart Cummings and Tommy Smith top of the buyers’ list.

MM widens its appeal with its inaugural Magic Millions Yearling Sale at Trentham, New Zealand.

Following major coverage of the MM concept in the European press, Goffs Irish Sales company launched a duplicate of the Magic Millions, offering yearlings eligible to run in a 2yo race worth one million pounds the following year.

The MM 2YO C&G Classic was won by leading Brisbane trainer Bruce McLachlan, the first of his three wins in the race, the fillies edition was won by Dancer’s Joy for the late great Geoff Murphy with a young Jim Cassidy aboard. The Southern Cross Classic Consolation was won

by Solar Circle for legendary Queensland trainer JJ Atkins.

Lot 241 the first lot of the second day of selling, saw a grey colt by Kala Dancer from Wiley Trade (USA) sell for $100,000 to Brackley Park P/L, he went on to win the Melbourne Cup as Subzero and $2,008,100 in prizemoney and is still winning hearts all around Australia as a 26 year old.

Bold Promise wins the MM 2YO Fillies Classic by 5 ¾ lengths, then a week later backs up to give the boys a galloping lesson winning the MM 2YO Classic by 3 lengths. Trained by Sterling Smith for his father Ernie and ridden by the immortal Mick Dittman. Bold Promise has left her mark by leaving Merlene (Golden Slipper) and Miss Pennymoney (Newmarket H).

Let’s Elope, a product of the New Zealand Magic Millions Sales, won the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Australia’s Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association agreed to give Black Type status to the Magic Millions events.

Assertive Lad

Sizzling

Dash For Cash

Dear Demi

Nechita

Sweet Idea

Sire: Zeditave

Sire: Snitzel

Sire: Secret Savings

Sire: Dehere

Sire: Fastnet Rock

Sire: Snitzel

Dam: Sommes Sound

Dam: Admirelle

Dam: Gulistan

Dam: Shiley

Dam: Artistique

Dam: Flidais

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 1999

Year: 2011

Year: 2000

Year: 2011

Year: 2011

Year: 2012

Price: $110,000

Price: $260,000

Price: $75,000

Price: $130,000

Price: $130,000

Price: $240,000

8 wins inc, AJC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, Champagne S., Gr.1, Doncaster H., Gr.1, Royal Sovereign S.

7 wins inc, BRC TJ Smith S., Gr.1, Champagne Classic, Gr.2, Sires’ Produce S., Gr.2, Queensland Guineas , Gr.2

5 wins inc, VRC Australian Guineas, Gr.1, MRC Futurity S., Gr.1, VRC Debonair S., Gr.3, MRC Autumn S., Gr.3

7 wins inc, VRC Oaks, Gr.1, ATC Surround S., Gr.2, MVRC WH Stocks S., Gr.2, NSW Tatt’s RC Furious S., Gr.2

3 wins inc, VRC Coolmore Stud S., Gr.1, ATC Silver Shadow S., Gr.3, Ambassador Travel Services 2YO P.

7 wins inc, ATC Silver Slipper S., Gr.2, Light Fingers S., Gr.2, Missile S., Gr.2, MRC Tristarc S., Gr.2,

TF rating: 124

TF rating: 118

TF rating: 121

TF rating: 118

TF rating: 118

TF rating: 119

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 MM graduate Subzero, a future Hall of Famer, triumphed in the $2 million VRC Melbourne Cup for Lee Freedman and Greg Hall.

The first MM Carnival was staged at Bukit Timah Racecourse, Singapore in November with the running of two $100,000 races as a prelude to the January Sale, in advance of the first million dollar MM events to be run in Singapore at the end of the following year.

Magic Millions broke new ground with the introduction of the Singapore Magic Millions 3YO Classic run over 1600m at Bukit Timah in December, at that time the richest race in SingaporeMalaysia history.

MM graduate Mahogany wins the Gr1 Victorian Derby, and becomes the 8th MM graduate to earn in excess of $1million since the sales started in 1986.

The riding techniques of celebrity guests in the inaugural Magic Millions Redback Camel Classic focused national and international media attention on the Gold Coast’s fabulous beaches.

Mahogany took out the greatest award of the year, the 1993-94 Australian Horse of the Year; sold for $65,000 when he went through the MM sale ring to the bid of Henry Plumptre as agent, now Managing Director of Darley Australia.

Owner Lloyd Williams rates Mahogany as the best horse he’s ever raced.

MM conducted the first of its invitational boutique 2YO Sales in Singapore in September.

Gold Coast graduate Nothin’ Leica Dane wins the VRC Derby at Flemington for Gai Waterhouse and four days later runs a gallant second in the Melbourne Cup. Zephyrz won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic by 2.5 lengths beating future triple Group 1 winning sprinter Gold Ace and was trained by another legend in the late great Max Lees and ridden

by Wayne Harris.

A chestnut colt by Nediym from Military Belle sold as Lot 131 for $20,000 with a Vendor guarantee and unfortunately for the Purchaser his Vet does not pass him and the horse reverts back to the Vendor.

In 1997 that chestnut colt now named General Nediym, in the care of Bill Mitchell’s Queensland foreman Peter Moody, goes on to win that MM 2YO Classic on his way to amassing $2,121,898 in prizemoney and being a successful sire at stud with progeny earnings over $46 million.

Gerry Harvey, John Singleton and Rob Ferguson bought a controlling interest in Magic Millions for $7m.

A successful first time Magic Millions Sale was held at the Macau Jockey Club.

The first Golden Summer Yearling Sale, designed to introduce a second tier of selling to benefit from the existing Magic Millions Yearling Sale, was held on January 16 with a catalogue of just over 300 lots.

The top 30 Gold Coast MM graduates Gold Edition

Dance Hero

Subzero

Zoustar

Spirit of Boom

Tristanagh

Sire: Lion Hunter

Sire: Danzero

Sire: Kala Dancer

Sire: Northern Meteor

Sire: Sequalo

Sire: Sir Tristram

Dam: Glimmers

Dam: Gypsy Dancer

Dam: Wiley Trade

Dam: Zouzou

Dam: Temple Spirit

Dam: Attanagh

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 2005

Year: 2003

Year: 1990

Year: 2012

Year: 2009

Year: 1988

Price: $130,000

Price: $90,000

Price: $100,000

Price: $140,000

Price: $90,000

Price: $375,000

17 wins inc, VRC Ascot Vale S., Gr.1, MVRC Manikato S., Gr.1, AJC Light Fingers S., Gr.2, Surround S., Gr.2

10 wins inc, STC Golden Slipper S., Gr.1, AJC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, Champagne S., Gr.1

6 wins inc, VRC Melbourne Cup, Gr.1, South Australian Derby, Gr.1, SAJC Adelaide Cup, Gr.1, AJC Dulcify H., L

6 wins inc, ATC Golden Rose S., Gr.1, VRC Coolmore Stud S., Gr.1, ATC Roman Consul S., Gr.2

9 wins inc, BRC Doomben Ten Thousand S., Gr.1, MVRC William Reid S., Gr.1, MRC Caulfield Sprint H., Gr.2

7 wins inc, VRC Oaks, Gr.1, VATC One Thousand Guineas, Gr.1, VRC Wakeful S., Gr.2, STC Tea Rose S., Gr.2

TF rating: 125

TF rating: 125

TF rating: 123

TF rating: 122

TF rating: 120

TF rating: 117

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 MM recorded a record year of sales, with total sales for the year increasing by 52%.

The first Winter Carnival Select Yearling Sale (now known as the National) in its maiden year achieved the fourth highest yearling sale average in Australia, with progeny of Zabeel topping the sale average at $67,500.

The inaugural Canberra Magic Millions 2YOs In Training Sale kicked off with entertainment by the James Morrison band; and the first Magic Millions Waikato Select Yearling Sale saw 200 lots go under the hammer at Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge.

MM was accorded its biggest ever promotional boost through the Seven Network’s decision to produce a totally dedicated live five hour nationwide television broadcast of all eight races on Magic Millions raceday.

MM kicked off its Perth operation on 17 January with a select yearling sale at the Belmont Park Racecourse, and announced the addition of a new $100,000 race to be run in Perth.

The company joined forces with the Sydney Turf Club in conducting the $1,000,000 Honda 3YO Magic Millions at Rosehill Gardens, won by Shalt Not.

MM took over the reigns of the South Australian Bloodstock industry to conduct the annual yearling sale, and introduced the richest race to be held in the state.

Assertive Lad becomes the first MM 2YO Classic winner for the first lady of racing Gai Waterhouse, beating subsequent Golden Slipper winner Belle Du Jour.

MM graduate Belle du Jour wins the Golden Slipper for Clarry Conners, John Singleton and Bob Hawke.

Queensland’s Premier declared the Magic Millions Carnival as one of the most important sporting and tourism attractions for the State of Queensland and in doing so announced it as an official State event.

A new Gold Coast MM record was set as Gai Waterhouse floored her opponents with a successful $1 million bid for the star Sunday Silence (USA) – Joie Denise filly. The filly would race to Group One success as Sunday Joy.

Online viewers tuned in in January to view the first live sale broadcast, with over 10,000 visitors from around the world following the coverage during each session of the sale.

Australia’s first online auction of thoroughbreds was conducted by Magic Millions in September of this year.

MM graduate Ha Ha created history at Warwick farm as the first filly to capture the Golden Slipper-Silver Shadow Stakes double when she blitzed her rivals to win by 2 1/2 lengths.

MM was honoured to take out the industry award for Best Website at the Let It Ride.com Southern Hemisphere Internet Awards in Sydney.

Courageous Magic Millions ambassador, Snippets, passed away at Arrowfield Stud on 21 January.

This year the catalogue for the Magic Millions Sale contained a record 960 yearlings, making it the largest yearling sale in the Southern Hemisphere.

The heat was on as the MM Raceday at the Gold Coast saw the temperature soar to over 42 degrees – the hottest day on the Gold Coast for 100 years.

Ha Ha realised John Singleton’s dream of winning one of the feature MM races when it won the 3YO, and Lovely Jubly took out the 2YO Classic for David Throsby.

MM debuts as selling agent for the Malaysian National Stud Farm Sale at Ipoh.

MM conducts the resoundingly successful Lindsay Park Classic Collection Sale, with Biscay Bird selling for $825,000, believed to be the highest price paid in SA for a thoroughbred.

David Chester appointed Managing Director.

Incomparable success in the world’s richest 2YO race this year saw graduates of Magic Millions take out first, second, third and fourth placings in the Group One STC Golden Slipper Stakes with Polar Success, How Funny, Hasna and Shamekha.

Regimental Gal made history on the Gold Coast when she scored a fighting all the way win in the $1 million 2YO Classic, as the first youngster who’s sire (General Nediym) also managed to win the same race during their career.

Celebrated MM graduate Stylish Century succumbed to the effects of a deadly spider bite. Purchased in 1988 for just $6,000, Stylish Century won 6 Group or Listed races and prizemoney of over $ 2.4million against horses the calibre of Better Loosen Up, Super Impose and Vo Rogue, before being retired to stud in 1992.

MM were appointed selling agents for the prestigious Hong Kong International Sale.

MM graduates posted a record breaking season with 142 black type wins, and 255 black type placings.

Belle du Jour

General Nediym

Shocking

Royal Descent

Testa Rossa

Ha Ha

Sire: Dehere

Sire: Nediym

Sire: Street Cry

Sire: Redoute’s Choice

Sire: Perugino

Sire: Danehill

Dam: Delightful Belle

Dam: Military Belle

Dam: Maria di Castiglia

Dam: Mulan Princess

Dam: Bo Dapper

Dam: Very Droll

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 1999

Year: 1996

Year: 2007

Year: 2011

Year: 1998

Year: 2000

Price: $200,000

Price: $20,000

Price: $45,000

Price: P.I. $340,000

Price: $45,000

Price: $300,000

9 wins inc, STC Golden Slipper S., Gr.1, VRC Newmarket H., Gr.1, Emirates Classic S., Gr.2

13 wins inc, VRC Lightning S., Gr.1, Newmarket H., Gr.1, AJC San Domenico S., Gr.2, Up and Coming S., Gr.2

7 wins inc, VRC Australian Cup, Gr.1, Melbourne Cup, Gr.1, Makybe Diva S., Gr.2, Lexus S., Gr.3, KA Morrison H.

4 wins inc, Australian Oaks, Gr.1, ATC Adrian Knox S., Gr.3, Seasons Greetings P., Australian Turf Club H.

13 wins inc, VRC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, Lightning S., Gr.1, Emirates S., Gr.1, VATC Futurity S., Gr.1

8 wins inc, STC Golden Slipper S., Gr.1, AJC Flight S., Gr.1, Apollo S., Gr.2, Silver Shadow S., Gr.2

TF rating: 120

TF rating: 126

TF rating: 126

TF rating: 123

TF rating: 127

TF rating: 121

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Gai Waterhouse and Chris Munce scored their third win in the $1 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Dance Hero. Dance Hero went on to stitch up the elusive Sydney two-year-old triple crown in winning the Gr1 Golden Slipper, the Gr1 Sires Produce Stakes, and the Gr1 Champagne Stakes, and was crowned Champion Two Year Old of the year.

Savabeel raced to Champion status in the Cox Plate.

R.M.Williams came on board as Official Outfitter to Magic Millions.

Some 1,151 horses were catalogued for Australia’s biggest yearling sale to date, the 2005 MM Yearling Sale.

Stratum wins the Golden Slipper for Paul Perry – the fifth win in the Slipper for MM graduates in the past six years.

A new Australasian record for a weanling was set at the MM National Weanling Sale when a Rock of Gibraltar colt was knocked down for $660,000 to Tim Stakemire.

Murtajill raced on to become a record breaking 2YO and later sire.

MM won the Queensland Premier’s 2005 Export Award for Tourism.

In another world first, the Magic Millions raceday grows to a full card of high stakes races exclusive to Magic Millions’ graduates.

Premier Anna Bligh awarded MM the Premier’s Export Award for Sports, Events and Tourism.

A new Australasian record price for a 2YO in Training was set on the Gold Coast when a colt by Dehere from Shovoff sold for $825,000.

The January Sale aggregate leapt some 35% and the average soared by 30% to a record $182,191, and a new record price of $2 million was set.

The record price for a thoroughbred sold by Magic Millions was broken during the National Broodmare Sale when Surrealist was sold for $1.6 million to Coolmore.

The Australasian record for a thoroughbred weanling was smashed when a three quarter brother to Dance Hero sold for $1.15 million to Coolmore Australia.

History was made when MM conducted the first auction sale of Australian thoroughbreds in Iran.

The MM Sale & Carnival was delayed from its traditional January timeslot due to the 2007 EI outbreak, running instead from Easter Monday.

A record 1,811 yearlings catalogued for January MM.

A new all time record for a yearling at the MM Sale was broken with the ¾ brother to Dance Hero selling for $2.2 million. The colt was snapped up by the sale’s biggest buyer, Patinack Farm.

Never before has a single buyer spent more at a Magic Millions sale, with their sale haul tallying over $19 million and 59 lots.

MM graduate Sebring wins the Golden Slipper for Gai Waterhouse and Star Thoroughbreds.

History was made with the running of the Magic Millions Cup at Beijing, the first race on the track to be sponsored by an international company.

MM’s pin up race, the 2YO Classic, is boosted to $2 million for the 2009 running.

MM 2YO Classic winner Phelan Ready wins the Golden Slipper for fatherson training team of Bruce and Jason McLachlan.

MM sold the first Australian horses to Russia.

Champion racemare Princess Coup makes MM record of $3 million at the National Broodmare Sale.

Scenic Blast, an $85,000 MM Perth purchase, scored a brilliant win in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

MM graduate Shocking raced away with the $5.5m Gr1 Melbourne Cup.

Champion race mare Divine Madonna made $2.7 million at the National Broodmare Sale to the bid of Bill Mitchell on behalf of Darley - the highest priced horse ever sold in the MM Sale ring.

And the second highest price went to Hong Kong based Deborah Ho when she secured She Will Be Loved for $2.4 million.

MM graduate Mummify won the Gr1 S$3m Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji.

The Tasmanian Yearling Sale, conducted for the first time

by MM, turned out record results with a top price of $51,000.

For the second year running MM won the Sports, Events and Tourism Award at The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

Bradbury’s Luck scored a dashing win in the $1million MM 2YO Classic, while third place went to Snitzel.

The top 30 Gold Coast MM graduates Mahogany

Theseo

Savabeel

Snitzel

Boban

Shoot Out

Sire: Last Tycoon

Sire: Danewin

Sire: Zabeel

Sire: Redoute’s Choice

Sire: Bernardini

Sire: High Chaparral

Dam: Alshandegha

Dam: Ozone Sand

Dam: Savannah Sucess

Dam: Snippets’ Lass

Dam: Kenbelle

Dam: Pentamerous

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 1992

Year: 2005

Year: 2003

Year: 2004

Year: 2011

Year: 2008

Price: $65,000

Price: $120,000

Price: $400,000

Price: $260,000

Price: $110,000

Price: $15,000

19 wins inc, Victoria Derby, Gr.1, AJC Derby, Gr.1, Australian Guineas, Gr.1, VRC Lightning S., Gr.1-twice

11 wins inc, AJC Epsom H., Gr.1, Chipping Norton S., Gr.1, VRC LKS Mackinnon S., Gr.1, STC Ranvet S., Gr.1-twice,

3 wins inc, MVRC WS Cox P., Gr.1, AJC Spring Champion S., Gr.1, Sydney City Lexus 2YO H

7 wins inc, MRC Oakleigh P., Gr.1, AJC Challenge S., Gr.2, Up and Coming S., Gr.3, STC Skyline S., Gr.3,

9 wins inc, ATC Epsom H., Gr.1, Chipping Norton S., Gr.1, VRC Emirates S., Gr.1, ATC Bill Ritchie H., Gr.3

10 wins inc, Australian Derby, Gr.1, AJC Randwick Guineas, Gr.1, ATC Chipping Norton S., Gr.1-twice

TF rating: 127

TF rating: 124

TF rating: 122

TF rating: 125

TF rating: 126

TF rating: 126

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Local trainer Gillian Heinrich prepared the favourite, Military Rose, to win the MM 2YO Classic with Stathi Katsidis on board.

Star MM sprinters Rocket Man and One World made history in Hong Kong when they dead heated in the HK$3 million Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin. The first sale of Australian horses to Libya was made to Al Shaab Stud.

One of the most devastating floods in Qld’s history hit the south east in early January. The thoroughbred community rallied together at the MM Sale to aid victims of the disaster, raising over $900,000 for the Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Gerry Harvey and his family acquired the interests of John Singleton and Rob Ferguson, to own 100 percent of Magic Millions.

Champion international sprinter and MM graduate Rocket Man was crowned Horse of the Year, Champion Sprinter and Champion FourYear-Old in Singapore, and later the same month won the US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan.

Vin Cox was appointed Managing Director of MM. MM announced the launch of the world’s first women’s only incentive race – a Racing Women’s Bonus incentive of $500,000 to be distributed between the top four all female owned or leased horses in finishing order of the $2 million 2YO Classic.

Originally second past the post, Driefontein’s record remained unblemished when she was awarded the $2 million Magic Millions Classic following a protest.

MM graduate Pierro continued an outstanding run for MM graduates in the world’s richest juvenile race the $3.5m Golden Slipper.

David Chester joined an illustrious group of Australians when announced as one of seven recipients of the Australian Export Heroes Awards.

Real Surreal made Queensland racing history scooping over $1.47m in winning the $2m Jeep MM 2YO Classic – the highest pay out in Qld racing history.

Being fully owned by females, the filly was eligible for the inaugural $500,000 MM Racing Women initiative.

Zara Phillips MBE, announced as Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women for 2014-2018.

A string of feature MM races were recognised with black type elevation, bringing the total to six races, run in three states.

MM Adelaide – the only sale in the world to have multiple Group One winners over the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

Do you agree?

Snippets

Atlantic Jewel

Pierro

Sire: More Than Ready

Sire: Lunchtime

Sire: Fastnet Rock

Sire: Lonhro

Dam: Purespeed

Dam: Easy Date

Dam: Regard

Dam: Miss Right Note

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Sale: MM Gold Coast

Year: 2007

Year: 1986

Year: 2010

Year: 2011

Price: $130,000

Price: $22,000

Price: $320,000

Price: $230,000

5 wins inc, STC Golden Slipper S., Gr.1, AJC Sires Produce S., Gr.1, Canonbury S., L, Breeders’ P., L

9 wins inc, AJC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, Galaxy H., Gr.1, VATC Oakleigh P., Gr.1, AJC Challenge S., Gr.2

10 wins inc, ATC All Aged S., Gr.1, MRC Memsie S., Gr.1, Thousand Guineas, Gr.1, Caulfield S., Gr.1

11 wins inc. ATC Golden Slipper S., Gr.1, Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, Champagne S., Gr.1, Canterbury S., Gr.1

TF rating: 123

TF rating: 124

TF rating: 128

TF rating: 128

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MM took out the Regional Exporter of the Year Award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, with exports soaring by 47% during 20013-14.

I’m Too Sexy wins the first clockwise race in Victoria in over 65 years, the inaugural $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.

Sebring

4

Records tumbled across the board at the quality packed MM National Broodmare Sale, with Monsoon Wedding topping the sale at $2.3m, and a record sale gross of $69m, up 131%.

2

1

We’d love to hear what your top 10 MM graduates are. Contact us below or hashtag #mmtop10graduates MAGICMILLIONS @MMSNIPPETS MAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Snippets

by Andrew Reichard

was

MAGIC from day one E

VERY good adventure story has a hero, some have their finest moment late in the tale after a clever build up to an eagerly awaited climax, a life changing moment of decision, when the hero triumphs and the conclusion is imminent. But the story that is the Magic Millions sale related race series had its hero rather earlier in the timeline, at inception basically, the hero being a horse by the name of Snippets.

Here’s how it happened.

When three Queensland businessmen and thoroughbred breeders called Carl Waugh, Merrell (Mick) Kruger and Gordon MacNicol were looking for a better way to utilise their sale complex next door to the Gold Coast Turf Club’s racecourse, Carl Waugh came up with a novel idea. The decision to hold an unreserved yearling sale from which, and only which, the resulting purchases would be eligible for a one million dollar 2YO race a year later proved an inspired one.

The idea was strongly driven by Carl Waugh, yet despite his enthusiasm there were more than a stable full of sceptics.

They won’t get enough entries, the entries will be very poor castoffs, they won’t get a field for the race at all, or if they do, the field will be an embarrassingly poor one. These were the most common objections. Wrong, wrong, wrong and wrong again. Wrong on all counts, for a number of reasons.

Doubters underestimated the famous Aussie “give it a go” spirit, they underestimated Carl Waugh’s energy and enthusiasm for the project and they could never have imagined that the sale would attract yearlings by some of Australia’s leading sires which would be purchased by a strong cross section of leading trainers, agents and owners. Most significantly neither the doubters, nor for that matter probably even the promoters, could have envisaged that edition one of the Magic Millions 2YO would unearth a real star of the Australian racing and breeding industry. That star was the beautifully balanced bay Lunchtime colt Snippets.

Before running the highlights reel for Snippets, it is worth mentioning that the sales related race concept was subsequently widely copied, with many interesting variations. The most unusual, even bizarre, of these was a race in the USA for which only the progeny of one particular stallion were eligible. Can’t remember it being a big hit. However, the Magic Millions did become a big hit over the next 30 years, with the sales related concept also proving broadly successful both here and overseas. That

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Snippets was magic from day one spirit, the sheer class of a high quality thoroughbred. Snippets would go on to win 9 races and over $1 million in prizemoney including such prestigious races as the AJC Sires Produce S, VATC Oakleigh Plate and AJC Galaxy, all Gr1.

He was to have changes of both trainer and owners with part owner Jane Augustine taking over trainer duties before Snippets was sold to emerging thoroughbred entrepreneur Mike Willessee of media fame for whom he was then trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith. After a brilliant career on the track he retired to Willesee’s newly established Trans Media Park Stud at Cootamundra where he embarked on an equally successful stud career. After several seasons at Cootamundra, just

Broodmare Sire List eight times (best being second in 2009/2010) and top 10 in the 2YO list four times (best being second in 2002/2003 when Hasna was his star).

Snippets sired 601 winners of over $76 million, with his nine Gr1 winners including Pins who has been a leading sire in NZ for a number of years standing at Waikato Stud.

As a broodmare sire his record is no less impressive with 950 winners to date of over $108 million. There are already nine Gr1 winners out of his daughters including brilliant mare Red Tracer and Golden Slipper winners Crystal Lily and Overreach and top colts Fiveandahalfstar and successful young sires Wanted, Magnus and Snitzel. The latter finished second to his own sire Redoute’s Choice in the

“Cometh the hour, cometh the man” when Snippets was gaining commercial acceptance, Mike Willesee left the industry selling the property to Jack and Bob Ingham. The stallions went in various directions with Snippets finding his new home at John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud at Jerry’s Plains before one final move to Arrowfield’s current location in Scone.

Snippets had moved full circle back to the Hunter Valley, not far from the Widden Valley where his own sire Lunchtime spent his entire stud career at Widden Stud.

first Magic Millions sale produced a number of good performers including four 2YOs good enough to run in the Golden Slipper, namely Boasting, Mother Duck, Prince Anton and Snippets.

Snippets entered the ring as lot 170 offered by Gregadoo Stud Farm, Victoria and was knocked down to Dalgety Bloodstock acting for John and Jane Augustine for $22,000, just over half the

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sale average. Trained by the relatively unknown Sally Rogers he was the star of the early Queensland 2YO trials and headed to the Magic Millions a warm public favourite. Snippets gave a sustained display of front running speed, winning easily, laying to rest any doubts about the Magic Millions concept.

He gave racegoers a taste of the glory that was to come, the speed, the fighting

Snippets was a real pioneer in more ways than one. Not only did he set the seal of approval on the initial Magic Millions race, he was the first of many Gr1 winners and high glass performers to come from his dam Easy Date and her female descendants. Easy Date was by the first Northern Dancer stallion imported to stud in Australia, Grand Chaudiere who proved quite a success for the Kruger family’s Lyndhurst Stud at Beaudesert.

Easy Date became the dam of sixteen foals of which fifteen raced and the eleven winners included champion 3YO sprinter in Australia/New Zealand, Snippets a triple Gr1 winner of over $1 million, Quick Score-Gr2, Asawir (grandam of multiple Gr3 winner Sharnee Rose), Singles Bar (dam of outstanding young sire Not A Single Doubt, grandam of champion 2YO and sire Zizou) and True Blonde (grandam of Golden Slipper winner Forensics, triple Gr1 winner of $3.5 million).

Snippets belongs to an interesting class of sires, those that were never actually champion sires or broodmare sires themselves, but whose influence in the breed was to become an enduring one.

He finished in the top 10 on the Australian General Financial Sires Premiership on seven occasions (best being 4th in 1999/2000), in the top 10 on the

unattributed

2013/2014 General Sires List achieving a unique quinella for Arrowfield Stud. Even more significantly Snitzel is a perennial leader on the Australian APEX A ratings tables, a sure indication that the best is yet to come. With three sons already listed at stud in STALLIONS 2014 (Salade, Sizzling and Shamus Award) Snitzel is certainly doing his bit to spread Snippets’ blood into the commercial thoroughbred population.

Snippets, like his sire Lunchtime before him, seemed particularly well suited to the thoroughbred gene pool available to him in Australia, working well with the omnipresent Danehill line. There are 19 stakes winners by sons of Danehill out of Snippets mares, including the 6 Gr1 winners Magnus, Overreach, Red Tracer, Shellscrape, Snitzel and Wanted. There are another four stakes winners by sons of Danehill out of mares by sons of Snippets.

There are 32 stakes winners with Danehill in the top half of their five generation pedigree and Snippets in the bottom half, nine of these are Gr1 winners including Black Caviar’s half-brother multiple Gr1 winner All Too Hard who is embarking on his own stud career at Vinery.

The Magic Millions story has been a fascinating one, Carl Waugh’s inspiration leading to the initial success, followed by a change of ownership, a period of administration leading to renewed vigour under the ownership of Gerry Harvey, John Singleton and Rob Ferguson and now a period of expansion under the sole ownership of Gerry and Katie Harvey. The hero of the tale, Snippets has served as a constant reminder of what our industry is all about, the horses themselves. The great ones can change lives and change the course of events.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: Have there been occasions when you feared you might not make the auctioneers rostrum?

DAVID CHESTER

Q

UITE remarkably, after half a century in the business, David Chester still exudes energy and vitality in abundance as he fulfils his role of International Sales Director of Magic Millions. Although the company has gone through name and ownership changes and some very difficult periods along the way, David has worn only one hat right throughout his career in the bloodstock industry.

As he celebrates his golden anniversary David is justifiably proud of being Australia’s longest serving auctioneer and bloodstock agent. In a question and answer session with GRAEME KELLY he reflected on what is an exceptional career.

Q: Was there a time when you were especially concerned about the survival of the Magic Millions?

A: It was a really, really worrying time when we went into receivership in the early 1990s, through no fault of Magic Millions. Max Donnelly, from Ferrier, Hodgson, came in as the receiver and I remember one Monday morning he and others came from Sydney for a meeting in the boardroom. Staff members were all sitting around fearing we’d be closed when Max called me up. His first words were “we think Magic Millions has a future” which was a great relief, but he added that it was important I stayed on. I became Bloodstock Manager and that’s when Don Hancock came in as Administrator.

Q: How hard was it in the early days of the Magic Millions?

A: It wasn’t easy because the Magic Millions was a totally new concept when it was launched in 1986. The entry fee PAGE

28

Celebrating a half century of service

was $3000, which was a lot of money back in 1985 when we were canvassing support. Besides that there were a lot of conservatives who said it wouldn’t work being a closed race, but the first sale doubled expectations. The first Magic Millions winner Snippets and four others from the sale went on to run in 1987 Golden Slipper. Snippets then won the Sires’ Produce in Sydney and that helped provide a springboard for the future.

Q: What have been the high points of your years as an auctioneer?

A.: I am proud of the fact that I have sold horses in every state and territory in Australia. I pioneered auction sales in Singapore, Macau, Malaysia and the Philippines. I was also the first bloodstock auctioneer in Singapore and the first European auctioneer in Macau, so that’s all memorable.

Q: What have been other features of your Asian involvement?

A: I think a highlight of my career was being the last auctioneer to sell at the Hong Kong International Sale when it was held at the Convention Centre.

Magic Millions had been invited to conduct the sale in 2003 and we did that through until 2005. Generally I don’t get nervous before auctions but I did before those because they were among the most prestigious sales held anywhere in the world. The Jockey Club took over the sale in 2006 and moved the venue to Sha Tin. Q: Could you illustrate some of your lesser known ventures?

A: One that comes quickly to mind is selling the first Australian horses to

Russia three years ago through a friend of mine Richard Trivett. There was no protocol established so everything had to be done from scratch. I’ve had a number of trips to Inner Mongolia where I’ve been welcomed at ceremonies by the local government, which were quite impressive. On one trip I went to visit a horse stud owner, who lived in a traditional tented camp and had a great night’s sleep on a straw mattress.

I’ve been to Myanmar where the government is looking to develop a racing and breeding industry. They still have a dilapidated racetrack and stables there, and these were built by the British.

Q: You have been active in promoting the Australian thoroughbred in China.

A: I have visited most of the racing centres in China and have built up a wonderful association with many Chinese owners, even though most of them don’t speak English. The relationship with the Chinese is based on trust and friendship, and we’ve managed to achieve that. In addition I’ve provided advice on the development of services such as planning racetracks, training facilities, equine education, veterinary skills and feeding.

Q: You have also been particularly active in Korea.

A: During the past 15 years I have developed a really, really good relationship with Korean owners and particularly the Korean Racing Authority.

The KRA principals have arranged Magic Millions races in Seoul and Busan at no cost to the company as a ‘thank you’ gesture for helping them train their jockeys and staff. We are the only company in the world that has been afforded such a privilege.

A: I wanted a light meal so I ordered Atlantic salmon the night before we were conducting the big dispersal for Roy Thompson at Bellerive in 2000.

About midnight I was sick as a dog and knew I had food poisoning. I took some medicines I always carry with me and, fortunately, by the morning I was on the improve. The sale was very successful and we sold our first $1m yearling, Shovoff.

Q: Are there any special compliments you have appreciated?

A: Once Gerry Harvey described me as “one of the best salesmen in the world”.

That was very nice of him because Gerry is sparing in his praise.

Q: Is selling your passion?

A: Yes, it is. Since I stepped aside from the role of Managing Director in 2010 I’ve had more time to concentrate on that and developing the Asian market. I hope that’s what I will be remembered for.

Q: A number of awards have been received over recent years.

A: That’s true. I received an Export Heroes Award in 2012; last year we received the Hong Kong Australia Business Award and this year we were the recipients of the Queensland Government Premier’s Regional Exporter Award. Magic Millions is very grateful for these acknowledgements of our success in this business because they have been of considerable benefit to our export side and our reputation overseas.

Q: Do you being lucky?

regard

yourself

as

A: Yes, in my working life, and in marrying Patricia who has been a wonderful supporter. She understands my business and what is required, for which I am eternally grateful.

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Million dollar

DREAM

By BART SINCLAIR, a Brisbane based racing writer who covered the Magic Millions story from day one in 1985 when founder Carl Waugh released details of a concept to stage a sale of 200 yearlings eligible to run in a race with guaranteed prizemoney of $1 million 12 months later.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

whether I had to give up horses or my right arm, gee, it would be a tough decision. I’m a salesman at heart. I discovered that at an early age. It’s been my business driver. I love the horse sales. Do I love the racing or the sales the most? I’m a salesman!’’

Harvey admits though he quickly embraced the Magic Millions concept, he had no thoughts it would blossom to the extent it has since the first sale in 1986.

“I wasn’t sure it would be anything but a one-off. I was happy to give it a go. I didn’t have great long term expectations for the Magic Millions back then.’’

Chester admits the first sale exceeded Waugh’s hopes. “We had 200 yearlings and 20 reserves. The catalogue had a lot of the right type for a sale connection to a two year-old race in the January a year later. However many didn’t read that well in the catalogue. A lot were pretty skinny on breeding,’’ he said.

I

N 1985 Carl Waugh, a complex character, came up with a simple idea, sell a $1m dream to racing enthusiasts. Simple yet brilliant! Queenslander Waugh’s grand plan had a symbolic name, Magic Million. It immediately conjured the notion of fame and fortune in a catchy title.

Waugh gathered some of Queensland’s biggest and wealthiest fellow thoroughbred breeders and presented his pitch.

Sell just 200 yearlings at the Gold Coast and guarantee the $1m total prizemoney from vendor and owner payments. The plan placed a $3000 special payment from vendors to nominate a yearling for the sale and a further $3000 from the successful bidder to become eligible for the big race.

It did not receive universal support from the breeders. Many actually strongly opposed Waugh’s plan. Waugh did draw funding and strong moral support from two breeding colleagues Gordon MacNicol and Merryl Kruger to get the grand plan underway, albeit with some trepidation.

Bloodstock manager David Chester was sent out to garner support from some of Australia’s biggest studs.

“When I drove around the studs, the breeders either hugged me or set the dogs on me. The backlash from some quarters was astonishing,’’ Chester recalled. “My biggest concerns were getting 200 yearlings to the sale and then hoping 16 runners of some quality would make it to the first race.’’

Waugh originally had two non-negotiables in his plans. The sale and subsequent race were to be held on the Gold Coast in a March timeslot. The Gold Coast complex near the racetrack was acceptable to those willing to become involved, but the date was not to a large block of NSW-based breeders. They wanted the sale in early January to have a major bloodstock auction ahead of the well-entrenched New Zealand yearling sale later in the month when a lot of Australian horse money was banked across the Tasman.

“The NSW breeders argued the Gold Coast in early January would have great appeal as a holiday destination for the industry players ready to combine a bit of work with some New Year celebrations,’’ Chester said.

Waugh capitulated. January it was, and thus the sun and surf helped launch a sizzling and sexy marketing campaign.

What a masterstroke it has proved.

Many of the original vendors at the 1986 sale are still wedded to the Magic Millions sale. One of those is Gerry Harvey who was a fan of Waugh’s bold plan from the first time he heard of a $1m race linked to a sale. Harvey, who owns the massive Harvey Norman retail company, became so enamoured of the concept he bought the company. He rates the MM business as a real focus in his ultra busy corporate life.

“I bought my first broodmares in 1972 and have been a bloodstock tragic ever since,’’ said Harvey, who formed a joint venture with John Singleton and Rob Ferguson to acquire the Coast complex and MM sales company in 1998. He subsequently bought out his two partners and is a hands-on owner along with his wife Katie Page, who is a big influence on the thoroughbred company’s activities.

Harvey now owns five horse studs in Australia and New Zealand, almost 500 broodmares, and shares in hundreds of racing stock spread amongst 70 racehorse trainers in the two countries.

Every day Harvey gains great delight in following the fortunes of his racehorses at a myriad of racetracks. “It’s great fun to have an involvement daily. I don’t bet and never have been a gambler on horses, but I get just as much pleasure watching them race,’’ he said. “If you posed the question of

“We had a bit of luck though.

From the first crop we had Snippets, Mother Duck, Boasting and Prince Anton.

They all went on to run in the Golden Slipper. Having Snippets as our flag bearer first-up was like a Gold Lotto win for us.

“The sale went far above our dreams.

We had about 400 buyers around the ring and only 200 horses to sell. The average was just under $32,000. Horses brought double what they would have reached at a normal sale.’’

Long term Queensland breeder Basil Nolan (now president of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia), from famous Raheen Stud near Warwick, was an eager participant in the inaugural MM sale. “I went to the first meeting of Queensland breeders at the Gold Coast and was sold on the idea straight away. I thought it was a marvellous plan Carl put forward. Others weren’t as keen and quite a few tried to have the Magic Million concept killed off before it got off the ground,’’ Nolan said.

Raheen’s first MM draft consisted of three lots. He sold a No Faith filly for $22,000, a Red Tony colt for $13,000, and a Duke Ellington colt for $9000. “I would have got a fraction of that money if we had taken them to the Australian Estates sale at the Brisbane Exhibition grounds,’’ he said.

“I’ve sold at every Magic Millions January sale since, and I’ll be back there with 14 yearlings this January. I love the sale.’’

Jon Haseler, now principal of the highly successful Glenlogan Park Stud, at Innisplain near Beaudesert, was just starting his involvement in the breeding industry under Relesah Pastoral Holdings.

In the 1986 sale Haseler offered a Call Report filly who fetched $13,000, while a John’s Hope colt was knocked down for $14,000. Haseler, who has an accounting and property development background,

was hooked. He is a big Magic Millions fan and will have a large draft again in 2015.

John Messara has been a massive influence on Australian racing and breeding in the past three decades. His Arrowfield Stud is a trendsetter and now he holds the position of chairman of the Australian Racing Board.

“The Magic Millions was a novel idea. It’s gimmicky but it has worked very well. I thought it was an idea worth supporting in that first year and the results from day one with the sale and on the racetrack has given the Millions sustainable credibility,’’ he said.

“It’s the right sale in the right location at the right time of the year. Breeders send their precocious types and they are rewarded with good prices. The buyers get types right for two year-old racing; but there is something for all at the January sale. It works every year. It’s been an unqualified success.’’

At the time of the MM launch sale Messara operated under the banner Middlebrook Park Stud. He sold two yearlings by Rancher, a colt for $24,000, and a filly for $60,000. He was a successful part-owner of Malibu Magic in the second Magic Millions race in 1988.

Sydney-based car dealer and passionate thoroughbred breeder John Muir has only one regret about his involvement in the 1986 MM sale, that he didn’t have more yearlings in the catalogue.

“My initial reaction to the Millions plan was positive. The idea of just 200 horses being eligible to run in a $1m race appealed to me, but I only put a toe in the water the first year. I was so thrilled with my result in 1986 I have been back every year. It’s a brilliant sale.’’ Muir said. “I’d never met David Chester when he first approached me, but we quickly became good friends and I enjoy my contact with him all the time.

The statistics from the January sale are unbelievable.

“The sale is guaranteed a huge crowd every year. The buyers all want to be at the Gold Coast at that time of the year.

I’ve never missed a year and never will as long as I breed thoroughbreds.’’ Muir’s 1986 sale result was a top bid of $24,000 for a Swift Gun filly and $60,000 for a Rancher filly.

Other notable 1986 vendors included the Kelly family’s Newhaven Park, Kruger’s Lyndhurst Stud, Colin McAlpine’s Eureka Stud, the Thompson family’s Widden Stud, Neville Stewart from Oaklands Stud and the Turkington family of Wattle Brae Stud.

All those long-standing nurseries will be represented in the 2015 Magic Millions January catalogue.

Carl Waugh has passed on, but his innovative 1985 audacious thinking has endured and reverberated around the world. Many of the international players who arrive on the Gold Coast for the annual mantra of sun, surf and a sublime working holiday should pay homage to the man who had the foresight and tenacity to deliver the ultimate dream to horse lovers, a million dollar dream.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MAGIC MILLIONS the number ONE Stakes source Magic Millions graduates have completed a memorable racing season helping the thoroughbred sales leader reaffirm its place as Australia’s premier source of racetrack stars.

Black t y p e events won – racing season 2013-2014: 5 - Boban, Stakes Catkins; 4 - Magnifisio; 3 winners sold Amorino, Angel of Mercy, Atlantic

by Magic Millions Jewel, Buffering, Driefontein, Gamblin’ Guru, Spirit during the season ranged of Boom, Unencumbered, Zoustar; 2 - Alpha Miss, Anatina, Bring in price from $750 for the Belmont Classic winner Me The Maid, Conservatorium, Dissident, Dothraki, Eloping, Proceedwithcaution through Enquare, Eurozone, Excellantes, Golden Penny, Hopfgarten, to $1.35 million for Group Hucklebuck, It is Written, Two winning juvenile Miss Rose de Lago, Black type winners Valentia, the 2013 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Moment of Change, top seller.

Oakleigh Girl, Peggy Jean, Petrol Power, Richie’s Vibe, Settle Strada, Sir Moments, Only one horse won Sistine Demon, Sweet more black type events Idea, Testamezzo, during the 201314 racing season Tinto; 1 - Absalon, in 2013/14 and that was the Addiction to Rock, world’s top rated sprinter, the Teeley Assets Aeronautical, Aldini, homebred Lankan Rupee - a star who made his Angels Beach, Anlon, impact with close relations selling for big money at the recent Magic Millions National Sale.

Arinosa, Aussies Love Sport, Bachman, Bassilique, Better Than Ready, Bippo To round out last season with Magic Millions Sales No Bungus, British graduates attaining such General, Buddy prolific black type success Bundy, Bull Point, around Australia is an Cadenza, Champagne incredible result for the company and our clients,” Cath, Charlie Boy, Magic Millions Managing Commanding Jewel, Director Vin Cox said.

Crafty Cruiser, “It’s been a great 12 Distillation, Divine months on the track and with our careful bloodstock Calling, Divine City, races won by MAGIC MILLIONS selection process we’re Dubawi Gold, Dueton, Graduates in the 2013/14 season from confident this trend will Eastern Prince, $11,000 Adelaide Sale buy Happy Trails to continue into the future,” $320,000 Gold Coast queen Atlantic Jewel.

Estonian Princess, Cox added.

Every Faith, Fancy Feet, Fanicio, Fighting Sun, Fillydelphia, Fire Up Fifi, Fixation, Fontelina, Golconda, Gregers, Happy Trails, Star Perth mare Magnifisio Havana, Hidden won four black type events Kisses, Hobart Jones, during the season while nine Inner Warrior, Into other stars won three - that the Red, Kalahaar, group included Group One stars Kiss a Rose, Kneeling, Atlantic Jewel, Buffering, Spirit of Knightlike, Law, Lucky Boom and Zoustar.

In terms of stakes races won, Boban and Catkins Hussler, Luckygray, with five victories were the most successful sale Missy Longstocking, graduates in the country. That pair are both Moonlight Hussler, trained by Chris Waller and were sold at the Mr Vadim, Newton Gold Coast for $100,000 and $85,000 respectively and had amassed over $2.7 million in combined Prince, Pheidon, prizemoney earnings by the end of the season.

Pinch River, Playing God, Prentice, Proceedwithcaution, Queenstown, Risen from Doubt, Riva de Lago, River’s Lane, Rose of Choice, Rouge Dior, Rubick, Sacred Star, Saint Bro, Scorpio Queen, Soldier’s Lass, Someday, Spurtonic, Stagnite, Star Rolling, Tales of Fashion, Temple of Boom, The Cleaner, The Rising, Thiamandi, Traitor, Tukiyo, Valentia, Velrosso. Graduates of Magic Millions have started the new racing season in style with January’s Gold Coast 3YO Guineas winner Sweet Idea winning the biggest race to date in Saturday’s Missile Stakes at Group Two level.

177

“

24 Group One

”

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NEW ZEALAND

50.9 ACRES / 20.638 HECTARES

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The property is well fenced and hedged for practical running of the farm, with a central race providing horse safety as a priority.

A relaxing and serene property for both horse and owner.

Other points of Interest • Farm divided into 27 paddocks, plus cattleyards, shearing shed and workshop • Stable block includeds 8 boxes, feed room, tack room, and attached single person’s self-contained apartment • Second Barn includes two boxes plus mare/foal day paddocks • Excellent quality farm bore water • Main home features an open plan kitchen, dining, lounge, office, and sunny conservatory. Three generous bedrooms have en-suites attached, one with self-contained facilities.

• Lovely sheltered swimming pool and beautiful grounds featuring an abundance of fruit trees • Bush walk with glow worm grotto • High quality lush pastures For Sale Expressions of Interest are welcome www.bayleys.co.nz\89487

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alistair.scown@bayleys.co.nz

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

by Nathan Exelby

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

F

ROM small things, big things will come one day, and the once humble Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale proved this in 2014. The sale emerged as an international success story, grossing just short of $70m, making it comfortably the largest breeding stock sale in the southern hemisphere.

No less than 174 horses cracked the $100,000 mark, which compares favourably to the 155 who exceeded 100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls equivalent in the UK, and each year the National ingrains itself further in the psyche of Australian vendors and international buyers. The sale grossed $19,855,250 in 2012 and averaged $66,000 for the 495 lots sold, which at the time was considered a strong sale. In June 2013 the sale jumped again to a gross of $29,847,500, averaging $71,000 for the 536 lots that went through the ring that year.

Vendors had started to target the June sale as a highly commercial sale to trade mares and race fillies and this was reaping rewards.

So it came to pass that the 2014 Magic Millions National Sale proved the perfect vehicle for Teeley Assets to disperse the most sought after draft of horses ever sent to an Australian bloodstock sale. Events at the Magic Millions Bundall complex on May 28, 2014 have been described as the “most explosive two hours of selling in Australasian Bloodstock history” as 10 mares fetched $1m or more in a period which grossed $23m at an average of $404,000.

The fireworks centred around the grand broodmare Shantha’s Choice (Canny Lad-Dancing Show (USA) by Nijinsky), whose descendants accounted for nine of the seven-figure lots. John Messara, who stands two of Shantha’s Choice’s Gr.1-winning sons (Redoute’s Choice and Manhattan Rain) at his Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley, struggled to recall anything to rival the Teeley Dispersal.

“It’s probably the most precious band of females ever offered in an auction situation,” Messara said. “To think that a lot of it started from one mare is amazing. It’s unusual, because assets like that usually change hands privately. And the money came for them accordingly. It helped the entire sale.

There was a very strong international presence, and in particular a strong US presence, which we hadn’t seen before. It was very exciting.”

Messara was taken by surprise at the strength of the buying bench, admitting “we had to pay over what we originally thought” for the ones he chose for Arrowfield. Topping the dispersal was Monsoon Wedding, a daughter of Shantha’s Choice, who was sold in foal to Pierro to Coolmore Stud for $2.3m.

Coolmore also purchased Estelle Collection, the dam of Lankan Rupee, out of the Teeley Dispersal for $1.4m.

“Both mares are outstanding prospects,” Coolmore’s Tom Magnier said. “Both are proven producers and we look forward to them joining the Coolmore team. Monsoon Wedding is from that incredible family, while Estelle Collection is the dam of a champion and we hope she can produce another.”

Monsoon Wedding (Danehill (USA)), who is a sister to multiple champion sire Redoute’s Choice, had a profound effect on

the sale, as two of her daughters, Precious Lorraine (Encosta de Lago) and Quench the Thirst (Encosta de Lago), each made $1.5m, both sold to Newgate Farm. Another Monsoon Wedding daughter, Your Life Style (Hussonet (USA)), sold for $1.2m.

Newgate Farm’s Henry Field described the opportunity as “a privileged position” to be in. “It is one of the greatest families in the world, a family that has produced champion stallions and you do not get this opportunity very often,” Field said. “We are very happy to have acquired the majority of the family.

It will be the cornerstone of the farm going forward for us.”

Teeley Assets wasn’t the only example of Magic Millions rocking a bloodstock dispersal in 2014. Domestic and international buyers were given another opportunity to tap into blue-blooded thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast complex when the Patinack Unreserved Dispersal was held at the dawn of the new breeding season in September. Ordinarily, the timing for such a high profile dispersal isn’t ideal, but with the quality on offer, buyers from far and wide adjusted their budgets to be a part of the action.

By sale’s end, the Patinack Dispersal had fetched $33.9m, including $600,000 for the top class stallion prospect Hooked (Casino Prince), a subsequent winner of the Crystal Mile-Gr.2 at Moonee Valley and also third in the Epsom Handicap-Gr.1 at his first start following the sale. The Patinack sale, like the Teeley Dispersal, exceeded, showing again Magic Millions’ capacity to promote a major sale.

However their success shouldn’t cloud what was an unbelievable year for the Gold Coast-based auction house. Gross sales for financial year 2013-14 topped $221m, with 17% of that figure traded in export sales, which was up a remarkable 47% on the previous year. The strongest international growth was to the United States, which increased six fold. Japan and New Zealand also doubled.

It would be easy to attribute all of the success to this year’s burgeoning National Sale to the Teeley Dispersal. Certainly it drew unparalleled attention to the Gold Coast in May, but to write it off as the sole reason for the record result would be wrong. Reverting to the number of horses who fetched $100,000 or more, Teeley was responsible for just 32 of those. The rest of the sale stood well and truly on its own merits, with other vendors providing 142 mares or race fillies who inspired buyers to go to six figures or higher.

As Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said at the time, “Funny things happen at auctions, especially when you get high quality bloodstock like we had.”

In many ways, the National Sale has now outgrown its own name, for it is now much more than a domestic sale of bloodstock.

It’s an international event. In an era where racing is without borders and every form guide features horses from all parts of the globe, the Magic Millions National Sale sits comfortably as a source for bloodstock that will be an integral part of that international racing community.

Quench The Thirst

The Broken Shore

Precious Lorraine PAGE

35

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions NEWS & VIEWS SHANE ANDERSON spoke to some of the key movers and shakers of the thoroughbred industry in the lead up to the 2015 Magic Millions Sale and Race Day. Their insights make interesting and informative reading . . .

Bjorn Baker - Trainer

Q: How did you get involved in the industry?

A: “I was always interested in racing as my father Murray has had a long and successful career as a trainer in New Zealand. As a child, I was always working in the stable and enjoyed it. Murray had many top class horses including My Eagle Eye and The Phantom who both came across to Australia and raced well in the early 1990s.

“I moved to Sydney when I commenced a pharmacy degree and I really enjoyed the lifestyle. I had also spent time working at Wakefield Stud in NSW, which was a fantastic experience. After completing my degree, I moved to Europe and lived there for four years. Much of my social life involved going to the races, so my love of the sport was still strong. I worked in the stables of John Oxx while I was there, he is a legend of racing and I learned so much during that period. I returned home as a 29 year-old and was ready to get more actively involved.

Q: Who the way?

has

helped

you

along

A: “Without a doubt, my father Murray has been the biggest influence in my career. After returning from Europe, we went into a training partnership together.

After I made the permanent move to Sydney, this helped open a lot of doors.

When he campaigned It’s A Dundeel in Australia, I oversaw his preparations and that boosted my profile.

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36

“To work with someone like John Oxx is extraordinary; there are not many bigger names in international racing. Great trainers like John Wheeler and Bruce Marsh, when I was in New Zealand, were both great supporters. Brian Nutt, who operates Attunga Stud, is a long time family friend and he has been a huge help.

I have been very lucky to have had so many good influences in my career.”

Q: What do you like the most about the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale?

A: “There is probably no greater social sale in the world. The Gold Coast is a unique place, the sale falls during the holiday season and the weather is usually perfect. The atmosphere is fantastic, people are there to have a good time just as much as they are to buy a horse.

“The standard of yearling offered at the Gold Coast is very good, too good in fact as the price point can often be out of my reach! In all seriousness, there is a horse for everyone. The pedigrees are strong and the yearlings are very athletic, the two most important things I look for in a horse.

“Thankfully, I was able to win the Magic Millions Two Year-Old Classic in 2014 with that type of horse, Unencumbered.

He is now retired and I look forward to buying his progeny at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in the future.”

Tom Magnier - Coolmore

Q: What do you like the most about the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale?

A: “Obviously the venue itself is an attraction at that time of year, allowing as it does for industry participants to attend with their families, which is not always the case at sales around the world.

The fact that it falls during the holiday period allows for a relaxed attitude despite the serious nature of the sale.

“The sales company has always been particularly innovative and accommodating, which makes life easier; and the yearlings themselves, necessarily the more precocious, athletic types that this sale demands, are a ‘must have’ for any serious racing operation.”

Q: What would be top of your wish list for the future of racing and breeding?

A: “More prizemoney and higher yearling prices!

“Seriously, though, racing needs to continue to offer every incentive to owners who ‘carry’ the industry, and breeders who provide those owners with the ‘product’; remember, too, that breeders make up a huge percentage of racehorse ownership.

“The gambling dollar ‘funds’ the prizemoney and underpinning structure of racing, so the government, rather than taking everything it can out of turnover, needs to appreciate and reward the contribution that punters, owners and breeders make to the economy as a whole and employment in particular.

“Beyond that, we would like to see racetrack attendance increase and more young players attend and enter the industry at every level.”

Q: What advice would you give first time players in the industry as owners or breeders?

A: “Start by getting the best professional advice you can. As an owner, choose that advice carefully, whether from an agent or a trainer; once you’ve put your trust therein, leave it to the experts!

“As a new breeder, you can do no better than follow the age-old, proven maxim: ‘breed the best to the best and hope for the best’. If you want a short cut to buying or breeding success, give Coolmore a call!”

Q: What is your best memory from the Magic Millions Sale and Carnival?

A: “Buying Atlantic Jewel (four time Gr.1 winner of $1.5m) as a Magic Millions yearling!

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions News & Views

Chris Waller - Trainer

Q: How did your passion for the racing industry develop?

A: “Growing up in New Zealand, my family would go to the races on a regular basis. My grandparents were hobby owners and we often had many enjoyable days at the track. Thinking back to when I was a child, there was very little sport coverage on TV in New Zealand, and I assume it was similar in Australia, but racing was covered extensively.

“For many people, a day out at the races was a meeting point. It was something special. That feeling has never left me.”

Q: What would be top of your wish list for the future of racing and breeding?

A: “Racing must be as affordable as possible. I would like to see costs being subsidised by those who make the most money out of the sport. Owners and trainers often wear significant costs and the industry must do as much as it can to make racing affordable for these groups, to really understand the financial pressures that exist.

“I feel I have a responsibility to make racing in my stable as affordable as possible. This is not just to my clients, but to also help many others in the industry work to a similar goal.”

Q: What do you consider to be the smartest move you have made in your career?

A: “I always try to keep an open mind, to make my own decisions and to back my own judgement. I think that is one of the keys to my career. Many people find themselves tied to the past, but I try

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Giles Thompson - Betfair CEO

to avoid that as much as possible. I will learn from the past, but my decisions are always made thinking about what is next.

“An example of this was when I made the decision to move to Sydney and increase my numbers. Many doubted this was a good idea, thinking I would struggle. Most people would probably say no. Yet it was what I needed to do to make myself successful and I backed my judgement.”

Q: What is your buying yearlings?

strategy

to

A: “Whether you are buying yearlings or older horses, I think the most important thing is that you have an understanding of how many you can cater for and how many can you sell. You should never over extend yourself. The most important thing is to look for value; and it is always important that the owners get a horse who will allow them to get their purchase price back.”

Q: What do you like the most about the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale?

A: “I am always after a racehorse, one you can take home and train for longevity.

I don’t have a particular horse in mind and I am not necessarily after an early two year-old type. I want well conformed horses who you can race and will give the owners a run for their money.

“The great thing about the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale is that you will find a horse to suit many needs, so there will be those owners who want to run in the Two Year-Old Classic who get satisfaction, just as there will be those who are want to be more patient in their approach and equally get their needs met.”

Q: Could you give us an outline of Betfair?

A: “Betfair operates the world’s leading betting exchange, where punters bet against one another at odds of their own choosing,” Betfair CEO Giles Thompson said. “The exchange gives punters better odds and more flexibility than bookmakers or the TAB, including the ability to bet in running right up to the winning post and to back, lay, and trade any runner or selection on sport and racing worldwide.

“Alongside the betting exchange, Betfair offers a full suite of traditional bet types like exotics, multis and best-tote style bets on racing, making it a one-stop shop for the modern punter.”

Q: How does Betfair work?

A: “The betting exchange is betting in its purest form. By allowing customers to take either side of the bet, that is, to ‘back’ or ‘lay’, their selection, odds on the Betfair exchange represent the true probability of a horse, team or player winning an event. There is no bookmaker telling you what odds you have to take, in fact you can request any odds you like on the exchange, and if someone is prepared to

oppose (or ‘match’) your bet – you’re on.

“On the betting exchange, you’re not actually betting against Betfair, rather it holds the funds of both punters, giving the loser’s money to the winner after applying a modest commission.

Given Betfair markets do not have the big margins of the bookies or totalisators, punters’ dividends are regularly higher than any wagering operator in the Australian landscape.”

Q: What are some popular bet types?

A: “While back and lay bets on the betting exchange unquestionably account for the highest volume of bets at Betfair, the popularity of our Best of Five offering on feature metropolitan events is rocketing up. Best of Five returns the highest dividend of the three Australian totes, the bookmakers’ SP and the Betfair Starting Price, which is taken from the betting exchange right at the jump.

“This bet type allows customers to harness the power of the betting exchange in a straightforward bet type found in Bookmaker Mode.

So strong is Best of Five that it paid more than the industry standard on 27 of the 37 races of the Melbourne Cup Carnival including every single race on Emirates Stakes Day.”

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions News & Views

Tony Gollan - Trainer

Kevin Maloney - Segenhoe Thoroughbreds

Q: What do you like most about the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale?

Q: How did you get involved in the industry?

Q: Who is the best horse you have been involved with?

A: “My father Darryl is a horse trainer and I was always involved in his stable, attending the sales and stud farms. There was no pressure on me to follow suit, but I wanted to be a trainer and I took out a training licence very early in life, I was only 20 at the time.

A: “It has been great training Gr.1-winning brothers Temple of Boom and Spirit of Boom, both were outstanding gallopers for many seasons and they raced consistently at the elite level.

“I started out with just a few horses, my parents owned two of the four I trained. I had some early success, my first metropolitan winner came when I was 22. Her name was Nova Serrure and she went on to win the Silk Stocking on the Gold Coast.”

Q: What is the current state and extent of your business?

A: “I now have more than 100 horses in the stable and train from Eagle Farm where I have 60 boxes. In the 15 years I have been training much has changed, and the best thing I did was to make the move to Eagle Farm as I have a fantastic set up here. I thank Kevin Dixon for initially making that approach.

“It was a gradual process to move the horses from Toowoomba to Eagle Farm, which gave me the opportunity to get things set up the way I wanted. Thankfully, I have had plenty of success since.”

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“However, in many ways, it was their mother Temple Spirit who was the more important horse. I was in my mid to late 20s when she arrived in the stable from Colin and Scott McAlpine’s Eureka Stud, and Temple Spirit won eight races for me at a crucial time. To think she would then produce my two Gr.1 winners is quite extraordinary.”

Q: What is your best memory of the Magic Millions Sale and Carnival?

A: “I buy most of my yearlings from the Magic Millions Sale each year, aiming for 10 to 12 horses. I have been coming to this sale since its inception as a young child with my family, so I know it so well.

There are horses for everyone here and that is what makes it such a great sale. The fact that it is held at such a great time of the year adds so much and there are not many better places to be than on the Gold Coast in January.

“I think the best memory I have of the carnival is when Spirit of Boom won the Magic Millions Cup in 2012, that was such a thrill and I was able to share that occasion with so many friends and family.”

A: “The sunshine! There is such an amazing atmosphere at the Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast and the weather surely plays a big part in that; but it is also the unique nature of the selling auditorium which adds to the atmosphere. The sales ring is undercover, there are big tables for the bidders, and it all adds up tremendously well to make an exciting experience.

“Being on the Gold Coast during the holiday season also allows for the rare opportunity to mix business with pleasure. It is a very serious sale, but there is a relaxed approach to the whole thing which makes it very enjoyable.”

Q: What is the current state and extent of your business?

A: “Segenhoe Thoroughbreds operates under a 360 degree model; we breed, sell, buy and race. This sets us apart from many others in the industry in that we are equal parts buyer and seller.

“Each part of the business has its own operating model; there is a racing manager to oversee that part of Segenhoe, just as there is a breeding manager. Our approach is that we operate from an asset management viewpoint. Having a 360 degree model means we are very conscious of portfolio risk.”

Q: What advice would you give first time players in the industry as owners?

A: “I think the most important thing any

person getting involved in the racing industry needs to know is, what is it that you actually want to be? People will often say they want to own a horse, well in what capacity? There are so many opportunities for people to get involved these days. You can lease, enter through syndication or take outright ownership, but you really need to ask yourself what will suit your needs, and finances, best.

“Like anything, before you make an investment in racing it is important that you have done your homework and know as much about what you are investing in as possible. There will always be risks but you need to understand that as best as you can. If you enter via syndication, examine the track record of the syndicator and ask questions of people who have dealt with them. Similarly, if you go into outright ownership, learn as much as you can about the breeder and the trainer you intend to use.”

Q: Best memory from the Magic Millions Sales and Carnival?

A: “My first Magic Millions sales purchase was Sister Madly, who we got for $1m at the 2011 National Broodmare Sale. She won another $400,000 in prizemoney for us in only four starts. This included the Salinger Stakes-Gr.2 at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day. She also finished runner-up to Sepoy in the Manikato Stakes-Gr.1.

“I have 14 quality yearlings going through the Magic Millions Sale in January and one of them is a colt by Sepoy from Sister Madly. Fancy that, the quinella from a Gr.1 race providing a yearling for the sales ring. I am hoping this foal becomes my best memory of the sales in years to come!”

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions News & Views

Alex Kingston - Kia-Ora Stud

James Harron - Bloodstock agent wonderful clients for whom we purchase and manage a range of different bloodstock, from weanlings through to stallion shares.

Overall, James Harron Bloodstock aims to be a full service Bloodstock Agency, taking care of every aspect of our clients’ bloodstock needs. We aim to cover every base, with acquisitions obviously being the cornerstone, while also covering services such as accounting, marketing, media and website construction.”

Q: How did you get involved in the industry?

A: “Horses have always been a huge part of my life, and it was initially through showjumping that this hunger was fed.

Growing up I also spent many summer holidays working on different farms within Ireland, most notably Coolmore, and saw my angle to make a career in the racing world.

Q: How did you get involved in this industry?

yearlings, which is something we are very proud of.

A: “When I finished high school I did a Bachelor of Business (Equine Management) at the University of Sydney Orange Campus where I got a taste for track work and breaking in.

During my time at university I rode track work for about six years in total as I kept riding after I finished my studies.

“Some of the great success stories from Kia-Ora include Exceed and Excel, who was a brilliant racehorse and now highly successful stallion in both hemispheres; Igugu, a champion in South Africa; and Elzaam, who was the first European stakes winner for Redoute’s Choice and a very good racehorse. We are also proud of the quality broodmare band we run on the property.”

“I then wanted to explore other avenues of the industry, so I went to Lexington, Kentucky. I only had the intention of staying there for 12 months, but that developed into six years of amazing industry experience. I met and worked with so many great industry leaders during that period, across many different aspects. It was also a brilliant opportunity to be involved with some of their best horse sales, and to be able to learn from so many people.”

Q: What is the current state and extent of your business?

A: “I work for Kia-Ora Stud as the stud manager. Kia-Ora Stud has such a long and successful history, producing many great horses in Australia and also internationally. Over the years, this has included six Melbourne Cup winners, five Cox Plate winners and 15 Derby winners. For more than 80 years, Kia-Ora Stud has had a reputation for producing well prepared and athletic PAGE

42

Q: Who has helped you along the way?

A: “I have had some great industry mentors during my career, two fantastic people have been Meg Levy and Peter Orton. Meg is the owner-operator of Bluewater Farm and Sales in Lexington, Kentucky and Peter is well known in Australia as the general manager of Vinery, Australia.”

Q: Is your family involved in the business?

A: “My husband is the stallion manager of Vinery Stud, so you can safely say that the thoroughbred industry is certainly a family affair for us.”

Q: Best memory from the Magic Millions Sales and Carnival?

A: “Testa Rossa winning at the 1999 Magic Millions Two Year-Old Classic.

He was a magnificent colt, who went on to be a successful racehorse and then stallion; but that was the race that first put him on the map and made people take notice.”

Having studied equine business at Agricultural College I went straight out into the field, working for a number of top-class Irish operations including Paul Shanahan’s farm in Tipperary where we were preparing and selling yearlings at the very highest level. At 19 I got the chance to travel to Australia and work for Coolmore doing a yearling preparation and this time is what ignited my love for this country.

A position as an assistant with Gai Waterhouse soon followed, working very closely with the legendary George Smith who was selecting her yearlings at the time. After a year with Gai, I was recruited back into Coolmore Australia as a member of the nominations sales team, where I stayed for two years during which time we were selling nominations to nineteen stallions.

The time spent with Gai and at Coolmore was an incredible grounding, which led to me taking up a position as an agent with international agency de Burgh Equine where I spent another two years working with Hubie, selling and buying horses in a wide variety of countries.

In 2011 I took the step out on my own, setting up James Harron Bloodstock which will have been running for four years come January.”

Q: What is the current state and extent of your business?

A: “Australia is our main focus for the agency, we are blessed with some

Q: What would be top of your wish list for the future of racing and breeding?

A: “In my opinion Australia is leading the way in racehorse ownership. There is great prize money on offer and the mainstream publicity that racing enjoys is second to none, making the industry in this country a very exciting one to be involved in.

That said, I think we can always improve upon the race programming and facilities for owners at some of our smaller racetracks could do with being improved.

I also believe we should continually work towards higher prizemoney throughout Australian racing in order to keep the vibrant landscape which it boasts so well.

Breeders’ bonuses should also be reviewed as they invest a lot of money on a high-risk basis and should be rewarded when they breed top-end horses that are successful on the track and not just in the sales ring.”

Q: Who is the best horse that you have been involved with?

A: “Foxwedge will always be a special horse as he represents the whole package of what we are trying to achieve. He was purchased as a yearling, his racing career managed through to Gr.1 success and then sold as a stallion.

Of the others, a Melbourne Cup win with Fiorente was unbelievably exciting and assisting the owners during the stallion deal for Pierro was similarly so, it is not every day you get to be involved with a Triple Crown winner.”

Q: Approximately how many yearlings do you buy in an average year?

A: “This figure varies plenty from year to year, but last year all told we bought 92 yearlings, many in conjunction with Gai Waterhouse and Round Table Racing.”

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

THE EYE OF A CHAMPION Colt buyers get the chance to reap rich rewards

B

UYERS who go home with a colt from the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale have a history of getting more than they bargained for, with winners of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic having a habit of being a success at stud. Six of the seven colts to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic-RL have sired Gr.1 winners, and last year’s victor, Unencumbered, has only just begun what could be an illustrious career at Three Bridges Stud in Victoria.

So what makes a good colt tick? We went looking for an insight into the unique characteristics of each of these racetrack heroes.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

The eye of a champion was able to forge with the owners.

Time: 1:09.03

“That’s the type of thing all of the prizemoney in the world can’t buy, I am still friends with the guys today,” he said.

St Jude sired the NZ Gr.1 winner Little Jamie and the Gr.1 placed Regal Centre (16 wins) among 150 winners of $7m.

Cost: $20,000 at 1996 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Glengarry Stud Buyer: Tosh Murphy Trainer: Bill Mitchell Jockey: Mick Dittman

1994 BRAVE WARRIOR (Cossack Warrior-Nothing to Do (USA) by Nijinsky) 2nd St Covet 3rd Discreet Lady Margins: Long neck x 2.5 lengths

Snippets

1987 SNIPPETS (Lunchtime (GB)-Easy Date by Grand Chaudiere (CAN))

NZ-based sire Pins, Snowland, Spartacus, Sublimate and Casual Pass among progeny who collected more than $35m in prizemoney.

Time: 1:09.90 Cost: $22,000 at 1986 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Gregadoo Stud Buyer: Dalgety Bloodstock as agent Trainer: Sally Rodgers Jockey: Phillip Smith ANDREW Augustine was a teenager when Snippets dominated the sprint ranks in his two and three year-old seasons and remembers the horse his father refused to part with as the “patron saint of Magic Millions”.

Andrew’s father John was peppered with big money offers for Snippets throughout the brilliant performer’s career, but refused to sell the winner of the first Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic during his career. Snippets cost Augustine just $22,000 at auction and could have been sold for 20 times that even before that memorable 1987 win on the Gold Coast.

“Dad loved the horse and so did I,” Andrew said from his Melbourne home. “I wasn’t there the day he won the Magic Millions, but I was at the track for many of his other great wins. I remember the big rivalry with Mother Duck going into the race, but he was just too good and bolted in. I think he is considered the patron saint of Magic Millions. He was an amazing racehorse, he was brilliant enough to break track records on dry tracks but still tough enough to win Gr.1 events on heavy ground.”

Snippets went on to an impressive career at stud, mostly at Arrowfield, Scone, with nine Gr.1 winners, including leading

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Cost: $22,000 at 1993 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Emirates Park Buyer: Eric Kirwan Trainer: Eric Kirwan Jockey: Neil Williams

2nd Prince Anton, 3rd Mother Duck Margins: 4 lengths x half-length

Time: 1:10.24

1990 ST JUDE (Godswalk (USA)-Out of Danger by Atilla (GB)) 2nd Trustful, 3rd Quick Score Margins: Short head x 0.75 lengths Time: 1:10.61 Cost: $25,000 at 1989 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Arrowfield Stud (As Agent) Buyer: Wilton Bloodstock Trainer: Bruce McLachlan Jockey: Brian York FORMER jockey Brian York says piloting St Jude was more like riding a motorcycle than a racehorse, such was the versatile sprinter-miler’s ability to switch on and off during a race. Plagued by bad barriers throughout his brilliant career, York said St Jude’s remarkable tractability won him races a more hard-going horse would have lost.

“You could really chase him out of the barriers and be where you wanted to be in the run, but when you wanted him to settle he would come back underneath you right away,” York said. “He was precocious and had enough speed to win at two and in sprints, but was just as good or even better over a bit further because of that ability to relax. It’s so rare to have a colt like that, to use him at the start and have him be able to switch off.”

York said he has never been so confident as he was on Magic Millions day, but in the end, St Jude only won the race by a short head. The jockey said the most special part of St Jude’s success was the friendships he

THE stud career of Queensland pin-up boy Brave Warrior was ended way too soon, but despite his limited opportunities as a sire, the influence of this gentle giant continues to flow through Magic Millions history. A paddock accident cruelly cut short brave Warrior’s time at stud and allowed him just two seasons to leave his mark. One of his progeny though, Show A Heart, turned into another home state hero by winning four Gr.1 events, including a famous victory in the Stradbroke Handicap.

Show A Heart is now doing at stud what Brave Warrior never got the chance to achieve, and in 2007 produced a Magic Millions winner with Mimi Lebrock.

He is also the sire of Gr.1 winners Heart of Dreams, Woorim and Toorak Toff (who is carrying on the line at Rosemont Stud, Victoria).

Eureka Stud’s Scott McAlpine remembers a horse that stood a towering 16.2h but was “like a pussy cat” to handle. “Just as well too, because if he had any spry of nastiness in him, he would have been impossible to handle,” McAlpine said. “He had some size about him, big shoulder, a big barrel and long rein and that helped make him a great racehorse, but he had a wonderful temperament too.”

GENERAL Nediym may have been a muscle bound speed machine on the track, but in the breeding barn he was a slow coach who liked to take his time and required a “harem” of mares to keep him satisfied.

Widden Stud’s Derek Field recalls the handsome chestnut’s stud career fondly.

“He didn’t have any issues with fertility, or results, obviously, but he certainly had a reputation as being . . . slow,” Field said, choosing his words carefully. “We had a paddock with some Clydesdale mares, his harem if you like. They were his girlfriends and we would bring one down for him, before he would go to a mare, to get him interested.”

A dual Gr.1 winner of the VRC Newmarket Handicap and Lightning Stakes, General Nediym won 13 races and more than $2m in prizemoney for the Ashdown family who bred and raced him throughout his career.

General Nediym fought his way from the bottom to near the top of the Australian sire ranks, producing many precocious performers, many of whom bore a striking resemblance to the speedster. Among a host of stakes winners including the Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1 winner Mrs Onassis and NZ Gr.1 winner Warhorse (Tougher Than Ever), General Nediym produced two fillies to go on and emulate their sire by winning the two year-old Magic Millions. Regimental Gal (also a dual Gr.1 winner) triumphed in 2003, while Military Rose won in 2010.

1999 TESTA ROSSA (Perugino (USA)-Bo Dapper by Sir Dapper) 2nd Sally Magic, 3rd Shalt Not Margins: 4.25 lengths x neck Time: 1:09.5 seconds Cost: $45,000 at 1998 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Collingrove Stud (As Agent) Buyer: Dean Lawson

1997 GENERAL NEDIYM (Nediym (IRE)-Military Belle by Without Fear (FR)) 2nd Special Dane, 3rd My Halo Broke Margins: 1.5 lengths x long head

Trainer: Dean Lawson Jockey: Eddie Cassar THE very first-time trainer Dean Lawson put Testa Rossa up against other horses he was ready to strangle jockey Eddie Cassar for going too fast, before he realised what a freakish thoroughbred talent he had on his hands.

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

The eye of a champion

St Jude

General Nediym

Testa Rossa “We put him in an educational jump-out at Flemington,” Lawson recalled. “He wasn’t even two yet technically, so I just wanted him to have a look around and he was in against some older horses. He ended up pulling his way to the front of the heat and finished close up with a handy type trained by Bart Cummings.

At first I wondered what Eddie was doing, up near the lead, but then I realised he just couldn’t hold him, he was swinging off him and he still beat most of the older horses handily.”

Testa Rossa has not only managed to produce a Magic Millions winner in last year’s hero Unencumbered, but an international Gr.1-winning sprinter in Ortensia and Gr.1 winners Rostova and Testafiable. Lawson isn’t surprised at Testa Rossa’s success in his second career and he is now one of the leading lights on the roster at Vinery, Scone. “He was an absolute natural, anytime you asked him to do something, it was like he had done it before,” Lawson said.

2005 BRADBURY’S LUCK (Redoute’s Choice-Skating by At Talaq (USA)) 2nd Emit Time, 3rd Snitzel, Al Samer.

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Brave Warrior Dead heat for 3rd.

Margins: 0.75 lengths x long neck Time: 1:09.45 Cost: $225,000 at 2004 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Segenhoe Stud Buyer: Graeme Rogerson Trainer: Graeme Rogerson Jockey: Hugh Bowman FROM racetrack hero to stud farm lothario, Bradbury’s Luck has taken to his second career, that of sire, with relish.

While some stallions slink off to the back corner of the paddock when it is time to go to the mating barn each day, the 2005 Magic Millions winner has no such problems maintaining a healthy libido.

The 12 year-old has turned white, but age certainly hasn’t wearied him at stud where he takes to his work with glee for Glenlogan Park.

“He loves his job more than most stallions, you just can’t stop his libido,” said Glenlogan Park Stud’s general manager Steve Morley.

“What happens is that a lot of stallions slow down as the season draws on, but he is exactly the opposite, the more work you can throw at him the more he loves it.”

While sometimes a strong libido can equate to less than pleasant character traits in stallions, Bradbury’s Luck

maintains a gentle and relaxed nature in the paddock and when being handled.

“He is an absolute gentleman to handle,” Morley said of the horse best known as the sire of multiple Gr.1 hero Luckygray.

Glenlogan Park has had a strong association with Magic Millions over the years, not only standing two former winners at stud, St Jude and Bradbury’s Luck, but two of its stallions also siring Magic Millions winners. Show A Heart sired 2007 winner Mimi Lebrock, while last year’s winner Real Surreal is by Real Saga.

2014 UNENCUMBERED (Testa Rossa-Blizzardly by More Than Ready (USA)) 2nd Oakleigh Girl, 3rd Ruby Soho Margins: 0.75 lengths x 2.25 lengths Time: 1:09.60 Cost: $70,000 at 2013 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Newhaven Park Buyer: Bjorn Baker Trainer: Bjorn Baker Jockey: Nathan Berry

THE image of Nathan Berry returning to scale after winning last year’s Magic Millions on Unencumbered, arms outstretched and aloft, while standing high in the irons, is for many the enduring memory of a career, and life, tragically cut way too short. What many don’t know is that Berry came out of the saddle after the finish line when Unencumbered stumbled, and it was what happened next that spoke volumes not only of the special relationship between horse and jockey, but the talented colt’s relaxed demeanour.

“Unencumbered just stood there and waited for Nathan,” said the colt’s trainer Bjorn Baker. “It was remarkable really, most two year-olds, especially a colt like that, would be off and gone, they would normally just bolt, but he just stood there as quiet as an old gelding. He was a wonderful horse to do anything with, a pleasure to train. It makes your job so much easier as a trainer when there are no issues with temperament.”

Baker obviously recalls the day fondly, being both his and Nathan’s biggest win at that time. “We miss Nathan every day (the jockey died on April 3, 2014), and we will always have that memory,” Baker said. Unencumbered is standing at Three Bridges Thoroughbreds in Victoria, looking to emulate the other outstanding Magic Millions winners who have found success at stud.

VICTORIA THE STATE TO BREED, OWN AND RACE

An enticing $12.5 million in Super VOBIS bonuses have been programmed for the 2014-15 racing season, bringing the total rewards on offer across the VOBIS incentive schemes to a record $19.4 million.

Horses must be first be nominated for Super VOBIS, which carries bonuses from $9000 to $30,000 on two, three and four-year-old races, to be eligible for entry into the lucrative VOBIS Gold incentive scheme.

Super VOBIS Nominations for 2013-born foals are now open Closing Monday 2 February 2015 Late Nominations* close Monday 31 August 2015 VOBIS Gold Nominations close Monday 31 August 2015 (*incur additional fees)

Racing Victoria 400 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031 T 03 9258 4694 F 03 9258 4326 E vobis@racingvictoria.net.au W owner.racing.com

RV_622_VOBIS_MM_FPC_255x332_FA04.indd 1

Join the Conversation @RacingInsider #VOBIS #VOBISGold

13/11/14 2:13 PM

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Rob Slade

Adriaan, Rika, Kyla and Danielle van Vuuren

Andrew Ferguson

Sue and Grahame Begg

Anton Koolman

Apollo Ng

Bob Scarborough

Caitlin Lavin and Robyn Wise

Cameron Croucher and Bill Mitchell

Alex, Donna and Greg Kolivos

Alvin Lui

Andy Makiv, Julie and Alastair Pulford

Andrew Noblet and Tony Stein

Andy Williams

Basil Nolan Jnr and Ciaron Maher

Basil Nolan

Bjorn Baker

Bede and Paul Murray

Brad Spicer

Bruce Neill

Bryan Carlson and Trevor Lobb

David Moodie, Brent Stanley and Adam Sangster

Bruce Slade

Barbara Joseph and Paul Jones

Connie and Nestor Chan

MMGC2014 SALE DAY FACES

Teresa Poon

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Catriona Rowntree

Tony Williams

Charlie Avramovic

Chauncey Morris

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Craig Rounsefell

Colm Santry

Cliff Brown

Chris Munce and Peter Moody

Dermot Farrington and John Muir

Cheng Ting Kong

Duncan Ramage and Caroline Searcy

Tony Pike

Graham and Linda Huddy

Christian Nicolussi and Chris Roots

Chris Waller

Karl Brown

Tom and Sam Pritchard-Gordon

Alan Jones

Jon Freyer

David White and Peter Orton

David Raphael and Giresh Melwani

Clinton McDonald

Peter Creighton

Vin Cox and Patrick Esplin

Danny Bougoure

Darren Dance

David Azzopardi

Chris and Michael Ward

Eliza Park International Team

Damon Gabbedy

Richard Laming

Glenn Burrows

Yoo Jae Hyong

Danny O’Brien

Danny Shum

Phillip Bruce and Graham Daws

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

David Henderson

David Kobritz and Anthony Freedman

Trevor Cruz

Demi O’Byrne and Rowena Smith

David Hayes

Dean Hawthorne

Dean and Adam Watt

Reg Kemister

Gerald Ryan and Damion Flower

Denise Martin

Duncan Grimley

Eric Butler

Gary Portelli

Ged Nolan

Go Shigemi and Tom Sekiguchi

Tom Magnier

Andrew Bowcock

MMGC2014 SALE DAY FACES

Ed McKeon and Paul Perry

Gai Waterhouse

George and Richard Kelly

Gerry Harvey

Glen Harvey

Kris Lees

Warren Taylor

Graeme Rogerson and Kevin Moses

Guy Mulcaster

Henry Dwyer

Henry Field

Henry Plumptre

Hirokazu Okada

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Greg Hickman and Ray Willis

Harry and Arthur Mitchell

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Hoss Heinrich

James Bester

James Harron

Wylie Dalziel

John and George Moore

Jason Abrahams and John O’Shea

James Cummings

Jason Warren

Richard Kelly

Jess Brown and Natasha Kent

John and Helen Page

John and Kris Messara

John Hutchinson and Rick Worthington

John Street and Paul Beamish

Kelsey Riley

Kate Nivison

Judy and Brian Marheine

Jenny McAlpine and Bernadette Cooper

John Cornish

Kai Fai Leung

John Foote and Adrian Hancock

John Warren

Justin Bahen

Joe O’Neill and Walter Power

John Hutchins and Colm Santry

John Singleton and Venessa Merrin

Kevin Moloney

Phillip Stokes and Tony Cavanagh

John, Wayne and Michael Hawkes

Tony McEvoy, Adam Sangster, Matt Benson and Jason Robinson

Julian Blaxland and Jonathan Crowley

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MMGC2014 SALE DAY FACES

Len Treloar

Laurence Eales

Louis Le Metayer

Levi and Mark Kavanagh

Mark Player

Mark Richards

Michael Costa

Paul Frampton and Jon Kelly

Murray Murdoch

Murray Tillett

PAGE

Louise and Steve Gillard

Mark Riley

Matthew Cain

Mick Sharkie, Jason Azzopardi, Amy Johnson , Lenny Russo and Gabby Sharpe

Mick Dittman

54

Leon Corstens

Michael Freedman

Mick Price

MV Magnier

Neville Parnham

Liam Birchley

Lloyd Kennewell

Mark Pilkington

Liam Prior, Geoff Grimish and Chris Waller

Matthew Smith

Merrick Staunton and Rob Smerdon

Michael Wallace

Mick Shannon

Paul and Mike Moroney

Mal Nutt and Paul Messara

Paul Lafferty and Lionel Cohen

David Payne

Anthony Cummings

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Paul Snowden

Paul Willetts

Peter Snowden

Peter Horwitz and Adam White

Richard Pegum

Ricky Yiu and Dean Hawkes

Ron Quinton

Sam Kavanagh and Kelly Fawcett

Stephen Theodore

Wendy Lapointe

Peter Liston

Reg Inglis

Rob Waterhouse and Johnny McKeever

Shunsuke Yoshida and Yusuke Tsukuhara

Tommy Wong, Joseph Choi and Peter Ng

Willie Leung

Richaard See

Robbie Griffiths

Peter O’Brien

Peter Moody and Simon Miller

Robert Roulston

Russell Cameron

Scott Seamer

Shanon and Mike Azzie

Steve Burridge

Weiho Marwing, Rowena Smith and Michael Leaf

Garry Frazer

Sue and Alan Olive

Ryan McEvoy and Grant Burns

Scott Irwin and John Holloway

Star Thoroughbreds

Stuart Ramsey and John Sargent

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

‘Spectator’ turned buyer thanks to $1m colt he couldn’t resist

Sale topper Lot 434 Redoute’s Choice - Hades $1m

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

A

MERICAN Jon Kelly and his wife Sarah made their maiden voyage to the Gold Coast last January.

Fully intending to be a spectator at the prestigious Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Jon wound up signing the $1m ticket on the most expensive youngster offered, a purple-pedigreed son of leading sire Redoute’s Choice. The bay colt’s second dam is the champion Hasna, and he was prepared for his Magic Millions date by his breeders, the Kelly family (no relation) of Newhaven Park Stud.

“I’ve got a great affinity for Australia and for the horses,” the retired television executive explained. “It was my first trip to the Gold Coast, with no intention of buying anything. I was sitting there talking to Reggie (Inglis), and Gai Waterhouse came over and I said to Reggie, ‘Hey, let’s go take a look at the best yearling in the sale’. We hunted down (Magic Millions Managing Director) Vin Cox, and asked him which were the best filly and the best colt, and we went out to look at them.

“I liked the colt very much, and it was very serendipitous: the man who bred our horse, his name is John and his wife’s name is Sarah, and their last name is Kelly,” the California resident recalled.

“So I think it had to be! Let’s hope we’re lucky with this one.”

The highly regarded colt, out of the Encosta de Lago mare Hades, has been named Red Knot, and is in training with Gai Waterhouse. Kelly will eventually race the colt with partners. “Reggie is my racing manager in Australia and he owns five per cent,” Kelly said. Another percentage in Red Knot was allotted to Paul Frampton of Merriwa. “We’d been out to dinner two nights in a row and got along well. He’s a cattle and sheep farmer in Australia, a very pleasant fellow, and we got along immediately. I don’t think he’d ever bought a major horse like that before.”

Born in Berkeley, California, just across the bay from San Francisco, Kelly first attended races on the country fair circuit in Sacramento. He helped run his family’s KCRA-TV station in Sacramento, and later owned another television station

in Seattle. Kelly sold his broadcast businesses in 1998, but still maintains interests in real estate development and banking. However, Kelly never allowed his business success to deter his passion for natural pursuits.

“I’m an avid hunter and fly-fisherman, I try to go every year to New Zealand as it is one of the prettiest places in the world. It’s got everything that California has, plus a glacier. It has big mountains, it has great skiing, saltwater fishing, it has great hunting, and it’s very outdoorsoriented. When I first went down there 40 years ago, I played tennis and fished, from Auckland down to the bottom of the South Island, and I had a delightful experience with the people. It’s a special place in my life. You could compare it to an African safari or Alaskan adventures, and New Zealand and Australia, those are the three top places in the world as far as I’m concerned.”

Jon and Sarah Kelly began to make serious investments in American bloodstock after Jon sold his broadcasting interests. They raced Borrego, a son of El Prado who captured a pair of $1m events in 2005, the Pacific Classic-Gr.1 and Jockey Club Gold Cup-Gr.1. The couple also campaigned Graded stakes winners Meridiana and Vacare. The Kellys reside at their Tres Palomas Farm in Rancho Santa Fe, which is just five miles from the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. It’s no surprise that their biggest racing thrill thus far took place at that picturesque oceanside venue.

“It has to be winning the Pacific Classic with Borrego here at Del Mar, and then he won the Gold Cup in New York,” Kelly offered. “We’ve had a lot of excellent moments, but I was so excited with that race, it was a $1m race and the purse was $600,000, so for a senior citizen, there’s no bigger thrill.”

There are plenty of horses at Tres Palomas, but not the racing kind. “My daughter (Melanie) and grandaughter (Hannah) are big-time show jumpers,” he said proudly. “Hannah is 12 years-old and beating the adults. She won a show (at Del Mar in October) and it was a big thrill

around the house, it’ll probably cost me a ton! She won both overall and her (age) division, and I think she got about $5000 total. She told her grandpa that she’ll be 18 for the (2020 Tokyo) Olympics! If she maintains her enthusiasm and her modesty, that will be a factor. She is so competitive, it is unbelievable. It’s a thrill to watch her, really it’s as much fun as winning the Pacific Classic.”

Kelly has been focusing his bloodstock acquisitions overseas in recent years.

The Californian has a son of Sea the Stars he acquired for 500,000 guineas. He also has a three year-old Galileo colt named Mizzou, a 275,000-guineas yearling purchase who has progressed admirably this season. Mizzou is trained by Luca Cumani, and Kelly hopes the colt might book his own trip to Australia.

“He’s won three from five races this year,” Kelly said of Mizzou. “He’s being aimed next year for the Gold Cup (at Royal Ascot). Luca has run second twice in the Melbourne Cup. He wants to win one, and I hope he does it with one of mine.”

The thrill of racing has a hold on Kelly for the foreseeable future. “I’m addicted,” he quipped. “Unless I go broke I don’t see myself getting out of the game. On my tombstone I’d like it to say ‘Practical Futurist’. I like to think about the future, but I want to be practical about it. You have to be realistic about your expectations when you do these things.”

Kelly admits he sometimes needs to follow his own advice. The aforementioned Sea the Stars colt is named Lunasea, and he made a belated debut for Cumani in late October. “I’m breaking my own rule here, he is to die for,” Kelly said.

“I don’t name any of my horses, my wife does, but I named him Lunasea, because I guess I might be a lunatic. He’s about to turn four. He grew up a bit too big, and every time we’d get him ready there’d be a little problem, so we had to back off.

They wanted to geld him, but I said ‘no way!’ Maybe I’m not being practical, but he’s so beautiful. He’ll win, but will he be any good? Tune in next year.”

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Be in the race series offers almost $6m!

NEARING $6,000,000 in prizemoney annually, the Magic Millions Race Series is the perfect exponent of the Magic Millions philosophy of innovation, participation and fun at the racetrack, win, lose or dead-heat.

Complementing the Magic Millions Yearling Sale Series, as nomination is exclusive to horses offered at these sales, it is the world’s richest sales based incentive Race Series that has evolved from ground-breaking concept to global brand.

The Magic Millions Race Series is synonymous with the showcase Gold Coast Yearling Sale. When the first Magic Millions 2YO Classic was run and won in 1987 by Snippets, it became the race that created the sale we know today as one of the premier yearling sales in the world. Magic Millions’ continued commitment to returns to industry participants who purchase a yearling from their sales, from both a financial reward viewpoint and through providing a positive race day experience, will again be on display in the 2014-15 racing season.

The series is truly national with races programmed across six states of Australia, giving every yearling buyer the opportunity to nominate and be in the race for exclusive prizemoney and a memorable day at the track, and there is not just prizemoney to be won. With six races in the series recognised with Restricted Listed black type, a win could add weight to your bank balance and your horse’s pedigree page.

Let’s take a tour of Australia to see where you could be in the race!

Magic Millions race program 2014-15 Date

Prizemoney

Magic Millions Race

Distance

Location

Sat 22 Nov 2014

$200,000

Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Clockwise Classic

1000m

Ballarat, VIC

$100,000

Magic Millions Ballarat 3YO Classic

1100m

Thu 18 Dec 2014

$200,000

Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (Restricted Listed)

1100m

$100,000

Magic Millions Wyong 3YO Stakes

1200m

Wyong, NSW

Wed 31 Dec 2014

$50,000

Magic Millions 2YO (Bonus if winner is nominated to MM Race Series)

1050m

Toowoomba, QLD

Sat 10 Jan 2015

$2,000,000

Magic Millions 2YO Classic (Restricted Listed) - plus

1200m

Gold Coast, QLD

$500,000

Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus

$1,000,000

Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (Restricted Listed)

Wed 11 Feb 2015

Sat 14 Feb 2015

1400m

$400,000

Magic Millions Cup (Restricted Listed)

1400m

$200,000

Magic Millions Open Sprint

1100m

$200,000

Magic Millions Stayers Cup

1800m

$200,000

Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Hcp

1300m

$100,000

Magic Millions Class 6 Plate

1200m 1200m

$100,000

Magic Millions Maiden Plate

$50,000

Brooklyn Park Magic Millions 2YO Classic

1200m

$50,000

TasBreeders Magic Millions 3YO Classic

1200m

$250,000

Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic (Restricted Listed)

1100m

$100,000

Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy (Restricted Listed)

1200m

Launceston, TAS

Ascot, WA

Mon 9 Mar 2015

$100,000

Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic

1200m

Morphettville, SA

Sun 26 Jul 2015

$40,000

Goldfields Magic Millions Classic (2&3YO)

1200m

Kalgoorlie, WA

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Bundy Racing Pty Ltd would like to present a unique property for sale

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a beautiful property Breanna Lodge is a premier stable rental facility located at 221 Pierce Avenue, Bells Creek.

It is directly across the road from Sunshine Coast Turf Club’s Corbould Park Racecourse, approximately one hour north of Brisbane.

Breanna Lodge covers one acre of freehold land, with 59 boxes within the grounds, all currently leased to five trainers.

At present, these boxes are divided into five individual areas with lockable gates to ensure security and privacy.

Each individual section includes horse tie-ups, feeders and wash bays.

Also on the immaculately landscaped premises are feed rooms, tack rooms, wash bays, two sand rolls and one 8-horse horsewalker.

The property is also under 24-hour surveillance with cameras installed around the property.

POA Private sale by owner – Colin Wundenberg – 0421 696 395

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Sky’s

F

ROM the age of nine, Bernadette Cooper began believing her dream of becoming a jockey could become reality. Watching leading lady rider Pam O’Neil finish second to her dad’s (a hobby trainer) horse Hogan’s Hope at the Gold Coast ignited her idea.

A cheeky little blonde, Bernie knew horses were in her hopes and dreams for a happy life. “When Pam rode past that post I thought what a great idea, get paid to ride horses,” she recalled with a laugh. From that day on Bernie would fantasise about riding winners and reaping the rewards.

The popular identity now seen regularly on Sky Racing TV, live from the Sunshine Coast or Ipswich, now jubilantly proclaims, “I did what I dreamed all my life and now I have the best job in the world.” Race day host and form analyst, often alongside Sky host and former leading jockey Larry Olsen, Bernie knows her horse talk inside out. Her hands-on horsemanship, knowledge on the track and passion for the sport, glows and shows in her bubbly personality and presence on screens throughout Australia.

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It all really began with a riding apprenticeship at the age of 15 to trainer Paul Sutherland, stabled at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. With her first ride in August 1990, her dream started to take shape. By 1992-93 Bernadette was named Queensland’s first female Champion Apprentice, initiating a successful career that resulted in 650 race wins in 15 years.

Moving to Sydney in 2000, Bernadette’s career as a jockey blossomed, with her best win being in the AJC JRA Cup-Gr.3 aboard The Man, for Paul Sutherland.

Group wins included the AJC Triscay Stakes for Gary Portelli and the Keith Nolan Classic at Kembla for the late Guy Walter. Most exciting in her mind, was her second place behind champion Sunline in the STC Coolmore Classic on the John Singleton-owned mare Gentle Genius, trained by the late Tony Wildman. “That was a big highlight for me, like the day I rode a treble at Rosehill, now that was a real thrill,” Bernie, as she is fondly known, added.

When asked about her most memorable moment however, Bernie recalls her first Gr.2 ride. “It was in Brisbane in a race called the Ansett Stakes back then,

the limit From jockey to TV identity, Bernadette Cooper

and I was on a 200/1 shot. I was the only one who could make the weight (49kg).” Space Moon, the long-shot, was trained at Warwick Farm by a trainer of Italian background and character called John Polletti.

be seen interviewing jockeys after they pass the post in the Brisbane, Darwin and Hawkesbury carnivals and also on Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast in January.

“I remember shaking and waiting anxiously for him in the mounting yard.

I could have fallen over with nerves.

He trotted in late, and I had all the anticipation of waiting for his riding instructions, but all he said to me was . . . ‘go out on the track and forget you are a girl’. It was the funniest moment in my riding career that I can remember.”

Most recently, the Sky Racing coverage of the Queensland January Magic Millions sale from the ring, saw Bernie leading the screen team with live interviews and auction action commentary. The Gold Coast January Magic Millions Sale and this year’s Patinack Dispersal kept Bernie on the run, compiling breeding stories and interviewing budding bidders around the ring.

After a riding stint in Macau, and a race fall that kept her on the ground, Bernie returned to Brisbane; but this time not to ride. Instead she got the call from Sky TV. Sky Racing had tracked her down and requested she do a screen test. With no formal television training but all the race knowledge and know-how, Bernie looked the goods and came up trumps to land an on-screen role on the nation’s racing TV. That was in 2010 and Bernie now not only heads up Sunny Coast race days but gets a gig on the pony during carnivals. Experienced with a microphone in hand while in the saddle, Bernie can

“I love the sales and look forward to January on the Gold Coast. It’s so different from race days, with so many stories behind the scenes of hopes for high prices and racing dreams. Magic Millions in January is just full-on fun, families on holidays, people in party mode, bidders, buyers, breeders, anticipation in the auction, magnificent young horses parading everywhere, everyone looking to achieve that racing dream. I just love it. I can’t wait to do it all over again and luckily I get there by Sky, to be right in the midst and part of it all. I really do have the best job in the world.”

CHECK OUT OF YOUR ROUTINE. Check in for a well-deserved break.

Indulge in some “you” time at Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. We’ll take care of the essentials, leaving you time to rest and rejuvenate so you can enjoy your stay, your way.

Our Unforgettable Moments package starts from $269.00 for stays between October 27 and January 18 2015 and includes: • Accommodation for two adults • Full buffet breakfast for two adults • Enjoy lunch on us in our rooftop revolving restaurant Four Winds 360° Book direct to enjoy this great offer.

IHG® Rewards Club members receive complimentary internet.

Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

www.crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au

Ph: 5592 9900

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

4

of a kind

Z

Magic Millions is thrilled to announce its line-up of talented ambassadors who will be visiting the Gold Coast in January for the 2015 Carnival.

ara Phillips, MBE, Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, will return to the Gold Coast in January 2015 for the Carnival following her success as the inaugural Magic Millions Racing Women Ambassador in January 2013.

The second-eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, Zara won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and is a member of the Great Britain Eventing Team, recently qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

World leading equestrian rider and Australian Olympic representative Edwina Tops-Alexander, was also recently announced as a Magic Millions 2015 Ambassador.

Edwina has regularly been ranked as the highest female show jumping rider in the world. Impressively, she is the only rider to have won the coveted Global Championships Tour crown on multiple occasions, and is the only female ranked in the top 10 on the tour this season.

“I am passionate about what the Racing Women initiative is seeking to achieve both in Australia and internationally. I don’t think anyone imagined the success of the initiative in its first year. As I was watching at the Gold Coast Turf Club, Racing Women eligible horses finished first, third and fourth. It was an incredible feat for year one,” Zara Phillips said.

“I have seen first-hand the fantastic opportunities the horse industry can offer women, so it is a pleasure to support Katie Page-Harvey in her vision to educate and encourage Australian women to further explore the many ways they can achieve success across this sport,” Edwina said.

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International

Racing

Commentator

and Jeep Magic Millions Spokesperson Francesca Cumani is also returning for the week-long carnival. Francesca is one of the most recognisable faces in racing, the daughter of world class trainer Luca Cumani and an amateur jockey herself, riding track work and competing in amateur races. Francesca will be lending her expert commentary skills to the Channel Seven broadcast of the Jeep Magic Millions Raceday.

“Magic Millions is special. I love how laid back it is, yet there’s serious work to do.

It would be really exciting to see more women buy horses on their own and keep them in training. I don’t see why it shouldn’t be the case,” Francesca said.

Rachael Finch, the glamorous third runner-up at Miss Universe in 2009 and an accomplished television personality,

joins the festivities as a Magic Millions Carnival Ambassador in 2015. Born in Townsville, Queensland, Rachael is excited to be returning home in January as part of the Seven broadcast team for the Jeep Magic Millions. Rachael works for the Seven Network as a reporter for several of its programs across current affairs and sports telecasts. She has worked as part of Seven’s reporting team for the network’s coverage of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, co-hosted The Great Outdoors and, more recently, various sports related segments.

The ambassadors will take part in a variety of events hosted by Magic Millions, including the barrier draw on the famous Surfers Paradise beachfront and the glamorous R.M. Williams opening event.

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

AUDOWN Aussie dollar drop equals value for MM visitors

W

HILE a drop in the dollar can hit Aussie tourists heading abroad in the hip pocket, that type of economic climate can be a value for money boon for overseas buyers coming Down Under for the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale. The Gold Coast sale is an essential marketplace for serious buyers from across the globe. The first Australian yearling sale of the year has long attracted support from the strong Asian markets, but add to that increasing interest from the United States, South Africa and an assortment of northern hemisphere-based bloodstock agents, owners and trainers in recent years.

Foreign buyers spent $37m in the past financial year on Australia’s best bred horses at Magic Millions, with exports up 47% in 2013-14. Buyers come for quality horseflesh, first and foremost, and of course the unique atmosphere and hospitality provided on the sun-drenched Gold Coast. However, a comparatively low Australian dollar certainly gets visitors more bang for their buck in the sales ring.

“When the dollar is dropping and the market isn’t moving, which is the case, it makes buying at Magic Millions an attractive proposition for our overseas buyers,” Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said. Cox explained that while the bottom fell out of the northern hemisphere auction market because of the Global Financial Crisis six years ago, Europe is now rapidly returning to bigger prices, and the top end of the market has been pushed further skyward by the influence of cashed-up Qataris. The Australian market was less scarred by the events of 2008, and the local market has stayed stable.

“Our market hasn’t made the jump as the northern hemisphere market has in the past few years,” Cox said. “Bottom line is, if

the Aussie dollar drops from near parity with the US dollar down to that 85-87 cents mark, it becomes a more cost effective proposition for overseas buyers.

The dollar is dropping and the market hasn’t moved.”

Mark Richards is the man entrusted with the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s cheque book each year. While he is spending in the $200,000 to $500,000 bracket, he says it is much easier to buy to a budget at Magic Millions than at European and American sales because of the aforementioned market stability.

“Even though it is the first sale of the year, it is much easier to know what to expect price wise at Magic Millions, it’s far more predictable,” Richards said, “and while a low Australian dollar doesn’t affect which horses I can buy, it certainly makes a difference in what we pay for them in the end. I can see where it would be a huge factor for those on a stricter budget.”

Cox said a dip in the Australian dollar and the substantial prizemoney increases in recent years gives Hong Kong buyers an opportunity to go back to a buying style of past years and purchase groups of yearlings, rather than individual lots.

“Twenty years ago the Hong Kong buyers were very active in the yearling markets, buying three or four and preparing or qualifying them in Australia, then taking

the best of them back to Hong Kong, and retaining others to race on in Australia,” he said. “So not only does the better deal with the dollar make a difference, the fantastic prizemoney in Queensland and New South Wales now makes it a more viable option to buy more than one horse.”

Of course Magic Millions is more than just a destination for Asian racing devotees, but for horsemen and women from all around the world. Magic Millions’ strongest growth export sales in 2013-14 were to the United States, increasing six fold, while Japan and New Zealand doubled and significant increases were recorded to Hong Kong, South Africa, Ireland and South Korea.

American couple Jon and Sarah Kelly made an immediate impact at the 2014 sale, buying a handsome colt by Redoute’s Choice for $A1m. When spending that much, a five-cent difference in the Australian dollar represents a $50,000 discount.

This could mean an extra bid that makes the difference in securing a desired lot, or simply some extra spending money for a spot of shopping while on a working holiday.

$37mil. spent last year at MM sales

“The Gold Coast is a fun place to be and our sale appeals to the American psyche and style,” Cox said. “We have a great attitude to our racing, and we are laid back in atmosphere and focused on relationships at Magic Millions.”

South African trainer Mike Azzie has been attending Magic Millions since 1992.

Azzie has a habit of picking up bargains at the sale, and with the South African rand steadily dropping since 2010, he said the strength of the Australian dollar made a big difference to his budget. “Absolutely, every bit helps when you are dealing with the rand,” he said. “I can assure you that if our rand recovered and was on par, I would be buying up big. So a lower Australian dollar has a positive effect for us.”

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

MMGC2014 WINNING CONNECTIONS

ANYMORE - $100,000 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa Magic Millions Plate

DRIEFONTEIN - $200,000 R.M.Williams Magic Millions Handicap

$12,000,000 – dollars spent on the GCTC to ensure patrons had a more comfortable experience at the Millions last January

SWEET IDEA - $1,000,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas

7 – of the last 10 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winners have been Fillies

69.6 – seconds for Unencumbered to win the 2014 Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic

18 – the number of MM races annually across 6 states of Australia – 6 of them recognised with RL black type

VELROSSO - $400,000 Amvin-Air Charter Specialists Magic Millions Cup

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64

$5,940,000 – dollars, the prizemoney on offer nationally in the MM Race Series

COMMANDARE

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

NOISY OCEAN - $200,000 Oracle Magic Millions Stayers Cup

$9,218,000 – the number of dollars the horses that ran on MM Raceday cost at MM Sales

WHITTINGTON- $200,000 Myer Magic Millions Sprint

$32,424,495 – the total earnings as at 27 October 2014 of the horses that ran on MM Raceday and 482 the number of wins

UNENCUMBERED - $2,000,000 Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic

$137,000,000 – the amount of prizemoney earnings by MM graduates in the 2013-14 season

1987 – the year Snippets won the inaugural Magic Millions

Oakleigh Girl -$500,000 Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus

6,200 – the number of wins worldwide by MM graduates in the 2013-14 racing season

E - $100,000 Sky Racing World Magic Millions Plate

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65

BB-ad-v2.qxp_Layout 1 1/12/2014 11:27 am Page 10

Heroes

& Champions

The horses, jockeys, trainers and events that made Australian racing great

If racing is your passion, this is the perfect Christmas gift.

Illustrated with the finest examples of Australian equine art.

Painstakingly researched by Bob Charley this magnificent publication is a large folio work of just under 280 pages, with high quality illustrations including two superb fold outs. It has been printed on art quality paper and the print run is strictly limited to 1000 copies.

In his Foreword, legendary journalist Les Carlyon AC writes, " Few have tasted racing at so many levels as Bob Charley. This book of his is a journey in time. Bob has reminded us that context matters, that racing is a tapestry, a culture as well as a sport. For that we are in his debt " Archer, Carbine, Phar Lap, Tulloch, Kingston Town, Bart's many champions, Tommy Corrigan, Banjo Paterson and all your heroes are featured.

$165

each

Order now to guarantee pre-Christmas delivery

shop.bluebloods.com.au

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

It’s GOLD COAST time Accommodation guide

Jupiters Hotel & Casino is located in Broadbeach, the heart of this vibrant city.

Enjoy world-class facilities which combine the luxury of an international hotel with the 24 hour excitement of a Casino, live entertainment, two new vibrant restaurants and bars and a brand new poolside experience complete with private cabanas. Set amongst 7 stunning acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is located on its own lush tropical island with the beach just a short stroll away!

Shopaholics will revel in the nearby Pacific Fair and Oasis Shopping Centres.

Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Sofitel Gold Coast is positioned in the centre of cosmopolitan Broadbeach, 200 metres from patrolled beaches and beachside parks and an easy walk to Broadbeach’s array of savvy shops, cafes and restaurants.

The beautifully appointed 296 rooms offer breathtaking Pacific Ocean or Hinterland views and exude comfort with contemporary furnishings, individually controlled air-conditioning, stunning marble bathrooms with separate bath and shower, private balconies, LCD televisions and movie channels with high-speed internet connection.

Hotel facilities include the multi award winning Room81 restaurant and bar, the award winning Bistro On3 poolside restaurant, TC’s bar and gaming lounge, guest library, internet lounge, tennis court and two magnificent outdoor pools.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

T

he beautiful Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, located just a few minutes from Surfers Paradise, is a destination in itself. Recently announced as the Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation at the 2014 QHA awards, the resort features five star restaurants and facilities, coupled with exemplary service. Closely located to the Surfers Paradise light rail station, the Hotel is minutes away from popular shops and attractions.

The resort is renowned for Australia’s most unique aquatic playground featuring private sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, rock grottos and spas as well as a spectacular saltwater lagoon which provides resort guests with the opportunity to swim and snorkel with an array of tropical fish.

After an exciting day at the sales, enjoy a stunning spread of ocean treasures, artisan antipasto, summer salads, exotic curries, Asian inspired dishes, wood-fired pizzas, European classics, and a dessert buffet featuring an array of decadent treats at Citrique Restaurant – awarded Best Seafood Restaurant at the Savour Australia™ Restaurant For further information on any of the hotels featured here or to make a booking utilising Magic Millions’ special rates, contact Natasha Dawson at: natashad@magicmillions.com.au

& Catering HOSTPLUS Awards 2014. For those who love Japanese teppanyaki, join the entertaining dining experience at Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, where the hot teppan tables become a stage for Marriott’s talented teppanyaki chefs. The resort’s Lobby Lounge Bar is another popular spot where you can enjoy beautiful views of the resort’s landscaped gardens and lagoon whilst sipping on a refreshing cocktail, or sharing platters from the new sticks and stones menu.

Additional facilities at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa include the Lattouf Hair & Day Spa, Benihana’s Sake Bar, Java+, a Connectivity Lounge, the Elandra Retreat Club and a 24 hour gymnasium.

Magic Millions guests staying during the Carnival in January will enjoy additional benefits including access to a dedicated reservations specialist based on property, complimentary shuttle transfers to the Gold Coast Turf Club on Magic Millions raceday and dining offers at the resort’s award-winning restaurants.

Complimentary shuttle buses will run regularly from the Sofitel, Jupiters, the Meriton and Crowne Plaza to the Magic Millions Complex each morning, and returning at the conclusion of each day’s selling.

Settle in to the Gold Coast and relax at Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise.

Towering over one of Australia’s favourite stretches of coastline, Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is nestled between the buzz of the Surfers Paradise entertainment strip and Broadbeach’s chilled local dining scene, easily reached with the Florida Gardens Light Rail stop located just metres away.

Wake up to the sounds of the surf in one of our many ocean view rooms, studios and suites, and breakfast on your own private balcony overlooking the beach – which is only a short stroll from the hotel. During the day, treat yourself and find a quiet spot to take advantage of our waiter service by the two huge outdoor pools. Later on, watch the sun set over Surfers Paradise from Four Winds 360°, Queensland’s only revolving restaurant.

Crowne Plaza

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Our five favourite

DINING SPOTS in Surfers Paradise T

hink you know Surfers Paradise? think again. The Gold Coast’s original epicentre has been rejuvenated and is now overflowing with a renewed energy you’ll love.

From ultra-contemporary, to traditional with a twist, Surfers Paradise is host to an emerging café and restaurant scene with a tasty array of beachfront cafes, upmarket five-star restaurants and holiday classics such as fish ‘n’ chip shops and ice creameries. The precinct’s culinary diversity makes it a dining attraction for Gold Coasters, foodies and visitors alike.

With the new light-rail network now connecting from Broadbeach and neighbouring precincts, now’s the perfect time to rediscover an icon – Surfers Paradise.

Here are five of our favourites

Citrique

Seaduction Restaurant + Bar

With executive chef Steve Szabo at the helm, Seaduction Restaurant + Bar has become one of Queensland’s most illustrious eateries, with an innovative menu where quality ingredients meet technical prowess. Dishes such as the house speciality entrée of Shaved Spanish, Iberico ham “Pata Negra” served with

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Crusty Bread, or the Handmade Tortellini of Goats’ Cheese with Baby Beetroot Gel, Crushed Walnuts, Mandarin and Burnt Butter have earned the restaurant numerous awards and accolades.

Seaduction offers a separate lunch and dinner menu, as well as a specialty degustation menu for diners wanting to

taste as much of the magic as possible.

Seaduction Restaurant + Bar, Level 2, Soul Surfers Paradise, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.

Breakfast seven days, Lunch and dinner Tue-Sat. www.seaduction.com.au

Located on the Ground Floor of the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, the award-winning Citrique’s Mediterranean inspired a la carte menu offers dishes such as Veal Escallops flambéed with Brandy, Cream and Mushrooms, or Barramundi Pelle Croccante with Lemon Butter Sauce. The buffet features a selection of world cuisines with succulent fresh seafood, sushi, antipasto, yum cha, curries, Indonesian satays and European dishes cooked right before you to desserts handcrafted by Citrique’s team of pastry chefs.

Citrique, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

Open seven days. Phone: (07) 5592 9772.

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Absynthe

The Michelin Star chef Meyjitte Boughenout heads the talented team at Absynthe, Surfers Paradise’s five star modern French cuisine eatery. Voted Queensland’s Best Restaurant five years in a row by Gourmet Traveller, and nine years in a row from AGFG, the Absynthe menu features show stoppers such as Slow Poached New Zealand King Salmon with Parmesan Custard and Black Olives, and Chilled Strawberry Soup with Yoghurt

Salt Grill Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan brings his renowned culinary flair to Salt grill, the signature restaurant at Hilton Surfers Paradise. Combining his creativity, expertise and passion with the finest and freshest local produce, Luke brings guests the definitive Modern Australian dining experience with dishes such as Jamón Serrano Crumbed Bone Marrow, with Truffle Oil, Parmesan, and Parsley, or Twice Cooked Blue Eye Trevalla wrapped in Pancetta, with Crushed Peas and Preserved Lemon. There are also fiveand seven-course degustation menus.

Salt Grill’s 157-seat dining room, features large, dramatic circular windows which overlook Orchid Avenue, along with an open kitchen.

Salt Grill, Hilton Hotel, Level 1, Orchid Tower, Surfers Paradise.

Open for breakfast and dinner 7 days, and lunch on Fridays. www.saltgrill.com.au

Ice Cream and Wasabi Pearls. Absynthe offers both an a la carte and degustation menu. The degustation menu, “A Journey in to Taste”, allows diners to savour seven sumptuous dishes.

Absynthe Bar and Restaurant, Q1 Building, cnr of Surfers Paradise Bvd, Clifford St and Hamilton Ave. Open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday. www.absynthe.com.au

Elston Restaurant + Bar

One of the most relaxing and picturesque locations in Surfers Paradise, Elston Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a holistic and rustic menu, with a casual look and feel.

The menu features a host of easy-eating options such as including burgers,

sandwiches, salads, and share plates, all prepared and presented with a contemporary twist.

Successfully flowing from breakfast café to late night wine bar, Elston Restaurant & Wine Bar is chic and modern, with friendly,

easy going service.

Elston Restaurant & Wine Bar, Soul Building, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.

Open 7am – 12am, seven days a week. www.elstonbar.com.au PAGE

69

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Magic Millions SALE DATES 2015 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE 7-13 JANUARY 2015 GOLD COAST SUMMER RACEHORSE SALE 13 JANUARY 2015 TASMANIAN YEARLING SALE 12 FEBRUARY 2015 PERTH YEARLING SALE 17-18 FEBRUARY 2015 ADELAIDE YEARLING SALE 9-11 MARCH 2015 GOLD COAST MARCH YEARLING SALE 16-17 MARCH 2015 GOLD COAST NATIONAL WEANLING SALE 20-22 MAY 2015 GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE 25 – 29 MAY 2015 GOLD COAST NATIONAL YEARLING SALE 2-4 JUNE 2015 GOLD COAST NATIONAL RACEHORSE SALE 5 JUNE 2015 PERTH WINTER YEARLING SALE 26 JUNE 2015 PERTH WINTER THOROUGHBRED SALE 28 JUNE 2015 GOLD COAST 2YOs IN TRAINING SALE 29 SEPTEMBER 2015 GOLD COAST SPRING RACEHORSE SALE 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 All dates subject to change

For further information please contact: Magic Millions Gold Coast Head Office PO Box 5246, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD 9726, Australia T +61 7 5504 1200 F +61 7 5531 7082 E bloodstock@magicmillions.com.au OR VISIT WWW.MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

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Peter Pryde

Managing Director - Hunter Valley & Export 0429 208 521

Where Quality

will never be compromised AU: 1300 732 267 prydes.com.au

Tina Field

NZ National Sales Manager 0275 423 966 Quality Never compromised Final.indd 1

Hayley-Jane Malcolmson NZ North Island 0272 476 881

Jonathan McNeil NZ South Island 0292 013 950

NZ: 03 312 8646 prydes.co.nz

Grant Boal General Manager 02 6742 3966

Sharon Jarvis Western Australia 0438 995 700

Matthew Pryde New South Wales 0427 172 023

Mitchell Pryde South East Qld 0427 487 963

Rod Kidner

Nth & Central Qld and NT 0427 423 966

David Owen Victoria & Tasmania 0488 552 540

Jessica Jackson Southern NSW 0438 995 700

Lana Robinson South Australia 0427 423 912

22/10/14 12:29 PM

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Warren Wruck

Amarina Farm

QUALITY YOUNGSTERS BY PROVEN PERFORMERS AND YOUNG GUNS

LIKE his father before him, Craig Anderson has become a real stalwart of the thoroughbred industry. “Rugger” as Craig is better known in the Hunter Valley is following in the footsteps of his dad, the late Sid Anderson, whose reputation for broodmare management and yearling preparation was widely admired.

T

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2014 results

100% clearance

he apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and Craig has inherited the family talent for nurturing quality thoroughbreds, with outstanding results over a long period, both in the sales ring and on the track. For the past eight years Craig and his wife Sue have operated the beautifully appointed Amarina Farm on the banks of the Hunter River, just over the water from Denman in the Hunter Valley.

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC?

The 170 ha (420 acre) property was originally established by the late great “break even” Bill Mordey together with his wife Gwenda and has continued under Craig Anderson’s ownership as a producer of premium thoroughbreds for sales such as the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale where the farm will be offering 16 highly commercial yearlings for buyers’ competition.

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “I’ve been selling at Magic Millions since 1987 which was the second sale, so I might not have the record, but I’m definitely one of the regulars. We always look forward to coming up here in January and have a particularly good draft for 2015.

A: “We have colts by successful sires More Than Ready and Husson and young guns Helmet, Dream Ahead and Nicconi, while our fillies are a particularly strong lot including two by proven juvenile sire Exceed and Excel, a Medaglia d’Oro, a Sebring, a Snitzel and a Foxwedge, just to

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

name a few. We have lots of highlights, our whole draft is worth inspecting for sure, including two fillies on behalf of Wingrove Park both closely related to Adelaide Millions winner Sparky Miss, winner of almost $500,000.

“Our More Than Ready colt is out of a city-winning Redoute’s Choice mare from the family of Toorak Handicap-Gr.1 winner Marble Halls and Blue Diamond placed Sleek Chassis. Sebring and Snitzel couldn’t possibly be going any better, and our fillies by these terrific young sires are particularly attractive. The Sebring is out of a Redoute’s Choice mare from a quality family, while the Snitzel is out of a Gr.1-winning mare

by Good Journey, sire of Australia’s mighty weight-for-age horse Happy Trails.

“Two fillies by Earthquake’s sire Exceed and Excel are out of mares by Zabeel and Testa Rossa and that’s just for starters.

Our other yearlings are by Toorak Toff, Dream Ahead, Foxwedge, Medaglia d’Oro, Starcraft, Nicconi, Helmet and Fastnet Rock’s brilliant son Smart Missile. As I said, they are all worth a look, our team will be happy to parade them for buyers.”

Q: Have you ever had a notably disappointing sale who turned out a topliner?

A: “We all have those! It’s part of the business, we lose out on some and do well on others. We once couldn’t sell a Brief Truce colt for $25,000 reserve and later as Play Station he won almost half a million!”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “After weaning, we bring them in for a re-education one week per month from April to August. That’s Monday to Friday when they are rugged, put on the walker, and then back out to their paddock on Friday. It gets them settled and means they can be worked with a lot easier during the actual preparation.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: “To keep on keeping on, and doing things the way we do it. We’re pleased with our methods. Last year we sold all 11 yearlings we bought to Magic Millions Gold Coast in January, four topped $200,000 including one for $350,000 and one for $320,000. They went to good judges such as David Raphael, James Bester, Robbie Laing, Kelly Schweida, Star Thoroughbreds and Gerald Ryan, so we are looking forward to MMGC 2015.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “Usually to the Liars Bar and then a restaurant named Social in Broadbeach.

It’s our favourite.”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “We have a few, Noosa we like a lot and it’s Sue’s home town.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

9

B. F

Toorak Toff (AUS)

Very Cherry (AUS)

37

B. F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Zingara (AUS)

137

B. C

Nicconi (AUS)

Casual Friday (AUS)

174

Ch. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Country Lodge (AUS)

210

Ch. F

Helmet (AUS)

Dual Spark (AUS)

276

B. C

Helmet (AUS)

Gaudeamus (USA)

293

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Grand Journey (AUS)

312

Ch. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Household (USA)

411

B. F

Sebring (AUS)

Madam Redoute (AUS)

489

B. F

Exceed And Excel (AUS)

Noplacelikehome (AUS)

493

B. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Ocean Dream (AUS)

546

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Rain Melody (AUS)

576

Ch. C

Husson (ARG)

Roseneath (AUS)

631

B. or Br. F

Medaglia d'Oro (USA)

Sparks Fly (AUS)

637

Ch. F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Speedy Rossa (AUS)

781

Ch. F

Starcraft (NZ)

Gibraltar Moon (AUS)

Denman NSW 2328 t: 02 6547 1261 www.amarinafarm.com.au office@amarinafarm.com.au PAGE

73

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Arrowfield Stud MM ‘ORIGINAL’ PROVES VALUABLE SOURCE OF STAKES WINNERS

FOR most of the past decade Paul Messara has been on the yearling buyer’s side of the fence, spotting talent for his Scone stable on behalf of clients including the Messara family’s Arrowfield Stud. The 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale marks his first appearance on the other side of the sales equation, as manager presenting Arrowfield’s 30-lot consignment.

2010-13 MMGC

23

Stakes Performers sold

Sweet Idea’s owners and trainer Gai Waterhouse celebrate her MRC Tristarc S.-Gr. 2 victory. Purchased at the 2012 MMGC Sale for $240,000, she has now earned more than $2 million.

Arrowfield manager Paul Messara

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74

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC?

Q: What have been your MM racing highlights in recent times?

A: Arrowfield has been selling at Magic Millions since the first sale in 1986 and the Gr.1 winners we’ve sold there since include Belle du Jour, Fashions Afield, Nothin’ Leica Dane and Magic of Sydney. Our young sires Snitzel, Not A Single Doubt and All American are Magic Millions graduates and Arrowfield also stood Snippets, winner of the first Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 1987.

A: Arrowfield graduates and stallions have had a strong series of runner-up finishes in the 2YO Classic with Snitzel’s daughters Oakleigh Girl in 2014 and Sweet Idea in 2013, and No Looking Back (Redoute’s Choice) in 2012. They followed a brilliant victory by Karuta Queen (Not A Single Doubt) in 2011, but of course, we’re keen to get another win in 2015!

Snitzel has also had a terrific run in the 3YO Guineas with Sweet Idea and Estonian Princess first and second in 2014, Sizzling second in 2013 and Top Drop third in 2011.

Q: Who are Arrowfield’s star graduates from recent Magic Millions sales?

A: 2014 has been a very good year for buyers of Arrowfield Magic Millions yearlings, including: Sweet Idea, bought by Gai Waterhouse and James Harron, who has added two

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Gr.2 wins and two more Gr.1 placings this season. She’s now won more than $2m and represents everything we’re proud to breed.

Hijack Hussy, purchased by Joe O’Neill’s Prime Thoroughbreds and trained by Tony Gollan, she won a Listed Race in great style on Cup Day at Flemington.

Oakleigh Girl, a Gr.3 and Listed winner at two, and runner-up in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic for Dan Bougoure and the Gillard family.

Traveston Girl, runner-up in the 1000 Guineas-Gr.1 for Tony Gollan.

Havana, a Gr.3 winner in Brisbane during the Winter Carnival.

Modello, a stakes winner in Perth for his buyer Elio Galante.

Bachman, bought by Jadeskye Racing and trained by Gerald Ryan to Gr.3 juvenile success and stakes-placed form at three.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: 2014 was a special year for Arrowfield.

Redoute’s Choice and Snitzel became the first father and son to quinella the Australian Sires’ Premiership; Redoute’s Choice’s son Lankan Rupee was named Australian Horse of the Year; All American and Manhattan Rain both made tremendous starts with their first runners; Animal Kingdom’s first foals were everything we hoped for; and Dundeel won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes-Gr.1 at The Championships, then served a full book of quality mares in the spring.

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights.

A: We’re excited to be marketing the first yearlings by brilliant two year-old Smart Missile. He’s been extremely popular with breeders from the minute we announced his fee in 2012, and I’m sure he’s going to be equally popular with buyers. The colt out of Negotiate is very forward, a great example of what Smart Missile is leaving.

The Snitzel-Clean Sweep filly, SnitzelCovertly colt and the Redoute’s Choice-Line Honours filly all appeal on pedigree and type, and our two Charge Forward colts are smart types too. The Laissez Faire colt is a very good sort, and the Joy Ride colt is a half-brother to Spring Carnival stakes winner Hijack Hussy.

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: At Magic Millions, 2YO stakes winner Assail was a shrewd purchase at $40,000 by trainer Clarry Conners; and Startsmeup didn’t sell but ended up winning more than $750,000 over five seasons for his breeder Glen Heran.

Arrowfield Magic Millions graduate Oakleigh Girl wins the VRC Ottawa S.-Gr.3 on debut

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: There are always good opportunities to buy horses that aren’t obvious stand-outs but have the capacity to develop into Classic winners, older sprinters, milers and middle distance horses. The Magic Millions Sale provides plenty of those, as well as the precocious two year-olds it’s famous for.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

87

B. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Aussie Christmas (USA)

89

Br. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Avarice (NZ)

162

B. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Class Success (AUS)

163

Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Clean Sweep (NZ)

177

Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Covertly (AUS)

196

Ch. F

Starcraft (NZ)

Deposition (AUS)

203

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Distinctive (AUS)

208

Ch. F

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Double Ranga (AUS)

249

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Flavoured (AUS)

267

B. or Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Frenchs Forest (AUS)

282

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Glendelvine (AUS)

308

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Hokuspokus (AUS)

317

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Hurried Choice (AUS)

339

Br. F

Gio Ponti (USA)

Jemison (AUS)

346

B. or Br. C

Charge Forward (AUS)

Joy Ride (AUS)

376

B. or Br. C

Charge Forward (AUS)

Laissez Faire (AUS)

389

Br. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Line Honours (AUS)

442

Br. F

All American (AUS)

Mirovaya (AUS)

454

Br. F

All American (AUS)

Miss Victoria (AUS)

485

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Negotiate (AUS)

499

Ch. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Overblik (AUS)

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

641

Ch. C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

St. Therese (AUS)

663

Br. C

All American (AUS)

Tang (AUS)

A: We always want to breed as many Gr.1 winners as possible, but in particular I’d love to breed a Derby winner by each of our new sires, Animal Kingdom and Dundeel.

691

Br. F

All American (AUS)

Tumble Turn (AUS)

700

Br. C

Starcraft (NZ)

Accomplishment (AUS)

759

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Driven Snow (USA)

788

Br. F

Beneteau (AUS)

Growing Market (USA)

812

B. or Br. C

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Marlena Rose (AUS)

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

860

B. C

Beneteau (AUS)

Sassy Peg (AUS)

870

Br. C

Show a Heart (AUS)

She's a Pretender (AUS)

It’s also worth looking for value beyond the fashionable stallions to find yearlings by proven sires with good stats that don’t have a current top horse.

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: First class people are essential and Arrowfield’s yearling team, led by Denis Griffin, and our farm team, led by Dave Morrissey, all do an outstanding job. A yearling’s sale prep starts at conception, so early nutrition, care and handling are vital. Then it’s important to match horses to sales and the final stage is education and fitness. Each horse has to stand and walk correctly, and be fit enough to cope with the entire sale process as well as the transition to breaking-in and stable life.

A: Home!

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: Don’t eat sausage rolls at postponed race meetings!

Scone NSW t: 02 9909 5555 (Sydney) 02 6545 3999 (Scone)

e: arrowfield@arrowfield.com.au www.arrowfield.com.au John Messara: 0419 220 774 Jon Freyer: 0408 583 888 Paul Messara: 0438 248 258 Andy Williams: 0437 167 258 PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Liam Ferguson

Attunga Stud

NORTHERN METEORS LEAD A STRONG DRAFT

CONSISTENTLY a vendor at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale for more than a decade, Attunga Stud, Scone, will again present a small but quality selection of colts and fillies. The stud’s premium draft includes two yearlings from the final crop of Northern Meteor, the Champion First Season Sire of 2012-13.

2014 results

$145k avg.

8 sold $ 1.16 million gross

I

n a relatively short amount of time Attunga has gained a reputation as a producer of high quality racehorses.

This has been built on the simple foundation of providing the essential ingredients for horses to grow strong and healthy: a healthy environment, a nutritious diet and expert care. The natural landscape of gently rolling hills and undulations is perfect for producing sound animals for thoroughbred racing.

In addition, specifically designed nutrition programs and expertly maintained pastures combine with natural grasses to provide the necessary balance for raising young thoroughbreds.

Attunga will present two yearlings by the late great Northern Meteor

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76

Brian Nutt, who owns and operates Attunga, ensures all horses at the property get the best care possible.

Expert staff members are employed and strict guidelines are followed to ensure each horse receives the attention required to present a healthy, fit and sound horse at sale. It is no surprise then

that Attunga has had yet another great year in the Magic Millions sales ring. Back in January the stud’s yearling sale draft drew interest from all quarters, with all youngsters paraded snapped up by high profile trainers and buyers.

At the Patinack Dispersal Sale in September Attunga presented one of only two lots offered by vendors other than Patinack Farm.

That lot happened to be Believe’n’Succeed, dam of Gr.1 winner Bounding. This mare was purchased by Coolmore’s Tom Magnier for $1.1m, the sale’s highest price. With another strong Magic Millions draft at the ready, 2015 is shaping up to be another successful year for Attunga Stud.

Q: Brian, how do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “Generally I like to keep later foals for the later sales. For the Magic Millions I

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

will look to take yearlings who were born in August and September, and sometimes October if they are forward. From there the criteria is mainly focussed around type. Pedigree has an influence, but type is most important.

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “We established Attunga in 2000 and our first visit to the Gold Coast under that banner was for the 2001 sale. I was selling with Wakefield for several years prior to that as well.”

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “Well we’ve had a second and a third in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Combat Kitty was runner-up in 2011 and Demanding Miss was third to Military Rose in 2010. We’re yet to have a winner but we’ve been close!

“As for selling I would say the 2014 sale was a highlight. We had an extremely good sale; none of our horses were passed in and our fillies sold as well as our colts. We had Asian buyers as well as leading trainers like Gai Waterhouse, Peter Moody and Paul Moroney. It was a great result.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “Our highlight for this year was selling the mare Believe’n’succeed for $1.1m at the Patinack Dispersal Sale, where she was the sale topper. She is a great mare, her yearling (by Street Cry) is as good as anything bred at Attunga. We’re also lucky enough to have some Northern Meteors, he was a stallion I had always followed. We’re now following his best son Zoustar. As far as the farm is concerned we’ve diversified our services and increased the focus on spelling, particularly for racehorses. Our clients include the likes of trainers Bjorn Baker, Gerald Ryan and Chris Waller.

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We’re presenting 11 yearlings for the Magic Millions sale. We have two really nice Northern Meteors, a colt out of Sophielicious who I’m selling on behalf of Brian Agnew (who we purchased Attunga from in 2000) and a filly out of Centashani. There’s also a lovely colt

by Starcraft from the multiple stakes winner Libor Lady. He’s a cracking type.

A: “I like first season sires who I think are going to be commercially good value. I put a lot of emphasis on how the stallion rated as a racehorse, not necessarily how many he won. I also will take a punt on third season horses. Northern Meteor is a sire we took a big punt on. This season I really Iike Smart Missile.”

“We have a Sebring filly out of Momentously. Sebring is doing a really good job as a sire and this filly is a good type. Then there’s a lovely filly

by Testa Rossa out of the Gr.1 winner Ellicorsam. Testa Rossa was of course an MM winner himself and he’s also the sire of last year’s MM 2YO winner Unencumbered.”

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: “Absolutely! Sold a Northern Meteor at a June sale for just $3000. He’s racing now as Lucky Meteor and has won seven from his past 10!”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “We formulate a diet and exercise program on an individual basis. I like the horses to look athletic rather than overweight. Another absolute requirement is each horse must lead well, walk well and stand well.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “Yes, but I would rather get them on to the farm first. Get them involved in preparation first then, if they’re up

to it, take them to a sale. This year we have graduates from UQ who have done agricultural science and veterinary studies. I’m certainly very happy to help young people further their careers.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

A: “Our aim is just simply to produce good sound racehorses. Keep providing winners and they’ll keep coming back, that’s the name of the game.”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “The Gold Coast and anywhere that is warm in winter. Our only time to get away is in winter and escaping the cold is great.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “From an early age I was told never be afraid to hire someone who is better than yourself. I like to surround myself with good people, if they have better skills than me then that’s fantastic. It pays off with how your yearlings are presented.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

41

B. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Abbadena (AUS)

74

B. or Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Anything But Love (AUS)

144

B. or Br. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Centashani (NZ)

166

B. F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS)

Cloudygaze (AUS)

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

218

Ch. F

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Ellicorsam (AUS)

388

Ch. C

Starcraft (NZ)

Libor Lady (USA)

A: “Often the first impression is the best impression. I think with any yearling you need to look for soundness first-up. They don’t need to be perfect, I always look for reasons to like them, not reasons to knock them. Where x-rays are concerned they should be used to avoid a disaster, rather than the overriding factor in making a decision. Sure, you need to look at the knees and fetlocks, but in general you can be forgiving.”

459

Blk. F

Sebring (AUS)

Momentously (AUS)

628

B. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Sophielicious (AUS)

732

B. F

Snippetson (AUS)

Chaste (AUS)

819

Blk. C

Master of Design (AUS)

Miracle Magic (AUS)

844

Blk. or Br. C

Rothesay (AUS)

Quality Appeal (AUS)

A: “Have to say Social in Broadbeach.

They have really good tapas there. Verve Restaurant is also one of my favourites.

For a drink it has to be the Magic Millions bar.”

Scone NSW p: 02 6545 9509 e: attungastud@bigpond.com www.attungastud.com Brian Nutt: 0418 264 012 PAGE

77

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Bowness Stud

Story by Kristen Manning

CAVIAR RELATION COULD ADD TO MILLIONS RACE RECORD

“MAGIC MILLIONS races,” says Bowness Stud’s John North “have been very good to us.”

Torio’s Quest, Walking or Dancing, Gai’s Choice and Deiheros are horses with strong ties to Bowness and all won Magic Millions races.

Bullet Train’s 3/4 brother NOBLE MISSION named 2014 Cartier Older Horse

T

he first three are owned by major Bowness supporter Bert Vieira who, North says, “has probably won more Magic Millions races than any other owner!” He described Vieira as “an emerging force” in the breeding world.

“He has around 100 mares with us and is a huge player in the industry.”

The Bowness Stud team: (l-r) James Daly, John North, Helen North & Jocelyn Daly

PAGE

78

With such success it is little surprise North continues to support the Magic Millions (as he has done from the sale’s first days) and he is looking forward to offering this January’s draft of 13 well-related yearlings. Colts and fillies

by Denman, Authorized, So You Think, Commands, Bel Esprit, Star Witness, Bernardini, Wanted, Exceed and Excel, Poet’s Voice and Testa Rossa make up an impressive group.

Highlights include a Bel Esprit colt closely related to that stallion’s superstar daughter Black Caviar, a So You Think colt from the family of Triscay and a Star

Witness filly whose dam is a half-sister to the dam of last year’s Caulfield Guineas hero Long John. Also bound to attract bidders is an Exceed and Excel filly out of a half-sister to the Gr.3-winning juvenile Way West, from the family of At Talaq, a Testa Rossa three-quarter sister to classy Macau galloper Living Pegasus, a Poet’s Voice colt out of a Zabeel half-sister to the Singapore Gr.3 winner Itmaybeyou and a Commands half-brother to the stakes winner Crying Storm.

Not only is North very happy with the quality of his Magic Millions draft for 2015, he is also looking forward to the future, having spent a busy spring foaling down a number of quality mares.

He is especially pleased with the first crop of the stud’s well credentialled young shuttle stallion Bullet Train. A Gr.3-winning three-quarter brother to champion Frankel and recently retired Gr.1 galloper Noble Mission, Bullet Train (Sadler’s Wells-Kind by Danehill (USA))

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

has proved extremely popular with breeders. Serving 162 mares in his debut season, he again attracted a full book this past spring, and North is delighted with the foals on the ground.

“They have a real stamp of their sire and are sensational foals with great temperaments,” he said, noting the quality of champion sires Sadler’s Wells and Danehill have been shining through.

Other foaling highlights for North have been the arrival of youngsters by Pierro (an “outstanding” half-brother to Long John), So You Think (a filly out of the Group winner Ballybleue from the immediate family of Flying Spur and Encosta de Lago), Sepoy (colts out of the speedy dual stakes winner I Got Chills, the South Australian Oaks winner Wowee and the Listed winner Gai’s Choice) and High Chaparral (filly out of the Listed winner Espurante).

Renowned as an excellent judge of the thoroughbred, John North is a big believer in type and advises those heading to the Magic Millions to be sensible in their

selections. “Look for an athlete and don’t get too passionate about the page!” he said.

Proud that Bowness presents sale yearlings “as athletes”, North is very happy to have the services of well known horseman Basil Keane, who, during his years of experience at such farms as Coolmore, prepared more than 100 Gr.1 winners for the sales ring.

With his vast thoroughbred experience we asked North about the best advice he has received during his years with horses and he said one thing that stands out is that “a good horse can come from anywhere”.

“That was proved today,” he said (noting that our conversation took place on VRC Oaks Day) “with Set Square” (a daughter of Reset). “Her dam, Dynastar, was 18 when she foaled her Gr.1 winner,” he said, pointing out the Zeditave daughter, a winner of seven races, had produced just two provincial winners from her six previous live foals.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

206

B. F

Denman (AUS)

Donna Amore (AUS)

331

B. or Br. C

So You Think (NZ)

Indalama (AUS)

381

B. C

Commands (AUS)

Late Watch (AUS)

434

B. F

Star Witness (AUS)

Mesh (AUS)

558

B. F

Exceed And Excel (AUS)

Red Fever (AUS)

696

Br. C

Poet's Voice (GB)

Zachelle (NZ)

709

Br. C

Denman (AUS)

Auspicious Day (AUS)

720

B. C

Authorized (IRE)

Blue Orchid (USA)

727

B. F

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Calvello (AUS)

815

B. C

Bel Esprit (AUS)

Mcdanzy (AUS)

825

B. C

Bernardini (USA)

Montaza (AUS)

859

Ch. F

Wanted (AUS)

Rosarino (AUS)

893

Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Swanky Showoff (AUS)

Murringo via Young NSW 2586 t: 02 6382 4473 www.bownessstud.com.au John North: 0428 846 270 john@bownessstud.com PAGE

79

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Michael Vincent

Broadwater Thoroughbreds

DUO BY NORTHERN METEOR SHOULD COMMAND ATTENTION

BROADWATER Thoroughbreds is a boutique horse stud in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

The farm is situated on 300ha (740 acres) of fertile land including irrigated river flats, providing a pleasant and productive environment for horses. Managing owner Mike Fleming has more than 20 years experience working on horse studs in Australia and New Zealand.

B

roadwater Thoroughbreds is able to offer the full package for clients including mare agistment, mare under lights, walk-ons, foaling, weanling care and handling, and yearling preparation.

We spoke to Mike about the stud’s draft for the 2015 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale:

Scissor Kick wins The Rosebud (L) at Randwick

PAGE

80

Q: How many years have you been selling at the Gold Coast Magic Millions?

A: “This is our fourth year selling under the Broadwater banner. We’re a reason-

ably young farm, but have been successfully working with yearlings for many years.”

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “With the Magic Millions Yearling Sale being the first sale of the year, it’s important we select the right kind of horses for the sale. They do not necessarily have to be two year-old types, but they should be horses people can see what they are buying. We like the youngsters to be physically mature, athletic and mentally ready for the early

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

sale as well as for the yearling preparation that precedes it.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “Scissor Kick would be one of the stars to come off our farm recently. Bred by a client of ours, GSA Bloodstock, Scissor Kick was foaled and reared at our farm and sold by Broadwater Thoroughbreds.

He is a three year-old colt by champion sire Redoute’s Choice, out of a mare called Back Pass, making him a brother to successful sire Sharkbite.

Scissor Kick is already a dual stakes winner, having amassed more than $400,000 from just seven starts, including three wins and two second placings. His connections, Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd and Pinecliff Racing, are looking forward to further Group success in 2015 and have already earmarked him as a potential stallion.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “We are offering 10 nice yearlings at the Magic Millions Sale in January. We have two very good Northern Meteor yearlings in the draft, and being part of Northern Meteor’s last crop, we expect them to be popular. The colt is out of Rose Darmore (by More Than Ready) who has had a couple of nice yearlings already. He’s a forward, running type of horse who’s very athletic with a nice strong hindquarter. The filly is out of a Zeditave mare called Acquisito and is built in much the same mould as the colt. We also have an athletic filly by Smart Missile out of a Galileo mare called Miss Galileo and a Shocking filly who is compact, very strong and looks likely to be an early runner.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Buyers should look at the yearlings as a whole when inspecting the horses. Although there are many lucrative races and bonus schemes for young horses, we’re finding that people are now starting to look at the horses as a longer-term racing prospect, which is an approach we agree with.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “Our approach is to breed on type.

We look for stallions we think will match up well with our mares to produce an athletic foal. It’s easy to breed something that looks good on paper, but we want to produce horses who will appeal to the buyers in the sales ring and go on to make good racehorses.”

Q: When preparing the yearlings, do you get a feel for the ones more likely to make a good racehorse?

A: “Those horses who come into a yearling preparation and put their heads in the feed bins and relax and enjoy the work are generally the ones who perform well on the track. Those who are ‘nervy’ animals or finicky eaters are the horses we find tend to struggle with the rigours of stable life and race days.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

A: “Our aim is to continue rearing and producing good foals for our clients.

Getting a good result for our clients is very satisfying.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in the game is that you can’t do everything yourself. You are only as good as your staff and the people you work with.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

46

B. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Acquisito (AUS)

86

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Augusta Proud (AUS)

149

B. F

Shocking (AUS)

Chicken Little (AUS)

250

Br. C

Sebring (AUS)

Flawless Gem (AUS)

333

Ch. F

Helmet (AUS)

Indycatfighter (USA)

448

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Miss Galileo (AUS)

541

Ch. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Queenofthefaeries (AUS)

553

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Reactive (AUS)

573

B. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Rose Darmore (AUS)

669

B. C

More Than Ready (USA)

The Chunkster (AUS)

Aberdeen NSW 2336 t: 02 6543 8114 www.broadwaterthoroughbreds.com.au Mike Fleming: 0448 254 365 mikefleming@live.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Peter Meilak

Corumbene Stud

SEBRING’S BREEDER HAS ANOTHER CHOICE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL motor trade businessman, racehorse breeder and horse lover George Altomonte is looking forward to the Magic Millions Sales in January. He is passionate about horse racing, as one would expect of someone who has bred two Golden Slipper winners and a couple of placegetters in the world’s richest race for two year-olds.

T

hese successes are among hundreds of winners he’s bred, spanning 36 years since taking over the famed Corumbene Stud in the Dunedoo district of NSW. We can share with readers George’s thoughts about the MMGC Sale and his passion for racing, after our interview with the man and also his stud manager Toby Frazer.

(a dual Gr.1 winner of the STC Golden Slipper and AJC Sires’ Produce, sold privately after being passed in); Golden Slipper winner Overreach, who I retained in ownership, also Hasna and Raceway among many others.”

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “We are presenting 16 colts and fillies out of some really nice mares, by quite a variety of proven sires including Sebring, Redoute’s Choice and Northern Meteor, and young gun So You Think. In addition, we are acting as agents for two others by Flying Spur and Denman.”

A: (GA) “It’s usually a 50/50 split between the MMGC Sale and the Inglis Easter Sale. The yearlings we consider to be forward types go to MM in January and the remainder are sold at Easter.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “Since Magic Millions started in the late 1980s. It’s just gone ahead in leaps and bounds.”

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “I have been taking yearlings to the MM Sale since they began operating, the best of them being Champion Two Year-Old and successful sire Sebring

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Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: “I suppose Sebring would be the most notable example. I had a reserve on him of $150,000, but he was passed in at $100,000 before being sold privately to the Gai Waterhouse camp through Denise Martin (Star Thoroughbreds).”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “Omeros Bros seafood restaurant, sitting on the boardwalk of Gold Coast’s Marina Mirage. It’s a great place to

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

unwind after a solid day at the MM Sale and the food is terrific. I also enjoy eating at Fellini Italian restaurant.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Firstly, buyers should know how much they are prepared to pay for a yearling before bidding. Breeding is obviously a primary consideration, but conformation is also very important.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We look at a list of 15-20 stallions with service fees in the range of up to $20,000; $20-$50,000 and $50-$100,000 and select mares based on either their racetrack performance or record as broodmares. You have to determine whether the mare is worth the service fee.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: (Toby Frazer, stud manager), “We have a tried and tested formula we apply to all of our youngsters to ensure they are as well behaved as possible on sale day.

They are very well fed, groomed and educated, constantly being lead and walked back home and when they get to the complex.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: (TF) “There are opportunities from time to time for young people to become involved, but I have to say that we have a very good complement of staff who love their jobs and their horses, and as a result we have a low turnover.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: (GA) “I just plan to continue producing winners whether they be early two year-olds or those that may take a bit longer to develop and be successful at three and four and beyond. I love what I do in my involvement in the racing industry and have no intention of stopping any time soon.”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “Honolulu. I look forward to getting there as often as I can, usually for two or three weeks at a time. It’s such a relaxed

atmosphere over there and the people are so good.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “I had a great association and friendship with the late great Jack Denham.

He impressed upon me to be cautious when buying and don’t hang on to them if they are not paying their way. You have to keep moving them on and I apply that line of thinking to both interests as a racehorse owner and breeder.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

7

B. or Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Venture (AUS)

18

B. C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Walkway (AUS)

31

B. or Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Zarifa (AUS)

51

B. C

Choisir (AUS)

Africaine (AUS)

204

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

Diva's Magic (AUS)

300

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Hasna (AUS)

314

B. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Hula Wonder (AUS)

330

Ch. F

Flying Spur (AUS)

Inchita (AUS)

336

Br. C

Stratum (AUS)

Isurava (AUS)

344

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Jolie (AUS)

364

B. or Br. C

Congrats (USA)

Kylie (AUS)

366

Br. F

So You Think (NZ)

La Boisselle (AUS)

399

Ch. F

Congrats (USA)

Longlea (AUS)

780

Ch. C

Stratum (AUS)

Gamble (AUS)

801

B. F

Denman (AUS)

La Marama (AUS)

809

B. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Mantova (AUS)

839

Ch. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Pricey (AUS)

847

B. C

Al Maher (AUS)

Rapala (AUS)

Dunedoo NSW 2844 t: 02 6575 1275 www.corumbenestud.com.au Toby Frazer: 0418 115 528 tfrazer@alto.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Peter Meilak

Cressfield

SEPOY-REGIMENTAL GAL COLT A STUNNER

LOCATED on the New England Highway only a few kilometres from Scone in the Upper Hunter and with 1416 ha (3500 acres) in total, 485ha (1200 acres) dedicated to the horse stud, Cressfield is a large landholding by comparison with many boutique thoroughbred operations.

F

ormerly a wheat and sheep farming property, Cressfield was purchased by interstate business interests in 2000 and under the skilled direction of general manager Wayne Bedggood, the property has undergone a wondrous transformation.

Now one of the real showplace farms of the Hunter, Cressfield also boasts a band PAGE

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of broodmares that can only be described as top end, and a record of achievement to be admired. Operations manager Liesl Wickson was very excited to share her thoughts about Cressfield’s draft of nine yearlings entered for the 2015 Magic Millions Sale. These yearlings are by the high class sires Snitzel, Redoute’s Choice, Fastnet Rock, Sepoy And Magic Albert.

As per the stud’s normal practice, the more likely two year-old types are offered at the Magic Millions auction at the Gold Coast, and the following are a select few from their 2013 crop: “The Sepoy colt from dual Gr.1 winner Regimental Gal (Lot 564) is a well grown chestnut with a real eye-catching presence and a natural balance, which

should make him one of the most talked about colts of the sale. Aside from the fact that his five-times Gr.1-winning sire was a champion juvenile, with a Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper to his name, as well returning as a champion three year-old, the dam is a Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner and champion sprinter with earnings of $1.6m and has already

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Jakeo. This yearling’s sister was sold at the Gold Coast last year for $420,000 and this filly is every bit as nice. She is a smashing type, typical of her sire and has the temperament to boot.

“While this trio will attract most attention, the bay colt by Snitzel from American bred mare Silk Ending (Lot 877) is one yearling who should not be dismissed lightly. Silk Ending (End Sweep) is the second dam of Gypsy Diamond, a Gr.3 winner and earner of more than $600,000 in stakes. While some conformation issues see this colt placed in the fifth session, buyers should not overlook him as he is compact, well balanced and precocious and there is no doubt in our minds he will make a two year-old.

thrown a Gr.3 winner in Lillibulero. I can’t wait for people to see the fellow.

“Our bay colt by Fastnet Rock from Star Satire (Lot 644) is also a standout. His sire has already proved himself to be a sensation at stud and the dam, a blue hen mare, has already produced three foals, all winners: Satin Shoes and Zarzuela (both Gr.2 winners) and the very promising Conquer (a win and two seconds from only three starts). Her only three foals to go for auction weren’t produced at the sales until Easter, but this colt displays maturity and strength and is ready to wow the crowd. He’s forward enough and correct enough to be worthy of sending north in January “The bay filly by Fastnet Rock from Gr.3-winning Strategic mare Miss Judgement (Lot 451) is no doubt the star filly of the draft. The dam, who won 10 races, is from the evergreen family of the brilliant dual Gr.1 winner Lady

“Our other yearlings include the chestnut filly by Snitzel from Anakalinka (Lot 65) who is is a half-sister to current season Sydney two year-old placegetter Zulu Royal, while her dam is a half-sister to Langborghini and the Redoute’s Choice bay colt from British-bred mare Expensive (Lot 226), a dual stakes winner in the UK. This colt is closely related to champion sprinter Dream Ahead.

“The bay filly by Snitzel from the Zabeel mare Flouze (Lot 253) is a half-sister to two winners, the only two to race for her stakes placed dam. Second dam is Gr.1 winner La Baraka, dam of Gr.2 winner Alizes, and third dam is five-time Gr.1 winner Triscay. Our chestnut filly

by Magic Albert from the Redoute’s Choice mare Luanne (Lot 403) is the first foal of an unraced half-sister to I Have No Fear.

Second dam Countess Christie (Marscay) won the Magic Night StakesGr.2, and Gr.3 Sweet Embrace Stakes.

Finally, our bay colt by Magic Albert from Dove Lake (Lot 757) is the second foal of a two year-old winning daughter of Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1 winner River Dove (whose Fastnet Rock colt sold for $4m in 2013).

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

65

B. or Br. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Anakalinka (AUS)

226

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Expensive (GB)

253

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Flouze (AUS)

403

Ch. F

Magic Albert (AUS)

Luanne (AUS)

451

B. F

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Miss Judgement (AUS)

564

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Regimental Gal (AUS)

644

B. C

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Star Satire (NZ)

757

B. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Dove Lake (AUS)

877

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Silk Ending (USA)

Parkville NSW 2337 t: 02 6545 0338 www.cressfield.com.au Wayne Bedggood: 0419 226 551 wayne@cressfield.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Kristen Manning

Edinburgh Park

WILL BE PRESENTING THIS QUALITY DRAFT

DURING the past three or four years Edinburgh Park’s Ian Smith has been sourcing quality mares from Australia and beyond, and the success of his search is apparent when studying his Magic Millions draft. The vast majority of Edinburgh Park’s mares are young, Smith noting he has always “enjoyed a lot of success with the first and second foals of our mares” and most of his Gold Coast yearlings are first foals.

J

ust two years ago Edinburgh Park presented an outstanding first foal, an imposing Fastnet Rock colt who caught the eye of many astute judges including Coolmore’s Demi O’Byrne and James Bester. The $960,000 sale-topping colt was the first foal for the dual city-winning Bite The Bullet mare Rose of Cimmaron and he races as Bull Point, a horse of exceptional ability with a stallion career beckoning. “He was a magnificent colt,” Smith recalled. “He had it all, the right page, the right sire, the right type. Everyone was on him!”

Bull Point

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86

Smith is no stranger to racetrack success with one of the first yearlings he sold at public auction, another first foal, being Hong Kong legend Silent Witness. He was a horse, Smith said, who always had that “special presence” and that x-factor is something he advises Magic Millions buyers to look out for.

“You want a horse who comes out of the box and impresses you, a good-looking horse, a nice mover. A strong pedigree page is the bonus, but the Magic Millions is definitely a type sale.”

On the back of Bull Point’s sale success, Smith sourced a mare from his family from the United States for his Manning Valley property and he could not be more thrilled with what Alice’s Smart is producing. Her first foal, a daughter of Snitzel, heads to the Magic Millions and Smith is confident she will sell well and “do the family proud”.

Also closely related to the dual Gr.1 winner Criterion, she is “one out of the box”.

“She has a magnificent presence and on conformation she is hard to fault,” he said.

The filly is one of two Smith describes as “special” for the Magic Millions, the other being a daughter of Sepoy and the Listed-winning Queensland Oaks runner-up Becerra. Another first foal,

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Ian Smith

she hails from an in-form family whose members include the recent Gr.1 winner First Seal. “She is a big strong robust filly.

When people inspect her they will be impressed, she really catches the eye.”

Proud he is known as a breeder whose “horses run”, Smith has a strong overall draft, with his other yearlings including another two nice Snitzels. One is out of Miss Fidler, a half-sister to Hurtle Myrtle, while the other is out of Shower of Steel, a half-sister to the Gr.3 winner Polished Steel and the dual Listed winner Cariad.

Fellow proven stallion Show A Heart is represented in the Edinburgh Park draft by a colt from Secret Selection. This mare is a daughter of the Railway Stakes-Gr.1 winner Covertly. The progeny of three

exciting young stallions are also bound to prove popular for Edinburgh Park. A filly

by Smart Missile is out of the imported Another Faux Pas, a half-sister to the dual Gr.3-winning Irish galloper Decado.

This is a strong international family, one whose members include the recently retired multiple Gr.1 winner Kingman.

A Stryker colt is the first foal for Fortune of War, a stakes placed daughter of the terrific broodmare Pretty Penny, who has produced the stakes winners Sertorius and Clifton Red as well as the stakes placed I Am Titanium. Foxwedge is also represented with his colt, the first foal for the dual city-winning Choisir mare Miss Independent, who hails from the family of Gr.1 filly Tempest Morn.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

54

Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Alice's Smart (USA)

71

Blk. or Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Another Faux Pas (IRE)

102

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Becerra (AUS)

261

Br. C

Stryker (AUS)

Fortune Of War (AUS)

447

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Miss Fidler (AUS)

449

Ch. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Miss Independent (AUS)

609

Blk. or Br. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Shower Of Steel (AUS)

865

B. or Br. C

Show A Heart (AUS)

Secret Selection (AUS)

Wingham NSW 2429 & Taree NSW 2430 t: 02 6553 0096 www.edinburghpark.com.au Ian Smith: 0419 637 892 info@edinburghpark.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Michael Vincent

Edinglassie Stud

DEEP FIELD LATEST STAR FROM HUNTER FARM

EDINGLASSIE Stud is located in the heart of the picturesque Hunter Valley near Muswellbrook, nestled on the banks of the Hunter River. The stud has a proud and successful history, having produced or sold exciting Gr.1 winners such as Bentley Biscuit, Shooting to Win Nechita, God’s Own, Wonderful World, Nadeem, Sharscay and Miss Margaret, just to name a few.

MM graduate Shooting to Win

1st MRC Caulfield Guineas, Gr.1, A$1,010,000

Come get another in 2015.

E

dinglassie’s broodmare Listen Here, a daughter of Elusive Quality (USA), is the star of the class in 2014, having produced the impressive Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting to Win, as well as the undefeated winner of the Salinger Stakes-Gr.2, the exciting Deep Field, both sons of Northern Meteor.

Mick Talty recently took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us about Edinglassie’s 2015 Magic Millions draft.

Q: How many years have you been selling at the Gold Coast Magic Millions?

A: “At least 20 years.”

Q: What have been your Magic Millions racing highlights in recent times?

Deep Field as a foal

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88

A: “Shooting to Win would be the most recent. He’s a good horse who won the 2014 Caulfield Guineas-Gr.1. John O’Shea bought him on behalf of clients of ours Trevor Stuckey and Penny Yam; and of course when John took on the Darley role, Peter and Paul Snowden took over the training of the horse. Nechita (bred by Jason Abrahams of Champion Thoroughbreds) was another racing highlight for

us, winning the Coolmore Stud StakesGr.1 in 2012, making it three wins from just four starts before being retired to stud herself.

Other recent highlights include Wonderful World (Caulfield GuineasGr.1) and Scream Machine (Dual stakes winner). Also Sebring Sun, trained by Gary Portelli, who was runner-up at his only start to date and showing a lot of promise, is one to look out for in 2015.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “The mother of Shooting to Win and Deep Field, a mare called Listen Here, is our star resident at present. Her first two foals look to be pretty smart horses. Deep Field is undefeated after five starts and won the Salinger StakesGr.2, and of course Shooting to Win won the Caulfield Guineas. Listen Here (ex Announce by Military Plume) is a fourth generation horse off the farm. The family has been here for a lot of years and we will be looking forward to her offspring in the future.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

A: “We have a couple of nice, strong Foxwedge colts. One is out of a mare called Spinnaker, the other out of a mare called Xaar’s Jewel. The colt out of Xaar’s Jewel is a half-brother to a good horse called Ninth Legion, who has performed very well in races such as the Doncaster and the Epsom handicaps. He’s a very strong, forward colt who should attract a fair bit of attention. We also have a Snitzel filly out of a Montjeu mare who is a good running sort of filly that should also be popular.”

horses to be out in the spring fields where they receive the benefit of all the natural minerals and vitamins as well as a nutritious and well balanced diet for their growth and development. Attention to detail, especially corrective trimming and leg work is important to the selling of our yearlings. We have an excellent master farrier in Michael Neville who has worked with us for more than 20 years.

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

each horse is very important. All yearlings are treated as individuals and worked and fed accordingly. We like to keep things as natural as possible allowing the horses to exercise in yards. I feel it is important to have our yearlings contented and happy.”

A: “Scream Machine stands out as a good buy. He sold for just $13,000 and has won seven races, placed a further 10 times and has earned more than $500,000, and he’s still racing. Nechita was a somewhat disappointing sale. She only made $130,000, which was not a lot for a Fastnet Rock yearling at the time.

I think it was size that marked her down. She wasn’t a big filly, being a later foal, but she was a very correct filly, a nice walker. Nechita went on to win three of her four starts including the Coolmore Stud Stakes-Gr.1 before being sold as a broodmare for $1,550,000.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “I think buyers should look for certain traits in a family. For example if a family is typically a bit on the smaller side but they can all run, then don’t knock a yearling because it’s a bit smaller. I think genetics is a very important aspect in horses and you should forgive a horse for certain flaws, particularly when the family has shown they can still succeed.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “Yearling preparation is a long process and it all starts with the in-foal mare. It is important for our mares and young

“We like to give our Magic Millions yearlings an eight week preparation.

Getting the feed to exercise ratio correct for

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We have enthusiastic young staff members who are dedicated and diligent towards the needs of the horses on the farm. We do receive casual work enquiries ahead of the sales and we can usually find good people to assist there. Finding good help at the farm, which operates all year round, is very important and we often have opportunities for young people.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

24

B. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Xaar's Jewel (AUS)

107

B. or Br. C

Al Maher (AUS)

Bella Heart (AUS)

A: “You’ve got to have a lot of patience and be very resilient. Like any form of agriculture, in horse breeding you have your good years and your lean years. Breeding horses is a team effort and a lot of people go unrewarded. We have a great team at Edinglassie, our resident veterinarian Susan Keane, our master farrier Michael Neville and our dedicated staff members Scott Williamson, Louise Watts, Tony Strong and Greg Tye all devote a lot of time and effort to the success of the farm.

130

Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Calm (GB)

200

B. C

Husson (ARG)

Diamond Hill (NZ)

221

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Equivalence (AUS)

602

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Sequinella (AUS)

624

B. or Br. C

Denman (AUS)

Solar Verde (GB)

638

B. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Spinnaker (GB)

676

Br. F

Bernardini (USA)

Tipsy Lane (AUS)

Muswellbrook, NSW 2333 www.edinglassie.net.au Mick Talty: 0412 045 694 PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Michael Vincent

Element Hill

WHERE QUALITY TAKES PRECEDENCE

ELEMENT HILL Horse Stud is located in the Scenic Rim region, southwest of Brisbane, 15 minutes from Beaudesert. The boutique stud, which commenced in 2010, is based on 283ha (700 acres) and is home to around 30 well bred broodmares.

2014 results

$140k avg.

5 sold $ 700,000 gross

E

lement Hill’s sales and bloodstock manager Josh Hutchins explains their vision is to breed only the highest calibre of race horse. He believes that by having twice as much land to raise their horses on affords them the luxury of being able to rest their paddocks more often and for longer periods.

Q: How many years have you been selling at the Gold Coast Magic Millions?

A: “This is our second year selling under the banner of Element Hill. Previously we have sold yearlings in the drafts of other leading studs.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to the Gold Coast Magic Millions?

A: “Given Magic Millions is the first yearling sale of the year, we tend to consign a more forward type of horse, one bred to be more of an early-going runner. It goes without saying that buyers

90

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “We have eight yearlings going to the Magic Millions in January. The highlight of our draft is a colt by More than Ready out of Perfect Truth. The dam is by the world’s best sire Galileo and she is a European stakeswinning mare whose first foal Magicool (Fastnet Rock) is already a stakes winner over 1800m.

Magicool is a very promising young gelding and you should see plenty more from him in the autumn.”

We caught up with Josh recently to ask him about Element Hill’s 2014 breeding season, including their 2015 Gold Coast Magic Millions draft.

PAGE

will be looking to buy a forward type they can aim towards the Magic Millions two year-old race.

A: “We continue to source high grade imported mares, enabling us to obtain high quality broodmare sires including Galileo, Monsun, Storm Cat and Sadler’s Wells to mix with our already well bred local Australian mares. Our aim is to produce progeny who can race at those classic distances with success. As mentioned earlier, Perfect Truth, dam

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

of stakeswinning Magicool, is one such imported mare.

“We have many well bred new foals to look forward to in the future including quite a few impressive types by Pierro. Two young ones I can single out already though are a Fastnet Rock filly out of Madam Tracy, a half-sister to multiple Gr.1 winner Typhoon Tracy, and a Redoute’s Choice filly out of stakes winner Risk Aversion, who is a half-sister to Shania Dane (multiple Group winner) and Hong Kong champion Scintillation. Both of those very well related fillies are out of young mares and are likely to go through the future sales.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a Magic Millions sale yearling?

A: “All buyers have their own criteria when inspecting yearlings. Many owners don’t want to wait until a horse is three or four years of age before it races and therefore trainers and syndicators are often obliged to meet those criteria, looking for forward types with clean x-rays and with the potential to race as a two year-old.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “As breeders I think we have to meet the criteria that the market demands.

We set out to select sires that are both attractive to buyers as well as compatible with our mares.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “Many farms prepare their yearlings differently and there is no real right or wrong way, as long as you get the results.

At Element Hill we believe that plenty of handling is a key process in preparing yearlings, including lots of hand walking.

This year we have also adopted ‘ponying’ to help teach the young horses to really stride out and walk properly. Although a tried and proved method, it does tend to be a little less common, given the staffing requirements involved in walking each yearling off a pony. We’re hoping it proves fruitful by teaching the yearlings to stride out nicely and evenly.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

A: Our aim is to sell in the top 10% of the market and to continue to race a handful of well bred fillies to maintain and expand our broodmare band.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

25

Br. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Xaarhea (AUS)

202

Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Direct Flight (AUS)

266

Br. C

Snitzel (AUS)

French Move (NZ)

283

B. F

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Global Dance (IRE)

510

Ch. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Perfect Truth (IRE)

555

Ch. C

Stratum (AUS)

Real Quality (AUS)

726

Br. C

Red Element (AUS)

Buxom Babe (AUS)

905

B. C

Red Element (AUS)

Trail Of Secrets (AUS)

Innisplain Qld 4285 Josh Hutchins: 0424 135 848 josh@hutchinstb.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Emirates Park

Story by Kristen Manning

A CHANCE FOR BUYERS TO DREAM AHEAD

DESCRIBED by Emirates Park’s Bryan Carlson as “the best credentialled European sprinter to stand at stud in Australia,” Dream Ahead (USA) is a horse many people have been talking about, with his first crop of yearlings impressing all who have seen them. In the northern hemisphere his progeny have already lit up the sales ring with his colts selling for up to $550,000, while his best priced filly fetched more than $735,000.

$98k avg.

6 sold $ 590,000 gross

T

o early November 75 Dream Aheads had been sold at auction in the northern hemisphere with an impressive average of just below $130,000, which is great news for those who supported this Champion European Sprinter in NSW. Now we don’t have to wait long to see how the Dream Ahead (Diktat-Land of Dreams by Cadeaux Genereux) youngsters are accepted into the Australian market with the five times Gr.1 winner represented by a strong Magic Millions draft. Six of those will be sold under the Emirates Park banner and Carlson is thrilled with them.

Dream Ahead

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“We selected the most forward types of his yearlings for the Magic Millions and we could not be happier with them,” he said. “His yearlings are way above average on type, and I have never seen a more consistent stallion in what he is producing. They are all either black or chestnut and he throws on a lot of white, and like him they are strong and athletic

with great temperaments. Our Magic Millions draft is an extremely strong one,” he continued, highlighting the colt out of the proven Gr.1-producing broodmare Fatoon as a stand out.

“He is a lovely well balanced colt, a very athletic horse, a great mover and very powerful behind.” Bred on a 5mx3m cross of Danzig, he is the seventh foal produced by the dual Group-winning Snaadee mare Fatoon (Reisling Slipper Trial Stakes-Gr.2, Sapphire Stakes-Gr.3) whose first five foals to race are all winners. Her runners have won 28 races in total, with her star being the Epsom Handicap-Gr.1 winner Fat Al. Also the winner of two Gr.3 races and a Listed event, Fat Al has amassed in excess of $768,000 in stakes.

The remaining Dream Ahead youngsters in the Emirates Park draft are also impressive. They have two Dream Ahead daughters, the Bint El Noor filly being out of a sister to the triple Gr.1 winner

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Shamekha, while the other is out of Diamond Sands, a half-sister to Theseo.

One of the best horses bred by Emirates, Theseo won five times at Gr.1 level, with his 11 victories earning his proud connections more than $3.2m.

Minus Zero being a half-sister to the Gr.2 winner Courvoisier. Meanwhile, the Dream Ahead–Omniyah colt is the first foal for a half-sister to the Mackinnon Stakes-Gr.1 winner La Bella Dama, dam of the tough Gr.2 winner La Rocket.

Dream Ahead’s colts also hail from outstanding dam lines. His son out of Desert Trick is from a prolific European family. His dam’s five to race are all winners and she is a multiple city-winning half-sister to the Hong Kong Derby winner Elegant Fashion, dam of this year’s Gr.3 winner Star Fashion. Minus Zero is another mare with a 100% winners record (three winners of 17 races) and she too has a Magic Millions Dream Ahead colt. This is another nice family,

Emirates Park will take three other well related yearlings to Magic Millions, a Poet’s Voice-Randwick Bound colt (the first foal for a half-sister to the South African Gr.1 winner Rumya), an Artie Schiller- Strathspey colt (the first foal of a dual-winning half-sister to the Gr.3 winner Alzora) and an Al Maher– Golden Edict colt (out of a triple-winning imported mare closely related to the Gr.1 winner and very good Emirates Park sire Secret Savings).

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

201

Ch. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Diamond Sands (AUS)

237

Br. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Fatoon (AUS)

290

B. C

Al Maher (AUS)

Golden Edict (USA)

441

B. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Minus Zero (AUS)

496

Ch. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Omniyah (AUS)

551

Ch. C

Poet's Voice (GB)

Randwick Bound (AUS)

718

Ch. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Bint el Noor (AUS)

754

B. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Desert Trick (GB)

891

B. C

Artie Schiller (USA)

Strathspey (AUS)

Murrurundi NSW 2338 t: 02 6546 6550 www.emiratespark.com.au Trevor Lobb: 0418 240 230 tlobb@emiratespark.com.au PAGE

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Story by Donna Stoddart

Fig Tree Thoroughbreds SEBRING COLT A BROTHER TO BRING ME THE MAID

FIG TREE Thoroughbreds is at Biddaddaba, in the beautiful Scenic Rim area of southeast Queensland. This area is home to many of Queensland’s finest thoroughbred studs and Fig Tree is certainly no exception.

S

takeswinning filly Bring Me the Maid (Sebring) is the latest shining star to come from this well respected farm and her brother is on offer at Magic Millions Gold Coast 2015. This chestnut colt by Golden Slipper winner Sebring is out of Maid For Me (Belong to Me (USA)) and is sure to create plenty of interest, as will several other lots on offer.

Fig Tree Thoroughbreds is owned by Murray and Sue Murdoch and according to Murray they have been selling at Magic Millions Gold Coast “almost since the sale’s inception”. The business was formerly known as Craigow Stud, PAGE

94

however with the name change came relocation to its current address in between Beaudesert and Canungra and an upgrade of mares also commenced.

The mares are now mostly all black type and Murray pays particular attention to the matching of sire and dam in order to produce an athletic and correct foal.

The approach to matching stallion to mare takes into account many factors.

Naturally a commercial stallion is very important, however each mating also looks at the compatibility in other ways.

As Murray said, “If I have a mare who is a little on the small side, I would breed her

to a taller stallion. A thickset mare would be mated to a stallion who is a little ‘neater’, and conformation faults would be looked at to see where I can improve and enhance each horse. We take shares in stallions who are commercial and who we think would work well with our mares and then just look at each match in detail.”

“We have an outstanding horsewoman called Candice Pritchard who works here and she is one of the best people with a horse I have ever seen. She even has the weanlings loading into the gooseneck while it’s parked out in the middle of the paddock, they aren’t too frightened to just walk on up, that’s how confident she has them.

Fig Tree’s team also takes great pride in producing a well educated yearling who will be a pleasure for a new trainer to have in the stable. “We actually start the education process for a yearling as early as when they are a weanling,” Murray said.

“We also like to have them taught to walk out properly and with purpose, they go on the walker and are also lunged in the roller, getting them to stretch out and down. This helps them to develop behind. Getting them exposed to as

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

much of stable routine as possible is something that will help them when they go to be broken-in and eventually when they are in training for racing.�

There are 17 yearlings in the Fig Tree Thoroughbreds draft for Magic Millions Gold Coast 2015 and the stallions represented are some of the big names in the business, including Encosta de Lago, Sebring, Snitzel and Mossman. Golden Slipper winner and exciting sire Sebring has four yearlings in the Fig Tree draft, including the brother to stakes winner Bring Me The Maid (from Maid For Me), a

half-sister to former Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Mimi Lebrock (from God Love It) and a filly out of Amusements (Anabaa (USA)). Amusements is a half-sister to another Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner in Karuta Queen.

Champion sire Encosta de Lago is represented by a colt from Drop Anchor, who is the dam of stakes placed Bel Mer. Mossman, who was the Leading Australian Sire of Juveniles in 2013-14 and sire of the 2014 ATC Golden Slipper Slipper-Gr.1 winner Mossfun, has two colts in the draft, the one from Inca

Lagoon hails from the family of Yodells, dam of successful sire Iglesia and of Queensland Derby-Gr.1 and Queensland Cup-Gr.1 winner Yippyio.

Young stallion Hinchinbrook, a son of champion sire Fastnet Rock, has two colts on offer. One is from stakes winner Moulin Lady and the other from Charybdis, who is the dam of Why Be and stakes winner Messina Nymph.

Why Be, a winner of 21 races, was the Champion 3YO (2006) and Older Male Sprinter (2008) in Singapore. Oakleigh Plate hero and successful sire Snitzel is

represented by a colt from Single Rose.

A half-brother to this colt was sold last year for $190,000 and is in training with Gai Waterhouse. There have been good reports about this son of Hinchinbrook who is now named Rhys Rocket.

The Fig Tree draft also includes colts by Rothesay, Real Saga (sire of Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Real Surreal), a filly by Denman and a colt by Lope de Vega (IRE) out of Andsosayallofus, a daughter of MM Classic and MM Cup winner General Nediym (also a dual Gr.1 winner).

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

406

B. F

Rothesay (AUS)

Lune Rouge (USA)

418

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Maid for Me (AUS)

470

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Moulin Lady (AUS)

525

Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Polynesian Kitty (USA)

612

Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Single Rose (AUS)

147

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Charybdis (AUS)

64

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Amusements (AUS)

907

Ch. C

Real Saga (AUS)

Trickspiel (AUS)

117

B. C

Mossman (AUS)

Bonne Affaire (AUS)

209

B. or Br. C

Encosta de Lago (AUS)

Drop Anchor (AUS)

286

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

God Love It (AUS)

703

Br. C

Lope de Vega (IRE)

Andsosayallofus (AUS)

708

B. C

Charge Forward (AUS)

Audacious Amber (AUS)

753

Ch. C

Real Saga (AUS)

De Lago Bloom (AUS)

797

B. C

Mossman (AUS)

Inca Lagoon (AUS)

846

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

Quiet Name (IRE)

Biddaddaba QLD 4270 t: 07 5543 0455 Murray Murdoch: 0403 518 847 murraymurdoch@bigpond.com PAGE

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Story by Peter Meilak

Kia-Ora Stud

SEBRING TRIO SHOULD ATTRACT BUYERS

SUCCESSFUL businessman and hobby breeder Percy Miller, who started out with a handful of mares, established Kia-Ora Stud, based just east of Scone NSW, in 1914. With the assistance of his manager Bert Riddle, it became a fully operational stud by 1917 and went on to become one of the largest yearling vendors in Australia. Kia-Ora has established a most remarkable record having produced six Melbourne Cup winners and a host of classic winners. The farm’s 2015 Magic Millions draft is set to continue this proud tradition.

T

he stud’s history makes for very interesting reading with imported sires of the calibre of Magpie, Midstream and Delville Wood standing there with great success. The Miller family dispersed its bloodstock in 1957 and later, when John Clift had the property, came the Australian champions Baguette and the legendary Gunsynd.

Fast-forward to the year 2000 when the current owners took over the operation, the famous stud still enjoys a great reputation and has nurtured the likes PAGE

96

of outstanding South African filly Igugu, multiple Gr.1 winner and sire Exceed and Excel, multiple Group winner Mahisara and other stakes winners Elzaam, Falino, Ulysses, Honorius and Crimson Reign since then.

Alex Kingston, stud manager at Kia-Ora, is very proud to present seven quality yearlings for its first Magic Millions Sale.

We spoke to Alex and she shared with us some information buyers might find useful when considering their shopping strategies in January.

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “MMGC yearlings have to be forward maturing, precocious types who look likely to be early horses.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “This is Kia-Ora’s first official year as a vendor selling at the MMGC Sale and we are very excited about presenting our first draft of yearlings there.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “We are very pleased to be offering three Sebring youngsters, who are really nice types and all from very good families, as well as yearlings by Fastnet Rock, Street Cry, So You Think and More Than Ready.

The Sebring-Modellista is an eye-catching, precocious well-balanced colt with all of the attributes you look for in an early two year-old type and is out of a mare by Redoute’s Choice who is a grandaughter of Gr.1 winner Wrap Around. Our Sebring-Divya (Danzero) filly is the mare’s first foal and looks a great type, big scopey and athletic. She has a deep pedigree and traces to Blue Diamond Stakes-Gr.1 winner Midnight Fever.

“The Sebring from Fast ‘N’ Witty is also the dam’s first foal and is a neat, compact athletic and well-balanced individual. She has an attractive head is very relaxed and seems to take everything in her stride. Our Fastnet Rock from stakes winner Lisson Grove (Dehere) is another well-balanced, mature and strong colt who has a lot to like about him, including

a good hindquarter. The Street Cry from the imported Danehill mare Reggae is an impressive, precocious colt with a fantastic athletic big walk.

“We have a lovely first crop colt by So You Think from Dorabella (Postponed).

The dam is a dual Gr.1 winner and this colt by the all-conquering So You Think, who won 10 Gr.1’s including the Cox Plate twice. We are excited about this

precocious colt and he has an athletic and active walk. The More Than Ready-Rock of Fortune (Fastnet Rock) is a compact, athletic and nice walking filly and is the mare’s first foal. She has a really good attitude and is quite a mature type who should make a two year-old.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “What I would look for is a physical type who is also precocious with a good walk, big nostril and a good eye.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “Our mating plan is usually based on proven successful breeding with our

mares and with commercial sires known to produce good physical types.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “Individuality and grooming are two key elements we focus on when preparing a yearling for a sale. Presentation is very important when yearlings are representing your stud on the big stage.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: I suppose the best advice I have received is ‘to relax, be yourself, be honest and you will go a long way to earning respect in this industry’.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

205

B. F

Sebring (AUS)

Divya (AUS)

207

B. C

So You Think (NZ)

Dorabella (NZ)

235

B. F

Sebring (AUS)

Fast 'N' Witty (AUS)

391

B. C

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Lisson Grove (AUS)

458

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

Modellista (AUS)

563

B. C

Street Cry (IRE)

Reggae (IRE)

569

B. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Rock Of Fortune (AUS)

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6543 7105 www.kiaorastud.com Alex Kingston: 0447 264 718 alex@kiaoraestates.com.au PAGE

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Marquee Stud

Story by Kristen Manning

I AM INVINCIBLE FILLIES LOOK REAL RUNNERS

MARQUEE STUD is a relative newcomer to the breeding scene but its owner Mark Alati is not, and he is confident of making his mark in the future having acquired a stunning 323ha (800 acre) property at Willow Tree.

W

ith easy access to the heart of the Hunter Valley being just 66km from Scone, Marquee Stud is home to a selection of well bred broodmares and has four well related yearlings heading to the Magic Millions Gold Coast.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “We focus on those yearlings who look like they are going to be early types,

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those who we think have the best chance of running in the Magic Millions race the following year. They are those predominately by the speed stallions and who possess maturity and precocity.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “For several years under different banners, but Marquee Stud took its first draft to the Magic Millions in 2014 and we were very happy with how they were received by the racing fraternity.”

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “The way our horses sold last year and how well they were presented by our staff, they were the best on ground and the results were incredibly pleasing for the whole team!”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “Marquee Stud continues to grow.

We have added more paddocks with

our horse-safe fencing and we have been attracting more high end clients who share the same passion for racing as we do. We had 30 foals arrive this spring and every one of them is a great type. We have lovely youngsters by the likes of Exceed and Excel, More Than Ready, Denman, I Am Invincible, All Too Hard, Street Cry and others, and our mares are safely in foal again this year to modern era supersires Fastnet Rock and Redoute’s Choice as well as new boys on the block like Zoustar and Sepoy, so we have positioned ourselves to play

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

at the pointy end of the market. Their quality bodes well for future sales and I am sure it will translate to success on the racetrack as well.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “I am really happy with the four yearlings we are taking to the Magic Millions. Our I Am Invincible-Search The Stars filly has a fascinating pedigree, she hails from the same family as her grandsire Invincible Spirit. Bred on a 4x4 cross of her own fourth dam Eljazzi, she is out of a half-sister to the stakes placed Fast and Sexy and she is a half-sister to the promising Hit The Mark.

“She is undoubtedly the star of our draft, is a magnificent type by a boom sire, and I am sure she will meet every criteria set by the most fastidious of judges. She has the temperament and conformation to go early as well as the scope to go on.

“Our Sebring filly from Triple Crown is bred on a 4x3 Danehill cross, she is out of a mare whose dam is 3x3 Baguette.

Baguette’s second dam Red Lace is Sebring’s sixth dam. This filly is an absolute ball of muscle, a typical Magic Millions type. She has plenty of strength and bone and is by a stallion who can do no wrong. We sold her Snitzel half-brother to Round Table Racing for $160,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions and this filly is arguably a better type.

“The I Am Invincible-Special Mention filly carries a 4x4 cross of Danzig and hails from the family of speedsters Special and Bomber Bill and the exciting colt Kuro.

She is an outstanding early coming type, a real pocket rocket. She could very easily

race in the early two year-old races. She is very precocious and has all the attributes of a jump and run type, she has Magic Millions written all over her. The Husson Mantelpiece filly carries a 3x4 cross of breed shaper Mr. Prospector and she hails from a prolific black type family whose members include Caliente, Staging, Duporth, Excites, Tickets and Delago Deluxe.

A: “Anywhere in Broadbeach. I really enjoy heading out and catching up with friends and clients, and meeting potential new clients, for a bite to eat and to chat about all things racing.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

“She is an absolutely lovely individual by an underrated stallion whose progeny sold very well at the recent Patinack Dispersal. The mare has had two to race and both are winners and this girl is a real athlete who should carry on the family’s winning ways.”

A: “They should be looking for a correct youngster with clean x-rays and above all a good walking athlete. The yearling should be well grown with maturity, but not just be a two year-old runner. I think it is very important to look at how the youngsters cope with the sales environment, as their temperament is just as important as their ability.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “I don’t pay too much attention to who the boom is on at the time, as booms can come and go so quickly. I just try to choose the stallion who best suits the individual mare and try to figure out which ones will be the most commercially acceptable. Most of all though, I breed horses I would be happy to race myself if they don’t happen to sell.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “Our yearling preparation commences the day the horses are born. They are reared in the right atmosphere, their paddocks are not overcrowded and they are well fed with the best produce. They have plenty of handling and are very well educated before we start their yearling prep, which commences 10-12 weeks prior to the sales. We x-ray them very early so that if any remedial work needs doing it can be completed in plenty of time. Most of all, each horse is treated as an individual and my staff judge what they need and when they need it, to ensure that when they arrive at the sales complex they are the best they can be.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: “To produce a long list of not only winners, but Group winners for Marquee Stud; and we’d like our clients and all of those who purchase from us to achieve ultimate success in racing. Our goal is to provide all of our clients with the best possible chance of a return on their investment and most of all to make sure they have as much fun as they can along the way.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Shoot for the top!”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

597

Br. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Search the Stars (AUS)

688

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Triple Crown (AUS)

808

Ch. F

Husson (ARG)

Mantelpiece (AUS)

Wilcom EmbroideryStudio – Level 2

Z: 1.00

887

Marguee

B. F

H: 84.3 mm W: 81.2 mm

I Am Invincible (AUS) Stitches: Colors: Color changes: Stops:

3906 1 0 1

Machine: Trims:

Tajima 9

Left: Right: Up: Down:

40.6 mm 40.6 mm 42.2 mm 42.2 mm

EndX: EndY:

0.0 mm 0.0 mm

Max Stitch: Min Stitch: Max Jump:

6.2 mm 0.5 mm 6.5 mm

*MARGUEE* Colorway: #

N#

St.

Colorway 1 Descr Code

1 3904 white 13 Brand: Wilcom Total Bobbin: 5.25m

1.

Special Mention (AUS)

Willow Tree NSW 2339 t: 02 6747 1789 www.marqueestud.com.au Gary Isaac: 0429 480 755 info@marqueestud.com.au PAGE

Author:

Last Saved: 7 Dec, 2011

Printed: 3 Jul, 2013 12:50

Keywords:

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Jo Mckinnon

Milburn Creek

HALF-SISTER TO STARSPANGLEDBANNER

JOHN MUIR is one of the most likeable men in NSW racing. His day job is selling cars, and lots of them, but his great passion away from his bustling car yards on Parramatta Road is breeding top class racehorses in the Southern Highlands. This year his highly respected Milburn Creek operation added another feather to its cap by producing Gr.1-winning three year-old colt Hampton Court.

Hampton Court Group 1 winner Won Spring Champion S-Gr.1 (2000m) in track record time (2.00.3)

Bred by Milburn Park

A

t the 2015 Magic Millions Milburn will present another high quality draft of yearlings, and if the stud’s track record is anything to go by one or more of these youngsters will go on to big things.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “Most of all they have to be precocious type yearlings and have a very nice appealing pedigree to attract buyers.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “I have been selling since the very first Magic Millions sale a long time ago.

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I went there with L-plates on and took a bit of a gamble not knowing what might happen. It was a new concept and I liked it and I have been a player at the sale ever since.

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “We sold a Redoute’s Choice colt up there who ended up being Redoute’s Dancer and he went on to win the New Zealand Derby. We also sold Sizzling, a subsequent Gr.1 winner who has gone to stud this year. It’s a nice place to sell, and buyers like to get there at that time of year. Some wonderful horses have come out of that sale.”

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “In August 2013 Milburn went from a private farm to a commercial operation and this year we had all of Makybe’s mares and foals for the season, plus with permanent clients and my mares we are now full.

“The highlight for 2014 had to be Hampton Court who is the first Gr.1 winner reared on the new Milburn Creek in the Southern Highlands. Exciting foals on the farm include one out of Roses ‘n’ Wine, he is a very attractive half-brother to Hampton Court by Snitzel. Gold Anthem had a big strong Fastnet Rock colt and we have an All Too Hard Filly out of Valdemoro and a Sebring Filly from Cymbal. We have also had some great foals by Newhaven’s new horse Delago Deluxe.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “Milburn-owned yearlings include a filly by Sepoy out of Gr.3-winning mare Throne Inn. She has a lot of Sepoy about her and is a forward two year-old type.

The filly by Denman from Cymbal is a lovely type out of one of Woodlands’ most respected families.

“Our Denman colt from Queen Cleopatra is the first foal of a city-winning Commands mare. He is a big strong fellow. The Hinchinbrook from Maritess is a big strong filly and she looks a lot like Hinchinbrook’s sire Fastnet Rock.

“As agents we will be offering for Makybe a Fastnet Rock from Gold Anthem. She has to be one of the star fillies of the sale. Female lines don’t get bigger than this and she is a half-sister to Starspangledbanner. We will also be offering a youngster by Commands from Tahnee Topaz. She is a tough, good walking filly from a great producing family. Ian Millard has continued to produce great racehorses including Shogun Lodge.”

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale who turned out a topliner?

A: “I remember when we sold a daughter of Johannesburg for about $50,000 to John Singleton and I remember being disappointed at the time. She was a very nice filly who ended up being Once Were Wild and went on to win the 2010 AJC Oaks-Gr.1. One thing out of all that is that I firmly believe you should not take any horse to a sale who you would not want to buy back yourself.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “I like Moo Moo’s and the Marina Mirage’s Omeros Brothers. There are a lot of great spots. Chill down at Broadbeach is also very good. It’s really an open slather for good food on the Gold Coast.

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “I think initially when people went to this sale they were looking for a horse for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Now they look for a well bred colt or filly who will not only make the MM race ,but could be a Golden Slipper or Derby winner. They go up there to buy a nice horse. Initially it was centred around the MM, but now they are prepared to give their buys a bit of time these days.

I think it is a sale that is upgrading itself each year. The statistics say it is rivalling the Inglis Easter Sales now.

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We either go to first season or the proven sires. Everyone hopes they might go to a freshman sire who is going to be the next Danehill, but we generally do try to stick to the proven sires.”

Q: “What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “The horse has to be physically correct.

We don’t take yearlings to the sale if they are not correct, otherwise you will be caned. Buyers are more selective now. A horse must be by a proven sire and well credentialled.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We have our own permanent staff and a source of young people who like to be with us and we look after them.

Scott Holcombe is a very good trainer of people and they can learn a lot from him, especially how to prepare a horse correctly to get it to a sale.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: “In the past 12 months we have spent a lot of money reinvesting in bloodstock. We bought three mares from the Patinack Dispersal recently.

We are trying to upgrade all the time.

There is no tougher game that I have been involved in than breeding horses.

I love it and the people. It has its ups

and downs, but can be very rewarding.

The Australian bloodstock industry has elevated itself tremendously due to people being more selective, so you have to constantly adjust to that.”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “I am like the bloke from the Castle who says ‘it doesn’t get any better than this’. I generally like being somewhere close to Sydney, no more than four hours away, but I do enjoy going to Europe and Royal Ascot every couple of years. I met John

Warren, the Queen’s racing manager, at Royal Ascot and have since had a fair bit to do with him. I bred Hampton Court who John Warren actually selected out of the yearling sales. He considered him one of his top picks when he was helping Gai Waterhouse select yearlings. We have a good relationship these days.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “The best I can give is back your judgment and you need a lot of patience.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

21

Gr. F

Choisir (AUS)

Woman In White (FR)

145

Br. F

Al Maher (AUS)

Chai (AUS)

181

Blk. or Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Cymbal (AUS)

287

B. F

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Gold Anthem (AUS)

426

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Maritess (AUS)

481

Ch. C

Wanted (AUS)

National Anthem (AUS)

542

B. or Br. F

So You Think (NZ)

Quick Thinking (NZ)

538

B. C

Denman (AUS)

Queen Cleopatra (AUS)

661

Br. F

Commands (AUS)

Tahnee Topaz (AUS)

673

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Throne Inn (AUS)

Wildes Meadow NSW 2577 t: 02 4886 4025 www.milburncreek.com.au John Muir: 0418 232 546 john@milburncreek.com.au PAGE

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Mill Park Stud

Story by Liam Ferguson

HALF-BROTHER TO HAPPY TRAILS A STAR IN A STRONG LINE UP

SOUTH Australia’s Mill Park Stud will again present a high quality draft of yearlings for Magic Millions Gold Coast, and going by the stud’s track record in recent years, there is a high likelihood it will produce more Gr.1 winners for Australian tracks.

Happy Trails wins the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes. His half-brother by Bernardini will be offered at Magic Millions Gold Coast

Fawkner adds the 2014 Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes to his 2013 Gr. 1 Caulfield Cup victory

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M

ill Park Stud is in the upper south-east of South Australia, close to the world-renowned Coorong National Park. Of the 4046ha (10,000 acres) the property covers, 809ha (2000 acres) are allocated to horses with a low stocking rate of one horse per 2.8-4ha (7-10 acres). It is this very fact that allows for a natural free range upbringing, an important factor in the stud’s success in producing top racehorses.

The stud’s MM Adelaide graduate Happy Trails’ victory in the Mackinnon Stakes in November was his third Gr.1 win. In April, Go Indy Go, another Mill Park graduate, added the Champagne Stakes, another new Gr.1 winner for the farm. In October Fawkner, bred and sold by Mill Park, added to his Caulfield Cup-Gr.1 with a win in the Caulfield Stakes-Gr.1. Those

15 Group 1 winners 25 Group 1 wins 3 Caulfield Cups 1 Family Farm

three are the most recent in a long list of 15 Gr.1 winners to emerge from the farm, Divine Madonna, Southern Speed, Rebel Raider, Captain Sonador, Devil Moon and Serious Speed are others to etch their names on Gr.1 trophies around the country.

Chris Watson, who runs the operation with parents Peter and Serena and wife, Sian, spoke about the success of Mill Park, the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale and the Mill Park draft for January.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “It’s not so much pedigree that I focus on, but type. We look for lovely types.

We also look for horses with maturity, so not necessarily just a two year-old style

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

of horse but also horses who would have aptitude up to and over a mile, but they have to be the really forward types.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “Since 2008. We haven’t been to every sale, we only come when we have an exceptionally strong commercial draft.”

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “I would have to say one of the best would be Happy Trails. He was sold through the Adelaide Magic Millions.

He has had an amazing result so far with three Gr.1 wins to his name. Prior to that, Angel of Mercy, who was with Gerald Ryan. She won the Lord Mayor’s Cup-Gr.3 this year and then was beaten a nose in the Tatt’s Tiara-Gr.1. She’s been retired to breed in Japan now, after been bought by owner Katsumi Yoshida.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “We have a lovely bunch of mares joining the farm. Midnight Martini, a Gr.2 winner in Melbourne, has her first foal on the ground by All Too Hard. There’s also The Good Wife, a three-quarter sister to star mare Divine Madonna, she has a lovely Sepoy foal.

“Some of the exciting foals we have include a half-brother to Fawkner by Street Cry, out of Dane Belltar, he’s a real ripping style of colt. There’s also a Street Cry colt out of Dances on Waves. We are quite excited about the Street Cry youngsters, especially considering he’s no longer with us now. We also have a lovely Medaglia d’Oro filly out of Elegant Eagle, who is a half-sister to Go Indy Go. There’s a lot to look forward too.

“On the spelling side we’ve been looking after Phillip Stokes’ horses including

Hucklebuck and it was great to see him win the Emirates-Gr.1.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “We have a draft of 10 we will be presenting with six colts and four fillies.

They are a lovely even bunch. I’m very excited about a half-brother to Happy Trails (Bernardini-Madame Flurry) as he’s a really precocious type. The More Than Ready half-brother to Captain Sonador (out of Pushing Daisies) is the absolute epitome of what a Magic Millions yearling should be.

“The Redoute’s Choice-Dances on Waves colt has had a great pedigree update, his dam is half-sister to the dam of the Victorian Derby winner Preferment. I’m sure he will get a lot of attention.

“We have a cracking Sepoy filly out of Celebrity Girl who was a stakes winner in Melbourne. Celebrity Girl is an exciting addition to our broodmare band, this is her first foal and she is a really precocious, leggy filly.

“There is also a Northern Meteor out of Victory Cry from the same family as Majestic Music and 1000 Guineas winner Serious Speed. This is a good opportunity to see one of the last Northern Meteor’s and he’s a fine example of the breed, also a very forward, precocious type. We also have two yearlings by the new and exciting freshman sire and outstanding sprinter Dream Ahead. The Tobouggie Woogie filly and the Subsequential filly are both horses we are very happy to be taking to the Gold Coast.”

Epsom Handicap-Gr.1 and was third in the Rosehill Guineas. Of course there’s also Happy Trails who we sold at the Adelaide sale for $11,000. He’s now won just under $2,800,000.”

happy to trial anyone who is interested in a career in this industry. Through our spelling services we are lucky to be able to offer opportunities on the racing side as well as breeding and sales work.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: “Everybody has their own consensus, for me it is to look for an athletic type who moves with a lovely fluid action.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We like to match our mares on type, aptitude and pedigree. We try and stay true to those three aspects when making our decisions.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “Absolutely. We always want to bring through young people. It’s a constant problem finding good staff and retaining them, throughout Australia, so I’m very

A: “On the breeding side, to continue producing Gr.1 horses. As far as racing, well to breed and race that elusive Gr.1 horse would be the ultimate goal!

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “Anywhere really. My wife, Sian, organises all of our trips and they are always tropical destinations. I’m certainly happy with that!”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “To always place your yearlings in sales where they will be viewed to be in the top 50%.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

13

Ch. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Victory Cry (AUS)

143

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Celebrity Girl (AUS)

185

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Dances on Waves (AUS)

219

B. or Br. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Elusive Wonder (AUS)

412

B. or Br. C

Bernardini (USA)

Madame Flurry (AUS)

534

Ch. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Pushing Daisies (AUS)

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

570

Br. C

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Rock on Madonna (AUS)

651

B. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Subsequential (AUS)

679

Ch. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Tobouggie Woogie (AUS)

A: “Certainly. We had a Shamardal colt we took to the Gold Coast a few years back out of Pushing Daisies. He was a lovely leggy colt but was back at the knee. That was Captain Sonador, he sold for $30,000 and went on to win the

909

Gr. C

Duporth (AUS)

Typify (NZ)

Meninga SA 5264 t: 08 8575 6033 www.millparkstud.com.au Chris Watson: 0417 838 489 info@millparkstud.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Millbrook Farm

BOBAN PROVES A GREAT ADVERTISEMENT

MILLBROOK FARM is a 40ha (100 acre) thoroughbred stud at Biddeston, north west of Toowoomba, on Queensland’s Darling Downs. The farm offers a full suite of services including permanent and seasonal agistment for broodmares, weanlings, yearlings and spellers, and can also assist with sales preparation.

M

illbrook Farm has produced many winners, including stakes performers such as Poor Judge, Mr Light Blue, Doubtful Jack, Tallow, Rich Unicorn and triple Gr.1 winner Boban.

David Thomas owns and manages the farm with his wife Jane, and we recently caught up with David to discuss the 2015 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale.

Q: How many years have you been selling at Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast?

A: “We have been selling there for about 10 years.”

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104

Q: What has been your MM racing highlight in recent times?

A: “Boban (Bernadini-Kenbelle) was the 2013-14 NSW Horse of the Year as well as the Champion Miler in NSW, and his mother Kenbelle (Kenmare (FR)) was named joint Champion Broodmare in Queensland for the same season. So Boban, a triple Gr.1 winner of $1.65m, would have to be our racing highlight to come out of the Magic Millions Sales in recent years. We also sold stakes winner Rich Unicorn (Danehill Dancer-Onwards) at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale, with that horse racing most of his career

Story by Michael Vincent

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We’re very happy to have young staff and welcome any enquiries. We have had Rebecca working for us from the age of 17, she has been with us for more than 10 years and keeps coming back!”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “When we have a good one we’ll let you know. I took Octagonal to France quite a few years ago when he stood at Deauville, and I’d love to take the family back there for a holiday.”

Boban wins the 2014 Gr.1 Chipping Norton Stakes

in Hong Kong and boasting wins over champion sprinters Sacred Kingdom and Rocket Man.” Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “There’s a big development up the road that will be great for the area. The Wellcamp International Airport near Toowoomba is due to open in late 2014 and will no doubt upgrade the area by creating opportunities for industry and in turn attracting more people to the region.

We have clients in Sydney who can now be at Millbrook within two hours!”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “We are offering three lovely colts and a nice filly. There’s a Dream Ahead colt out of a Redoute’s Choice mare called Tipsy Moment. He’s a lovely looking, athletic chestnut colt. Will run early.

We also have a very nice Uncle Mo colt.

Uncle Mo was an unbeaten Champion Juvenile in the US in 2010 and Timeform rated him at 127, the same as Pierro. He won the Champagne Stakes-Gr.1 and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile-Gr.1. The Uncle Mo colt is out of a winning Show a Heart mare call Upwards. We have the brother to Boban (Bernadini-Kenbelle) who is built in a similar mould to Boban; he’s a nice and neat, athletic type. Also we have a filly by Poet’s Voice out of a Danehill mare called Bells Will Ring. She’s a pretty filly who should shape into a nice two and three year-old.”

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: “Tallow (Street Cry-African Queen) sold for just $30,000 at the 2008 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling sales. She went on to become a Gr.3 winner of three races from just 12 starts, winning more than $365,000. She also placed a further four times, which included a close

second in the 2010 3YO Magic Millions race, where she finished in front of Gr.1 winners Shoot Out, Captain Sonador and Temple of Boom. Tallow is owned by one of the best breeders in the country in John Singleton and we have kept a filly from the family, and so look forward to following Tallow’s success at stud.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “We keep things natural and have the young horses relaxed and happy.

Our yearling stables have 360 degree, panoramic views. From a young age the horses are exposed to traffic noise, peacocks, guinea fowls, cats, kids and our dogs. This keeps them thinking, and holds them in good stead for life later on.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “We don’t want to break tradition!

We have an annual BBQ with a friend of ours called Mary who lives at the Gold Coast.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Listen and learn and let the horses do the talking.”

A: “They should look at the Millbrook draft; we sell winners and stakes winners.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We mainly breed on type and look for semi-proven, well bred and well performed first season sires. Dream Ahead is a good example. You wouldn’t find a better racehorse anywhere. He won five Gr.1 races in Europe and defeated Goldikova, who was arguably the best mare at a mile in the world.

Some of Australia’s best mares have gone to Dream Ahead, including the Gr.1-winning mare Ortensia.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

108

B. F

Poet's Voice (GB)

Bells Will Ring (IRE)

355

Br. C

Bernardini (USA)

Kenbelle (AUS)

904

Ch. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Tipsy Moment (AUS)

912

B. C

Uncle Mo (USA)

Upwards (AUS)

Biddeston QLD 4401 t: 07 4691 6327 www.millbrookfarm.com.au David Thomas: 0438 068 689 PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Michael Vincent

Murrulla Stud

EIGHT-STRONG DRAFT EXUDES QUALITY MURRULLA STUD, since under the ownership of Tim and Celie Nolan, has been selling at the Magic Millions Sales since 2009. Located in the Upper Hunter on the New England Highway between Scone and Murrurundi, Murrulla is a high class boutique property.

A

recent highlight for Murrulla was the Chris Waller-trained Brazen Beau winning the 2014 Coolmore (Ascot Vale) Stakes-Gr.1. Murrulla sold Brazen Beau as a yearling and also sold his sister by I am Invincible (now named Rubi Dee) at the 2014 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Rubi Dee, also trained by Chris Waller, won a two year-old trial in November and looks set to follow in her big brother’s footsteps.

of an Octagonal mare called Foible who is a half-sister to Gr.2 winner Soul (Commands). This is a very good family that includes stakes winners Denman, Preserve and Safeguard, and has produced many good winners over the years. Tim Nolan spoke very highly of this filly, noting, “The two year-old brother to this filly was purchased for $300,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions sales and is in training with Peter and Paul Snowden”.

Murrulla Stud has six colts and two fillies in its 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale draft. The fillies are by Commands and Medaglia d’Oro, and both are from nice families. The Commands filly (Lot 256) is an outstanding type and is out

Lot 274, by proven international sire Medaglia d’Oro, is the first foal out of a four-times winning Belong to Me mare, a half-sister to stakes winner Backbone.

The second dam Fuss (At Talaq) is a Gr.3 winner and Gr.1 placed.

This CommandsFoible colt sold for $300,000 last year. His full sister will be on offer at the 2015 MM

Murrulla’s yearling colts are by proven sires including Commands, Sebring, Snitzel, Congrats and Casino Prince.

Tim Nolan said all six of their colts are nice types, but singled out two likely to be popular amongst buyers. “Lot 601 is a forward, strong Snitzel colt out of six-times winning mare Seesawing (Easy Rocking). She won more than $300,000 under the care of Robert Heathcote and is from a very nice Queensland family

that includes Playaction, The Kildare Kid, General Minolta and Black Ink. Tim also pinpointed a Sebring colt (Lot 532) out of an unraced half-sister to Phelan Ready, from the family of popular dual Gr.3 winner Baughurst. “He’s a lovely horse by a Golden Slipper winner and out of the sister to a Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner. He has the pedigree and the looks and is sure to attract attention.”

2015 DRAFT

Brazen Beau (I am Invincible - Sansadee) was sold by Murrulla Stud in 2013

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106

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

134

Br. C

Commands (AUS)

Capishe (AUS)

256

Blk. F

Commands (AUS)

Foible (AUS)

274

Br. F

Medaglia d'Oro (USA)

Fuss Me Long Time (AUS)

532

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Private Nancy (AUS)

601

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Seesawing (AUS)

763

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Elusivity (AUS)

816

Gr. C

Casino Prince (AUS)

Melody (NZ)

902

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

The Missus (AUS)

Wingen NSW 2337 t: 02 6545 0140 www.murrullastud.com.au Tim Nolan: 0417 140 712 Celie Nolan: 0400 301 797 timandcelie@murrullastud.com.au

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Michael Vincent

Raheen Stud

EXQUISITE SEBRING COLT A STANDOUT RAHEEN STUD is in the fertile Gladfield Valley, west of The Great Dividing Range and 130km from Brisbane. It was founded in 1957 by the parents of the present day owner Basil Nolan, making it one of Queensland’s oldest horse studs. Today Raheen is run by Basil, his wife Diane, son Basil Jnr and daughter-in-law Natalie; it’s a real family operation.

R

aheen is a long term supporter of the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale and the Nolans are keenly looking forward to the 2015 edition. Raheen has a strong draft of 12 entered for the sale, with Basil Nolan Jnr noting “they are probably the best crop we have ever had, and we haven’t missed a Magic Millions yearling sale since the very first sale in 1986.”

“One of the more notable Magic Millions graduates produced by Raheen in recent times is Adebisi. The son of Shovhog (who stood at Raheen Stud) sold for just $15,000 as a yearling and he’s now a five-time stakes winner to Gr.3 level and has won 12 races, amassing more than $866,000, and he’s still going.

Another successful runner to come out of past Raheen drafts is the ill-fated Kiss a Rose who won the 2013 Quezette Stakes-Gr.3. This daughter of Sebring from the Redoute’s Choice mare Hurl was a very valuable filly before her untimely death. The popular Pat Duff-trained Hard To Catch (Dodge) is also a Raheen home bred. Little Dodge, as he was sometimes called, won more than $1m and was narrowly beaten in the 2008 Stradbroke Handicap. Raheen also sold Satnav (Canny Lad), who is the dam of Group

winners Gregers and Girl Guide, as a yearling at the MM. Raheen is offering a Commands filly from the family of Satnav in the 2015 January Sale. She is Lot 251 and Basil Jnr describes her as “a lovely big, strong filly with plenty of scope; she’s the pick of our fillies, and being closely related to Gregers and Girl Guide, we expect her to be very popular at the sale”. Other fillies being offered by Raheen in January include the sister to Kiss a Rose (Lot 316) and nice fillies by Real Saga, Snippetson and Captain Sonador.

Raheen has seven colts for the January auction including two by Sebring and others by Stratum, Redoute’s Choice, Commands, Captain Sonador and Snippetson. Of the colts being offered, Basil Jnr summed them up best by saying, “They’re a hard bunch of colts to split, but we have a terrific Sebring colt out of Exquisite Art who is a dual-winning daughter of Two Year-Old Champion Filly Victory Vein. He’s a stand-out, a really lovely horse”. Basil made special mention of Lot 109, a Commands colt out of Listed winner Beyonce Star, noting he is also an outstanding type.

Raheen also has the brother to Weinholt

(Stratum) in the sale as Lot 70. Weinholt sold for $270,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions sale, however the sale fell through and Raheen races Weinholt with Peter Moody and they have enjoyed good success with the horse, winning four races and $230,000 and the promise of more to come. The three-quarter

brother (by Redoute’s Choice) to Club Command, already a winner of six races and $343,685, will also be going through the sale ring as Lot 647. The Raheen yearlings entered their 8-10 week preparation in early November and in the two months leading up to the sales Basil Jnr says it will be “all hands on deck”.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

70

B. C

Stratum (AUS)

Annamarie (AUS)

109

Blk. C

Commands (AUS)

Beyonce's Star (AUS)

227

Br. C

Sebring (AUS)

Exquisite Art (AUS)

251

Blk. F

Commands (AUS)

Fleet Riane (AUS)

316

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Hurl (AUS)

368

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

La Goulue (AUS)

647

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Stepping (AUS)

743

B. C

Snippetson (AUS)

Countess Dehere (AUS)

755

Ch. F

Real Saga (AUS)

Domitilla (AUS)

831

Br. C

Captain Sonador (AUS)

O' Venus (AUS)

866

B. F

Captain Sonador (AUS)

See No Evil (AUS)

901

Br. F

Snippetson (AUS)

The Gingermeister (AUS)

Gladfield via Warwick QLD 4370 t: 07 4666 1172 www.raheenstud.com.au Basil Nolan: 0407 140 711 Basil Nolan Jnr: 0407 162 296 raheenstud@bigpond.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Donna Stoddart

Newgate Farm

FOXWEDGE YEARLINGS ARE ALL QUALITY

NEWGATE FARM, located on 400ha (1000 acres) of prime Hunter Valley horse country, has really caught the attention of the Australian racing and breeding industry. Although founded only four years ago by Henry Field, Newgate has already managed to produce 10 individual stakes winners from those bred, reared or sold by the stud.

T

he emphasis at Newgate is on quality, and this is true whether it is about land management, correct nutrition, or acquiring the very best horses and staff. The move to the former Brooklyn Lodge property at Aberdeen has combined the rich history of that stud with the experience and attention to detail of Newgate’s current management, and it’s providing great results.

Heading the stallion roster at the farm is the Gr.1-winning son of Fastnet Rock, Foxwedge. The first yearlings by this popular stallion are bound to create interest at Magic Millions, Gold Coast in 2015. Also on the roster is the Gr.1 winner Sizzling (Snitzel), Northern PAGE

108

Meteor’s talented son Eurozone and the multiple Gr.1-winning sprinter, The Factor, a son of boom international sire War Front (Danzig).

Sales and bloodstock manager at Newgate, Tony Williams, discusses new developments at the stud and some of the highlights of the sale.

How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

We are looking at foals from the time they are born through their yearling year to maximise their athletic potential and place them in the best sales.

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

2015 DRAFT

How many years have you been selling at MMGC? Newgate has been selling for 4 years.

We have been delighted with our record selling a high percentage of Group or Stakes performing horses, including a multiple Group 1 winner, in such a short period of time. We are particularly excited about Group 3 Maribyrnong winner Prompt Return from last year’s draft, who will look very hard to beat in the Magic Millions.

What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

We moved onto the former Brooklyn Lodge, now Newgate, about 18 months ago. It is amazing the work that has been done. We’ve put in laneways, new fencing, a 34 horse yearling barn, stallion paddocks, and revamped the stallion barn and serving area.

New mares and foals are special. At the Teeley dispersal sale Newgate, for great clients, were able to purchase mares from the family of Shantha’s Choice. They have now foaled down and we couldn’t be happier with the foals. One mare from that family, along with Rostova, have gone to the UK and are in foal to Frankel. There were many other nice purchases throughout the year. We have the best of the best mares at Newgate, and it is a real privilege for all of us to be associated with such an incredible band of broodmares.

Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

10

B. or Br. C

Medaglia d'Oro (USA)

Via (USA)

39

B. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Zugat (AUS)

We have a total of 32 yearlings in the sale this year which is by far our biggest draft.

We have some seriously good horses. At a yearling sale, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have no doubts we have some top racetrack stars in our draft.

We’ll let the good judges on the complex sort them out.

77

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Arms Wide Open (AUS)

91

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Awesome Planet (AUS)

116

Ch. C

Congrats (USA)

Bonifacio (USA)

121

B. or Br. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Bright Heart (AUS)

127

B. or Gr. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Butters (USA)

179

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Croft (AUS)

211

Ch. C

Choisir (AUS)

Dubai Me Diamonds (AUS)

What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

214

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Ekali (AUS)

225

B. C

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Exceedingly Regal (AUS)

The Gold Coast is an amazing place to eat out – I love Chill at Main Beach, Champagne at Broadbeach, Georges always gets a run at some stage, however the quick easy place is the Aussie China Kitchen in Broadbeach - fantastic Chinese food.

258

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Forced To Tango (AUS)

279

B. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Georgette Silk (AUS)

285

B. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Glowlamp (AUS)

298

Ch. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Guthega (GB)

304

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Hidden Wonder (AUS)

321

B. F

So You Think (NZ)

I Promise (USA)

What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

417

B. F

Trusting (AUS)

Maha Chakri (AUS)

424

Br. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Marie Soleil (USA)

Magic Millions has turned out so many good two-year-olds in the last decade.

Quite simply, buyers should look for athletes, horses that have the conformation and mental aptitude to race as juveniles, with the scope to develop on in their classic year.

461

B. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Moonboat (AUS)

464

Ch. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Moral Suasion (USA)

500

Ch. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Ozmolly (AUS)

505

B. or Br. C

Master of Design (AUS)

Parnissius (AUS)

566

B. F

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Response (AUS)

575

Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Rose Pompadour (IRE)

What is your favourite holiday destination?

580

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Royal Pageant (AUS)

622

B. C

Love Conquers All (AUS)

Social Register (USA)

Don’t have one – or should I say the next horse sale which seems to always be the way it is.

627

B. F

Lonhro (AUS)

Song Street (IRE)

630

B. or Br. F

Street Cry (IRE)

South In Dixie (USA)

635

B. or Br. C

Statue of Liberty (USA)

Spectrum's Image (AUS)

671

B. or Br. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Thebe (AUS)

687

B. C

Charge Forward (AUS)

Tribal Queen (AUS)

What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

Be the best you possibly can. Aim to be the best and treat your clients, their horses, and their investments as if they were your own.

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6543 8395 www.newgate.com.au Henry Field: 0419 022 275 henry@newgate.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Newhaven Park

Story by Jo Mckinnon

BREEDER OF UNENCUMBERED HAS ‘BEST DRAFT EVER’

THE Newhaven Park name is synonymous with Magic Millions.

This iconic thoroughbred breeding nursery, run by the Kelly family, has been heavily involved with the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale since the beginning and has been instrumental in building it into the global success story that it is today.

L

ast year Newhaven Park presented the top priced yearling of the highly competitive sale and can also lay claim to breeding and selling a long list of successful graduates during the past three decades, including last year’s $2m Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Unencumbered.

And things are about to get even hotter with Newhaven Park expecting to sell their best draft of thoroughbreds at this sale yet.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

Delago Deluxe

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110

A: If they are by a precocious sire and a nice early foal that is true to type then they are headed towards the Magic Millions.

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: We sold yearlings at their first sale in 1986 and every year since.

Q: Things have changed a lot since then?

A: At the first sale there were only 200 horses who were eligible to race for $1m.

The graduate race series back then was a new concept and from there the sale has grown into one of Australia’s premier yearling sales. Over time in my opinion the Magic Millions has matured from that early concept, to sell racehorses that perform to the highest level over all distances and age groups.

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

A: 12 months ago we bred the $2m Magic Millions 2YO race winner Unencumbered, who is now at stud in Victoria. We have also bred and sold two other recent Gr.1 winners in Zac Spirit (Gr.1 Lion City Cup - Singapore) and Wylie Hall (Gr.1 South African Derby).

Other graduates to note are Camporella who went on to be the Champion 2YO in Western Australia along with Gr.2 Danehill Stakes winner Charlie Boy. Newhaven Park also sold last year’s top priced yearling, a $1m colt (Redoute’s Choice ex Hades) now in training with Gai Waterhouse along with the second top priced yearling of the sale.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: We now stand a stallion called Delago Deluxe. He is an Australian born son of Encosta de Lago who was Champion 2YO in South Africa and his first foals are fantastic. He (Delago Deluxe) was an unbeaten 2YO who won Gr.1’s over 1200m at two and three. His foals are very impressive, they are strong and precocious.

We also have some lovely foals by Fastnet Rock, Redoute’s Choice, Snitzel, Sebring, Sepoy, Smart Missile, All Too Hard and Pierro.

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: We have an outstanding colt by Redoute’s Choice out of Kidman, who is the dam of Zac Spirit (Gr.1 winner in Singapore by Flying Spur) and Zac Influence who is Gr.1 placed, also in Singapore. It’s Zeditave’s family so he should be a very fast 2YO that trains on.

There is a Snitzel colt out of stakes placed mare Movie. It is her first foal and he is a nice colt and there is a More Than Ready colt out of Offer.

We also have three lovely Sepoy colts which are out of Zigzag, Raise and Candy Vale.

We think it is one of the best drafts of yearlings that we have ever taken to the Magic Millions.

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: We had a Testa Rossa colt 2 years ago which sold for $70,000 who turned out to be Unencumbered. He won $1.8m in prizemoney and now stands in Victoria.

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: The Oyster Bar at Marina Mirage. After a long hot day out at the sales and you walk in there, into the air conditioning, it is very refreshing.

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: With this sale, horses make the pedigrees, pedigrees do not make the horses.

If you look down the through the ages of the Magic Millions, you could have brought Sebring for just $140,000.

Newhaven Park-bred Unencumbered

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

35

B. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Zigzag (AUS)

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

45

B. F

Sebring (AUS)

Acouplamas (AUS)

67

B. C

Trusting (AUS)

Anathema (AUS)

A: We like to go to the best stallions we can afford with a mix of proven and first season sires. We use stallions that are precocious and fast.

75

Ch. C

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Apart (AUS)

76

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Approve (AUS)

84

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

At Ease (AUS)

128

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Cadazzle (USA)

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

133

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Candy Vale (AUS)

157

B. F

Denman (AUS)

Christmas (AUS)

A: We like a horse to develop at its own pace. We have probably changed our approach where we try and keep them out in their own paddocks as much as possible and let them come along in their own time as that puts them in good stead for their racing future.

238

B. C

Lonhro (AUS)

Fiction (NZ)

268

Gr. F

Star Witness (AUS)

Frenetica (AUS)

294

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Graphic (AUS)

338

Ch. F

Magic Albert (AUS)

Jardaa (GB)

343

Ch. F

Choisir (AUS)

Jig Time Lady (AUS)

359

B. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Kidman (AUS)

360

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Kinder (AUS)

378

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Lapse (AUS)

408

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Luscillas Choice (AUS)

433

Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Merrier (AUS)

471

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Movie (AUS)

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

494

Br. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Offer (AUS)

502

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Pacific Dreams (AUS)

A: My home is my castle.

549

B. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Raise (AUS)

556

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Really Flying (AUS)

574

Ch. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Rose Of Montana (AUS)

591

B. C

Helmet (AUS)

Saucy Nell (AUS)

654

B. F

Charge Forward (AUS)

Summer (AUS)

657

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Sweet Ransom (AUS)

705

B. C

Myboycharlie (IRE)

April In Venice (AUS)

713

B. C

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Beam (AUS)

723

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Bon Fire (AUS)

793

B. C

Manhattan Rain (AUS)

Hoist (AUS)

796

B. C

Myboycharlie (IRE)

In Harmony (AUS)

803

B. C

All American (AUS)

Lady Ice (AUS)

837

B. F

Mossman (AUS)

Pink Princess (AUS)

867

B. F

Beneteau (AUS)

Shadow Memory (USA)

890

Ch. F

Snippetson (AUS)

Story (AUS)

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: To continue Newhaven Park’s tradition of breeding good racehorses.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: My grandfather always told me you make your profit the day you buy.

The top priced lot ($1m) from the 2014 MM sale, a Redoute’s ChoiceHades colt sold by Newhaven Park

Boorowa NSW 2586 t: 02 6385 8335 www.newhavenpark.com.au John Kelly: 0412 654 620 newhavenpark@bigpond.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Kristen Manning

Rheinwood Pastoral Co. BRED IN THE COLD...HOT ON THE TRACK!

ESTABLISHED in 1990 by Ray and Marilyn Willis, Rheinwood Pastoral Company began its life with a handful of broodmares, early success seeing the boutique farm expand with the Mittagong property Currockbilly now home to around 40 broodmares. Recently growing to take over a neighbouring property, Rheinwood prepares between 20 and 25 yearlings for the sales each year and will take a quality draft of seven yearlings to the Magic Millions.

O

ne highlight is a Redoute’s Choice colt out of the Gr.1 sprinter Velocitea (Volksraad), who has already produced the stakes placed Limehills by Redoute’s Choice. “Limehills has a big rap on him and this fellow is a lovely strong colt,” Ray Willis said.

Also bound to create interest is “an absolutely outstanding” Sebring colt out of the city winner Forward Love from the family of Sacred Kingdom; the first foal by Northern Meteor of a sister to the dual Gr.2 winner Noircir and from the family of So You Think; and a lovely Sepoy filly out of the good producing mare You’re Dreamin.

“They are all nice horses,” Willis said, adding he is pleased with them not only on type but also on pedigree. “They are by stallions who are very popular with trainers and owners.”

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Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “Magic Millions is a sale for precocious, athletic, two year-old types, so we aim those types for it. They are what Magic Millions buyers are looking for.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “We have been selling at Magic Millions since 1988. January on the Gold Coast at Magic Millions is a ritual for our family!”

Q: What are some of the farm’s MM selling and racing highlights of recent times?

A: “We sold the dual Gr.1 winner Albert The Fat at the Magic Millions and we had one of only two Australian bred

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

runners, Unchain My Heart, in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Each time we market and sell a yearling and exceed expectations of price, it is a thrill! It makes all the hard work on behalf of our loyal clients worthwhile.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “We have recently appointed Shane Freeman as our stud manager. He brings to Rheinwood a wealth of experience and even more enthusiasm and we are thrilled to have him. Rheinwood is home to the supermare Velocitea who we look after on behalf of Rob and Jenny Ferguson.

Velocitea foaled another exceptional colt

by Redoute’s Choice this season.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “I believe this is one of the most exciting drafts Rheinwood has brought to the Magic Millions for some time with yearlings by Sebring, Redoute’s Choice, Northern Meteor, Sepoy, Testa Rossa, Smart Missile and Mossman. These are the stallions on everyone’s lips at the moment and they are lovely yearlings.

We look forward to showcasing them.”

privately and she turned out to be the talented triple stakes winner Unchain My Heart. We have been thrilled to watch her racetrack success. What a tough, talented staying mare she is!”

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “We had an Al Maher filly injured on the float trip to the Gold Coast. Devastation greeted us as she was unloaded and we realised she would have to be withdrawn.

Every vendor’s worst nightmare! After we nursed her back to health she was sold

A: “Omeros Bros at Marina Mirage.

Their Oysters Kilpatrick and the snapper are unbeatable! Catching up with old friends over good food and wine makes the experience of the Gold Coast all the more enjoyable.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Nice types, good looking horses who move well, who have the unmistakeable swagger and the WOW factor!”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We try to send our maiden mares to proven sires to give them every chance.

We also like to support stallions on their way up. I am a big believer in Hinchinbrook, Foxwedge and Smart Missile. I will continue to support these stallions with my good mares, as I believe you have to punt on the stallions you believe in. Your Song’s foals have blown me away, he definitely stamps his stock.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “We treat each horse as an individual

and prepare them accordingly, to ensure each yearling is in the best possible shape they can be come sale time. We are lucky we have a boutique farm with small drafts which allows us to give each horse individual attention. It makes a big difference.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

A: “We aim to expand our broodmare band with nicely bred young mares over the coming years and we also aim to keep some fillies to race and retain as broodmares. It is such fun to race good fillies with good groups of people and the prizemoney is so attractive, especially with all the bonuses on offer.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: Seek the advice of those you trust, and listen when they give it to you.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

5

B. or Br. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Velocitea (NZ)

26

B. F

Sepoy (AUS)

You're Dreamin (AUS)

263

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

Forward Love (AUS)

515

B. or Br. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Philocracy (AUS)

587

B. C

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Saranah Gold (AUS)

776

Ch. F

Mossman (AUS)

Four My Girls (AUS)

895

Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Symileo (AUS)

Find us in Stables S & T

Bred in the Cold...

Hot on the Track!

Mittagong NSW 2575 t: 02 4878 5353 www.rheinwood.com.au Kirsty Willis: 0411 866 009 kirsty@rheinwood.com.au Shane Freeman: 0449 238 040 shane@rheinwood.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Riversdale Farm

THREE DECADES OF PRODUCING WINNERS

RIVERSDALE Farm, Scone, has been a family owned and operated thoroughbred stud for more than 30 years. Established by Peter and Alison Hodges and now managed by their son Nick, Riversdale Farm has an excellent reputation in the thoroughbred industry, servicing local, interstate and international clients.

R

iversdale Farm is solely a broodmare farm and through close working relationships with all the major stallion farms in the Hunter Valley can offer clients unbiased access to the elite sires of the Australian breeding industry at competitive rates.

We caught up with Nick Hodges to discuss Riversdale Farm’s 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale draft:

Q: How many years have you been selling at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale?

A: “We’ve been selling at the Gold Coast Yearling Sales since it became the Magic Millions.”

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114

Q: What have been your Magic Millions selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “Our most recent highlight was an Exceed and Excel filly out of a mare called Academy Idol (by Made of Gold) we sold at the 2014 Magic Millions Yearling Sales.

David Hayes bought her for $180,000 and the filly, named Miss Idyllic, ran a very nice second on debut in a Listed race during the spring carnival. We also sold Eloping at the 2013 Magic Millions sale for Michael Christiansen, and it’s been exciting to watch her progress.

She’s now won four stakes races, has six wins in total, and has amassed more than $1m in prizemoney in just 13 starts.

Story by Michael Vincent

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “Again this year we are consigning for Greg White of Robrick Lodge, and Judy Marheine of Stratheden Stud and they’ve both sent us some very nice horses. We’ve got a very solid, forward lot of youngsters in this Magic Millions draft. One of the highlights would be the More Than Ready colt out of Cobbley (by Falbrav). He’s a lovely athletic horse with plenty of scope. He reminds me a lot of Sebring as he stands over a bit of ground.

We also have a big, strong Commands colt, a real jump and run sort of horse,

out of a Zeditave mare called Assertive Sound; and we have an outstanding type

by Sepoy out of Academy Idol, making him a half-brother to Miss Idyllic. He’s very much like Sepoy himself and our yearling manager calls him ‘sex on legs’.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, and exciting foals?

A: “Academy Idol has a cracker of a foal by the late Street Cry and she is now in foal to Epaulette. We look forward to watching the Street Cry filly develop during the next 12 months.

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: “Enquare (Stratum-Skewiff) only made $45,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions sale.

She was a lovely bodied filly and a great walker. She wasn’t perfectly conformed, but her buyers saw the positives in her and have had some great success with the mare. She has won five races from 16 starts, including three at stakes level, and has won in excess of $400,000.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Good horses come in all shapes and sizes. You should make sure you buy yearlings who fit your criteria. Although there are no hard and fast rules, you should be in love with what you buy and avoid taking too many risks.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “We try to select a stallion who will not only be accepted in the sales ring

but one who will also be compatible with our mares, replicating successful crosses where we can and hopefully enabling a mating that is designed to produce a good type. It’s amazing how many stallions there are, but how few there are to choose from by the time we meet all the criteria. We always have to be mindful of budget of course.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We have two trainees completing traineeships at our farm and encourage young people passionate in the industry to call us.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Find something else to do!” (said Nick as he laughed out loud). “The best breeding advice I’ve been given is to not over-mate your mares.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

43

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Academy Idol (AUS)

82

B. C

Commands (AUS)

Assertive Sound (AUS)

167

Ch. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Cobbley (AUS)

171

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Cool and Composed (NZ)

514

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Petrushka (AUS)

545

B. C

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Radio Song (AUS)

677

B. or Br. C

Lonhro (AUS)

Tivoli Dancer (NZ)

714

B. F

Choisir (AUS)

Belle Jest (AUS)

730

B. C

Zoffany (IRE)

Centaure (NZ)

735

B. C

Myboycharlie (IRE)

Christmas Day (AUS)

772

B. F

Myboycharlie (IRE)

Fidelias Dance (GB)

843

B. F

Nicconi (AUS)

Prostar (AUS)

873

B. F

Beneteau (AUS)

Shelbey (AUS)

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6545 2498 www.riversdalefarm.com.au Nick Hodges: 0410 310 296 riversdale@hunterlink.net.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Rothwell Park Stud

Story by Warren Wruck

QUALITY YEARLINGS BUILD AN ENVIABLE RECORD

ROTHWELL PARK has an enviable record at yearling sales, figuring strongly in best average price and known for the quality of its drafts. The farm is an ongoing work in progress, beautifully located on the Pages River in the Upper Hunter and opposite Emirates Park in Blandford.

MM 2014

$217k avg.

2nd leading vendor by average

S

cott and Cathy Irwin own Rothwell Park and we spoke to Scott about the stud’s 2015 Gold Coast Magic Millions draft: Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “I basically leave it up to the sales company because at the end of the day they’re viewing the competition and quality other vendors intend presenting. So the way I see it, if your horse is not forward enough or conformation is not up to scratch, then the market judges them accordingly. The majority of the time Vin and his crew call it right in their initial vetting of suitable prospects for the sale.”

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116

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “We have never missed a sale.”

Q: What are some of your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “Recent racing highlights for me would have to be Alezan Thunder running an unlucky third to Driefontein. She was a beautiful filly with no pedigree who we sold to Mark Kavanagh and his boys in Adelaide for $55,000. Also I loved the gutsy win of Unencumbered in 2014, I was so impressed with him that we purchased a share in him when he was syndicated for stud duties and we have three mares in foal to him. He is one

tough colt. I think history shows that colts who win the Magic Millions have become great stallions.

“I guess our selling highlights recently would be our clearance rate and our averages. This year we were second leading vendor on average, ($217,000), built on two excellent results, being the Lonhro/Oh So Discreet colt who made $320,000, and the More Than Ready/ Ringa Ringa Rosie colt who sold for $450,000. Rothwell has had an excellent year this year, but I think the current market is solid without being over the top.”

A: “Cathy and I made a decision some 12 months ago to remodel our business with the view that we own some equity in 90% of the horses on the farm by the end of this financial year, as the agistment portion of the business was running at a break even or loss in some years. During the past year and a half we have purchased 14 stakeswinning mares and six Gr.1-performed mares or dams of Gr.1 performers to complement our existing broodmare band. This has taken us up to around 40 mares that we have equity in, as well as some stallion shares.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

“Moving forward we would love to start retaining a handful of fillies out of our better mares each year to race and hopefully replenish our breeding stock accordingly.”

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights.

A: “They are just a good draft of horses.

It is a very even draft, and there are enough positives with every one of them we are presenting.”

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale who turned out a topliner?

A: “Bloody hell where do you start? I have been going to the sales since the Taj Rossi days, and have seen so many horses slip through the cracks for different reasons.

I can remember when we passed in Juanmo, and arguing with my father to keep her. I remember him saying after she was later sold, ‘you must meet the market and sell’. She won two Gr.1 events.

“I guess in more recent times we raised Secret Admirer and sold her on behalf of John Sunderland as a weanling for $38,000. We also sold Willow Magic for $28,000, they are both by Dubawi and both Gr.1 winners; but people were uncertain about Dubawi at the time.

“The same applies to a yearling we sold for $30,000 by Shamardal, I can remember how poorly the Shamardals sold in general that year in the southern hemisphere. He was a beautiful bodied colt, but with the real Shamardal head, and he raced as Gingerbread Man and ended up being the Champion Two and Three Year-Old in Singapore. You could have purchased these three Gr.1 winners from us for the total amount of $96,000.

“On the flip side, we recently sold a Shamardal colt, now racing as Secret Sham in Hong Kong, he is a recent Gr.1 performer, and he was purchased for $410,000. We sold him on behalf of a good mate, John Thompson of Diatribe fame.

“In my opinion, people are becoming more focussed on buying beauty rather than an athlete, and not referring enough to the sire’s statistics and the mare’s pedigree. More and more after every sale, when you reflect on the prices of some of the horses you have offered, from my point of view it’s turning into a

Scott and Annie Irwin with More than Ready out of Ringa Ringa Rosie made $450000 at mm jan 2014

beauty competition, rather than looking at all aspects that make up the horse.

“God help you at the time of presenting a yearling if the product you are offering is going through a growth spurt, and is slightly out of shape, or if they are open in the knees. I think that there are a lot of good judges out there who can pick the positives with an FAQ (fair, average, quality) horse, but find them hard to forward sell because they are workmanlike and not model material.”

this year we are using Fastnet Rock and Exceed and Excel and unfortunately we had a number of mares booked into Street Cry and Commands but with both passing away just before the season, we had to change tack and are utilising first season sires more than usual.

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

“We are going hard on Epaulette, because he was a wonderful racehorse with a serious pedigree. Also we are supporting Declaration of War, I think he has one of the best physiques of any stallions currently standing in the Hunter Valley. We are also sending a number of mares to the two Golden Slipper winners, Sepoy and Pierro, as there are not too many Slipper winners who have failed.

I believe Sizzling is real value for money and we are covering half a dozen mares with him; he just looks like he will throw two year-olds, he is a cracking type.”

A: “We like to cover 70% of our broodmare band with proven stallions where possible, but usually they are at a cost. For example

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “I love to take my family to the beach for a swim and then finish the night off at Georges or the Latin Quarter.”

A: “The key step for us is an even plane of nutrition from the day they are born. My father always said, ‘If a horse is good on the inside it comes through on the outside and this comes from proper nutrition’.

Educating them to feel comfortable around people and preparing them for the challenges ahead. It comes at a cost, as we spend a lot of time with the yearlings before the sale so both horse and handler are comfortable with one and other, to ensure they are fully relaxed.”

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “My family and I love going to Port Douglas in winter.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “A close friend of ours has always advised to survive in this industry: ‘Bet in units you can afford to lose’. We have stuck to that.”

2015 DRAFT

Rothwell Park Logo Pantone 1795C Black / White

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

3

B. F

Street Cry (IRE)

Valoura (AUS)

118

Ch. F

Starcraft (NZ)

Bonne Famille (AUS)

184

Br. C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Dance Class (NZ)

311

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Hot Legs (AUS)

518

Ch. C

Helmet (AUS)

Pilbara Sand (AUS)

589

Br. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Sashenka (AUS)

660

B. C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Systolic (AUS)

This Lonhro colt ex Oh So Discreet sold for $320,000 at the 2014 MM Sale

Blandford NSW 2338 Scott and Cathy Irwin: 0418 658 669 rothwellpark@bigpond.com lana@schoolbanners.com.au

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Kristen Manning

Segenhoe Stud

NEW CHAPTER FOR HISTORIC NAME IN BREEDING

SEGENHOE Stud, in the Upper Hunter Valley, boasts a long and successful breeding history and was settled in the 1820s. First home to racehorses in 1913 under the care of William Brown, Segenhoe was taken over in 1931 by Alan Cooper who set about establishing a world class facility, and his enthusiasm was matched by subsequent owner Lionel Israel.

D

uring Israel’s 48 years at Segenhoe, the farm’s name was associated with such outstanding horses as Star Kingdom, Biscay, Turf Ruler and Kaoru Star. Through a few ownership changes since, Segenhoe, now operating on a state of the art property further along from the original land holding (now Vinery), has remained a name synonymous with equine class, and under its current owners the Maloney family and manager Peter O’Brien looks set for an even brighter future.

Big things are afoot at Segenhoe and amidst exciting new developments the stud’s team are busy preparing a stellar draft of 17 Magic Millions yearlings. There are youngsters by such proven stallions as More Than Ready, Snitzel, Commands, Magic Albert, Denman and Northern Meteor, complemented by yearlings by exciting newcomers Sepoy, Smart Missile and Hinchinbrook. Among this group are several standouts according to O’Brien who is especially excited about: PAGE

118

A More Than Ready-Chinchilla Rose colt, bred on the highly successful More Than Ready/Danehill cross. He is a son of a four times Group-winning sister to the Group winners Ferocity and Leone Chiara. The latter is dam of the Blue Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness and recent Gr.3 winner Nostradamus.

The Sepoy-Florentina colt is the first foal of a Gr.3-winning half-sister to the Gr.1 winner Gathering and from the Dancing Show branch of the prolific Best In Show family. He boasts an interesting 4x5 cross of the wonderful broodmare Jesmond Lass.

The Sepoy-Sister Madly colt is the first foal of a three times Group-winning half-sister to Hong Kong superstar Silent Witness.

“They are outstanding yearlings who could go to any sale and be in the top 5%,” O’Brien said. “They are very much there physically, they are precocious, early coming types.

“We are particularly delighted to be selling quality yearlings on behalf of Black

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Caviar’s breeder Gilgai Farm for the first time. Their Smart Missile-Lisboa filly is a beautifully athletic filly with quality and a terrific action.

Q: How many years have you been selling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast?

A: “I have been taking horses to the sale for more than 25 years and of course Segenhoe has also been a long term supporter.

Q: What are the advantages of buying at Magic Millions Gold Coast?

A: “There is a definite advantage to buying a Magic Millions yearling as you get them while they are still young, which gives you the time to mould them into a racehorse. By the time the first two year-old races come along a Magic Millions yearling has been broken-in and has had a preparation or two. They are so much ahead of the other horses.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a Magic Millions yearling?

A: “Magic Millions yearlings tend to be more mature than those at the later sales because the early coming types are those nominated for the sale. However, with Magic Millions now offering a range of races for older horses, I’d say you just look for the same type of horse you’d look for at any sale, an athlete.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “We get our yearlings in a little bit earlier than other studs and give them a long, slow build-up. The Magic Millions yearlings are very young, so they get plenty of hand walking and time out in the paddock during their preparations.

The key is to not over exert them.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm? Any exciting new foals?

A: “Our new yearling division is completed and we now have larger undulating paddocks of 14-16ha (35 to 40 acres) for the older yearlings. And our new Segenhoe Spelling Complex is now open for business. It is a state of the art 80ha (200 acre) spelling and rehabilitation complex, so we can look after client’s horses right through their careers.

“We have had some lovely foals this year including a Pierro-Private Steer filly, a Street Cry-Sister Madly filly and an Exceed and Excel-Set For Fame filly. The

Sister Madly filly is about a good a foal out of a young mare as you would see.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given or can give in the horse business?

A: “Just to work hard and be sure to take care of the little things, it is those that make all the difference.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a MM sales session?

A: “Ming Palace for Chinese.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

14

B. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Vintedge (AUS)

59

B. C

Commands (AUS)

Amberino (AUS)

105

B. C

Husson (ARG)

Bel Mer (AUS)

153

Ch. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Chinchilla Rose (AUS)

180

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Custard (AUS)

186

Ch. C

Husson (ARG)

Danehill Smile (AUS)

252

B. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Florentina (AUS)

260

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Fortunata (AUS)

310

Ch. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Hooness (AUS)

345

B. or Br. F

Artie Schiller (USA)

Jollity (GB)

390

Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Lisboa (NZ)

394

Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Little Miss Quick (NZ)

404

B. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Lucida (AUS)

440

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Mine Game (AUS)

560

B. or Br. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Red Rapture (AUS)

613

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Sister Madly (AUS)

625

B. or Br. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Solchow (AUS)

Aberdeen NSW 2336 t: 02 6543 9777 www.segenhoegroup.com.au Peter O’Brien: 0411 852 149 peter.obrien@segenhoegroup.com.au PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Kristen Manning

Southern Cross Breeders GOOD JUDGES HAVE RESULTS ON THE BOARD

IT is apparent when studying the Southern Cross Breeders draft, yearlings being sold by Ashleigh and Byerley Stud, that there are good judges at work behind the scenes. This group of youngsters are horses with great appeal to buyers. They are by stallions who trainers and owners love, and from families who have been in great form.

Wouldnt it be Nice Winner of $330K incl.

Concorde Stakes Gr.3.

Our $40,000 MM graduate.

A

s well they are good types, with Ashleigh’s Senga Bissett thrilled with the way her group is shaping.

Especially one who is a real stand-out on paper, a Redoute’s Choice colt from one of Australia’s finest families. His dam is Anamour (Anabaa), a half-sister to the Gr.2 winners Happy Morning and Fatal Attraction. Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy is a close relation and this is a family so strong that “not all of its high class members fit on the catalogue page!”

“He is a lovely colt,” Bissett enthused, “neat, tidy, very smart, very correct.”

Bissett is also confident that a Starcraft– Biancalaura (Belong to Me) colt “will really catch the eye”. Out of a winning half-sister to the wonderful broodmare Twiglet, he is “what you expect of a Starcraft, a big, strong, scopey colt.”

Ashleigh Thoroughberds

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120

Bissett is a big fan of first season stallion Pluck and will sell three of his progeny.

“He is a great looking stallion who has a

lot to recommend him. A very good two year-old with a nice pedigree.”While not big, Pluck’s filly out of Faking, a winning half-sister to the stakes winner Yourein, is a racehorse in the making.

“She is a quality filly, a lovely athletic type who has the real look of a racehorse. She has everything in the right place and is beautifully balanced.”

Pluck’s It Had To Be You colt is a half-brother to the stakes placed Wonderful You out of a sister to the VRC Oaks winner Bulla Borghese, dam of Gr.2 winner Bound For Earth. “This colt comes from a lovely family and he is a horse with a very good action.”

Another Pluck is a filly out of Mrs Post, a daughter of four-times Gr.1 winner Mannerism. Mrs Post (Carnegie) has had three winners from as many to race and Bissett is confident she has thrown another horse of potential. “She is a good sized filly who has a nice workmanlike way about her.”

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Byerley Stud Another stallion Bissett has plenty of time for is I Am Invincible and she sells his daughter out of Fine Cuban, a three times-winning half-sister to the dam of the Gr.3 winner Havana. “He really stamps his progeny and she is a very attractive filly, just what you want for a first foal.”

Another proven stallion in Not A Single Doubt has an Ashleigh filly at the sale.

She is a daughter of Mishki, a half-sister to the triple stakes winner Seasons Treasure. “She is a very nice filly. Quite a good size with a fair bit of her damsire Danzero about her.”

The word is strong in the Hunter Valley regarding the quality of So You Think’s foals, and Bissett is pleasantly surprised by how forward her colt out of Stage Beauty is. A half-brother to two winners out of a city-winning half-sister to the stakes winner I Am A Ripper from the family of Dane Ripper, he is a horse “well suited to the Magic Millions”.

“He is very forward, very strong with plenty of scope. He is a very good

walker with a great action and very sensible as well.”

Byerley Stud’s Kelvin Williams is just as optimistic about his Magic Millions yearlings. “We have a really nice group of horses,” he said. “They have geared towards this sale for our clients as they are strong, forward types by a great group of stallions.”

Williams is especially excited about the prospects of the first season stallions, labelling this season’s group as “the strongest in quite a few years.” Dream Ahead is a horse he has a lot of time for. “He really does have everything. A five times Gr.1 winner on turf, and his progeny are dead-set correct.”

Yearlings by Zoffany, So You Think, Choisir, Not A Single Doubt, Sebring and Exceed and Excel make up Byerley’s draft and Williams is happy they are stallions whose progeny are early coming types who can also go right on with it at three and beyond.

“Exceed and Excel for example, he is a great two year-old stallion but there is

more to him than that. Magic Millions keep expanding on the races they offer, so there are not just opportunities for the two year-olds,” he said, noting that it also makes the sale a good option for stallions like So You Think.

Byerley’s yearlings hail from strong families, the Zoffany–Bendaree Hera colt the first foal of a half-sister to the Gr.3 winner Say Magic from the family of Star Witness, while the So You Think–Mrs Slocombe colt is out of a half-sister to the dam of I Am Invincible. The two Choisir colts are also related, one being a son of the dual Listed winner Oceano while the other is a three-quarter brother to the dual Gr.1 winner Sacred Choice.

Sebring’s progeny continue to impress, and Byerley will offer two of his sons. A colt out of Sea Eye Pea is a half-brother to the promising three year-old Guiliani, out of multiple city winner from the family of Diamond Drille, while the Sea Gypsy colt is line-bred to his own third dam, the legendary Fanfreluche.

Byerley’s Dream Ahead–Liza colt is out of a triple winner from the prolific Stage Hit family, while Sarthemare, dam of a Not A Single Doubt colt, was a Listed Black Opal Stakes winner. Also bound to attract attention from buyers is an Exceed and Excel out of the stakes placed Lara’s Glitter.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

66

Br. C

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Anamour (AUS)

110

B. C

Starcraft (NZ)

Biancalaura (AUS)

232

Br. F

Pluck (USA)

Faking (AUS)

241

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Fine Cuban (AUS)

337

Ch. C

Pluck (USA)

It Had To Be You (AUS)

379

Br. F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Lara's Glitter (AUS)

397

B. or Br. C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Liza (AUS)

444

B. F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS)

Mishki (AUS)

473

Ch. F

Pluck (USA)

Mrs Post (AUS)

474

B. or Br. C

So You Think (NZ)

Mrs Slocombe (AUS)

588

B. C

Not A Single Doubt (AUS)

Sarthemare (AUS)

595

Blk. or Br. C

Sebring (AUS)

Sea Eye Pea (AUS)

600

B. C

Choisir (AUS)

See My Baby (AUS)

643

B. or Br. C

So You Think (NZ)

Stage Beauty (AUS)

717

Ch. C

Zoffany (IRE)

Bendaree Hera (AUS)

832

B. C

Choisir (AUS)

Oceano (AUS)

864

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Sea Gypsy (AUS)

www.southerncrossbreeders.com.au Dream Ahead sire of Byerley’s colt ex Liza

Ashleigh Thoroughbreds Scone NSW 2337 Senga Bissett: 0410 588 200 sengaB@bigpond.com Byerley Stud Sandy Hollow NSW 2333 Kelvin Williams: 0428 880 276 byerleystud@bigpond.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Warren Wruck

Turangga Farm

FAST CLIP SISTER EMBODIES A TRADITION OF WINNERS

IT’S only a short drive from my home base in Scone to Turangga Farm and always a pleasure to visit with Stuey Ramsey and the team. “Come in, pull up a chair, be with you in a minute,” boomed Stuart, as I say hello to stud administration and general get-lots-done girl Ange.

A

glass of Blue Pyrenees is poured, so it’s already convivial. Outside in the front paddock, mares and foals are grazing with the foals having a great time, and a brother to Mecir running rings around his dam and just about everything else. We will be writing him up next year.

John Ramsey, stud manager and Stuart’s son, arrives with his fiancée Erin, and we get down to the business of the Q&A. Soon follows Irish lass Niabh, who was heading home and came in to say her goodbyes. Another glass emerged and a drink was proffered.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “I simply choose the ones who are ready to go at that time of the year.

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “About 18 years, the first one I sold was a Mighty Avalanche from Alpine Queen.”

Q: What are your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “Karuta Queen winning the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and having a quarter of the field in her year as graduates of Turangga.

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “We’ve bred a brother to Gr.3 winner Mecir (Lonhro), and a sister to Gr.1 winner Headway (Charge Forward) this season.

We also have a More Than Ready colt who is a brother to Elite Falls who ran third in the Golden Slipper, and we have a sister to Huegill (More Than Ready) who ran third in the Caulfield Guineas, and an All Too Hard colt out of stakes winner Panipique, one of our good mares.

Turangga Farm-bred Mecir wins the 2014 Newcastle Newmarket-Gr.3

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122

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “The Husson-Boganvillia colt is an attractive racy type from a high class family and

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

the stallion is going well, while the SnitzelBukhoor filly is racy and athletic and looks like she will come to hand quickly. Another

by Oakleigh Plate winner and really good sire Snitzel is the colt from Clear View. He is real quality, oozes class, big and strong, and our Snippetson-Hint of Glory filly is a sister to multiple Group winner Fast Clip and is an outstanding type from probably our best family. The Zizou from Kichai is an outstanding type, a beautiful colt. He looks like he will burn the turf in the MM 2YO. “Then we have the More Than ReadyLittle Chloe filly. (Side note: at this point all the girls went “Aaaaawww”, so safe to say this one is a real favourite). Yes, she has the Aaaaaww Factor, and is a feminine racy filly who should make a nice two year-old. The Sepoy colt from Midnight Fantasy is outstanding, bred in the purple and ready to win the MM for his owners. We have a colt by the really terrific NZ-based sire Pentire and he’s from Nobody Listens (Kilimanjaro). As the dam’s name suggests, he is a must buy from an outstanding NZ family.

“The colt by Snippetson and from the multiple stakes winner Panipique (Testa Rossa) is a grouse colt. He’s the mare’s first foal and looks ready to explode as a two year-old. The Northern Meteor–Perisher Valley (Devil’s Bag) filly is from one of the world’s best filly families, tracing to the Pretty Polly Stakes winner Miss Toshiba (Sir Ivor), and by a great stallion. She is a great type and a half-sister to Listed winner Torah (Spinning World), a must buy.

“Our Denman colt from Permission is a great sort, he looks a ready to run colt and is a powerful precocious type, while the Congrats-Redwood Dancer filly is from an outstanding American family by a successful sire who is throwing good types in Australia.

“The Nicconi colt from Rhythm Beat is from a great female family, tracing to Gypsy Moss. He looks more a three

year-old type and extremely athletic and the dam is a half-sister to Dequetteville Stakes-LR winner Volcada. The Zizou from Sheza’s Dream (Filante) is an outstanding colt with great scope and he is a brother to two multiple winners.

“The colt by I Am Invincible from Song of Hope should be popular as he is is a great type, well balanced, and by the sire of the moment who has just had his first Gr.1 winner in Brazen Beau. Our Myboycharlie colt from Third Day is a good scopey fellow from a great NZ family and the Smart Missile from Torah is the sort of filly you’d expect from the mating of a smart new sire and a stakeswinning mare.

She also is a really good type and I’d urge buyers to inspect her.”

Fast Clip - winner of the Tulloch Stakes-Gr.2 and Doncaster Prelude-Gr.3

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale who turned out a topliner?

A: “Karuta Queen most definitely was a cheap buy at $30,000 as she was a Gr.3 winner of $1.85m, and Schilling, the Sandown Guineas-Gr.2 winner, sold for $42,000 and won $386,520.”

Q. Where is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “Twisted, at Chevron Island, it has outstanding food and a great wine list.

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Go to the Turangga Farm draft and pick one out, for a better chance of winning the Magic Millions.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “They have to be sires who are commercially viable and they must suit the pedigree and the type of the mare.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “A full team effort is needed, in the morning Ange looks after them while John does his racehorse training and then he takes over when he’s finished there. We bring them along slowly and pay attention to their needs.”

A: “To continue to breed Gr.1 winners and high class racehorses for sale as yearlings.

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Absolutely. We have a history of doing this.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination?

A: “Scotland. Had a great time there in July.”

A: “At this point son John Ramsey interjects and says, “Take more notice of your son”. So Stuart’s answer naturally is, “I have been told I should take more notice of my son, and here’s another one . . . Neville Begg once said to me, ‘If ever you’re offered a reasonable price for something, sell it’.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

125

Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Bukhoor (AUS)

164

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Clear View (AUS)

306

Ch. F

Snippetson (AUS)

Hint Of Glory (AUS)

358

B. C

Zizou (AUS)

Kichai (AUS)

392

B. or Br. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Little Chloe (AUS)

435

B. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Midnight Fantasy (AUS)

503

Ch. C

Snippetson (AUS)

Panipique (AUS)

511

B. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Perisher Valley (USA)

512

B. C

Denman (AUS)

Permission (AUS)

561

Ch. F

Congrats (USA)

Redwood Dancer (USA)

681

B. or Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Torah (AUS)

722

Ch. C

Husson (ARG)

Boganvillia (NZ)

829

Ch. C

Pentire (GB)

Nobody Listens (NZ)

855

B. C

Nicconi (AUS)

Rhythm Beat (NZ)

874

B. C

Zizou (AUS)

Sheza's Dream (AUS)

884

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Song Of Hope (AUS)

903

B. C

Myboycharlie (IRE)

Third Day (AUS)

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6545 3862 John Ramsey: 0427 847 685 Angela Mcliesh: 0424 237 933 turanggafarm@bigpond.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Jo Mckinnon

Tyreel Stud

SO YOU THINK HALF-BROTHER TO HEAVENLY GLOW

LINDA and Laurence Monds have recently taken the helm at Tyreel Stud, which was successfully established near Richmond 20 years ago by the Fleming family. The husband and wife team officially took over Tyreel in March 2014 and have already made a strong impact with a rebranding of the Agnes Banks farm.

L

inda, who has been around thoroughbreds and cattle all her life, is the driving force at Tyreel and passionate about its future. She faces her debut Magic Millions as a major vendor in 2015 and is confident of a good first-up performance at the highly competitive sale.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “We like to select strong, precocious two year-old types, who will fit the niche the Magic Millions has created, for future buyers. We try to use stallions who we PAGE

124

believe will sire early going sorts such as Choisir, Sepoy and Stratum.

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC? A: “Tyreel Stud has been selling yearlings at the Magic Millions for the past 10 years with great success. Horses like Risen From Doubt, Amicus and the Champion of Singapore Rocket Man all hailed from the drafts of Tyreel.

Q: What have been your MM selling and racing highlights in recent times?

A: “The sale of MRC 1000 Guineas-Gr.1 winner Amicus (Fastnet Rock) in the 2013 Magic Millions draft has been a

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Glow (Spinning World), winner of the AJC Oaks-Gr.1, Arrowfield Stud Stakes-Gr.1 and BTC Doomben Roses-Gr.3.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “A good forward type who would look to have the ability to start early.”

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

A: “Racecourse success and good types who will complement our broodmare pedigree.” highlight as it resulted in a bidding duel between Chris Waller and Peter Moody Racing. This result gives Tyreel Stud great satisfaction with the clients’ yearlings generating good money and trainers backing their judgment in the sales ring and receiving Gr.1-winning glory.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “Tyreel Stud has had a complete change of image and direction, we are very excited for the future of the farm.

With the change of ownership, the operation is undergoing many upgrading projects to redevelop the property.

Tyreel has had a presence at the major broodmare sales during 2014, which resulted in new purchases for our young quality broodmare band. We have some exceptional foals from the likes of Crafty Irna, Happy Hippy and many more, lighting the way for a bright new future for the farm. Tyreel Stud is looking forward to presenting its own yearlings along with those owned by our new clients at future Magic Millions.

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: “The Wanted yearling from Mermaid Island is a striking filly and she is a half-sister to the hugely talented but unlucky Holy Cow, who has placed twice now at Listed level. The Magic Albert colt from Jester’s Girl (Commands) is the first foal of a stakeswinning daughter of How Funny (Rory’s Jester). The Sepoy colt from Midnight Oil (Keeper) is the first foal of a New Zealand Oaks-Gr.1 and Lowland Stakes-Gr.3 winner.

“The filly by Stratum from Wings of Pegasus (Sahm) is very attractive and is out of an imported sister to European stakes winners Mutasallil and Ajhar. The Choisir colt from Cariad (Sequalo) is the first foal from a dual stakes winner and is bred to be fast. We also have a Murtajill from Fiery Dee (Fraar) and this yearling is a half-sister to the ultraconsistent stakes performer Looks Like The Cat (Husson). One youngster who is sure to command lots of attention is the colt by champion So You Think and from Starsphere (Celestial Bounty) as he is a half-brother to the 2007-08 Champion Filly In Australia, Heavenly

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “Allowing our youngsters to settle in and develop a good appetite and along with the gradual introduction of a physical regime on the horse walker, lunge ring and showing practice which enables them to build both physically and mentally towards their end goal of the Magic Millions Sale.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We are always looking for young and enthusiastic people to join our motivated and modern team.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding/racing ambitions?

A: “We will continue to grow our core broodmare base and be aiming to continue Tyreel’s tradition of breeding high quality yearlings for all the premier sales. We are sure many of these will be of the next generation of high level race performers Tyreel Stud has produced in the past.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Make decisions on thoroughly researched information from a number of highly regarded sources, take the time to build our core business well and work consistently hard.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

20

B. or Br. F

Stratum (AUS)

Wings of Pegasus (IRE)

135

Ch. C

Choisir (AUS)

Cariad (AUS)

342

Ch. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Jester's Girl (AUS)

436

B. or Br. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Midnight Oil (NZ)

773

B. F

Murtajill (AUS)

Fiery Dee (AUS)

818

B. F

Wanted (AUS)

Mermaid Island (IRE)

889

B. or Br. C

So You Think (NZ)

Starsphere (AUS)

Agnes Banks NSW 2753 t: 02 4776 1142 www.tyreel.com Robert Sims: 0419 974 104 rob@tyreel.com PAGE

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MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Donna Stoddart

Vinery Stud

PLUCK READY TO EMULATE HIS SIRE

VINERY Stud, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is one of the most recognisable names in thoroughbred breeding in Australia today. With a history as rich as the pastures that surround this premier breeding establishment, Vinery has a roster of some of the best performed and bred stallions anywhere in the world.

T

he stud’s presence at Magic Millions Gold Coast always creates interest and the 2015 sale will be no exception, with sons and daughters of proven sires such as More Than Ready (USA) and Testa Rossa for example, along with the stud’s ‘new kid’ Pluck (USA), bound to announce their arrival in a big way. Adam White, who is the sales and nominations manager at Vinery, gives his views on the importance of Magic Millions Gold Coast and a glimpse of what is on offer from Vinery in 2015.

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to Magic Millions Gold Coast each year?

A: “Well it’s really a combination of physical type and pedigree. Generally speaking, horses who are quite forward and are from a good ‘running’ family are selected for the Magic Millions sales.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at Magic Millions Gold Coast?

A: “We have been selling at Magic Millions ever since Vinery formed, which was back in 1999.”

Q: You would have had many Magic Millions selling and racing highlights since then, what are some of your most recent successes?

A: “Yes, we’ve had several notable sales in recent years. Champion mare Atlantic Jewel was sold from our consignment in 2010 for $320,000 and then a year later we sold her half-sister Commanding Jewel for $205,000. Commanding Jewel of course went on to win the MRC 1000 Guineas-Gr.1, just as her older sister had done. At the 2013 Magic Millions sale we sold the outstanding colt by Encosta de Lago, Rubick. He is a winner of the MRC Schillaci Stakes-Gr.2 and the MRC Blue Diamond Prelude-Gr.3.

Pluck

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126

“Highlights in terms of racing must be our stallion More Than Ready producing consecutive winners of the Gold Coast Magic Millions Two Year-Old Classic.

This was achieved firstly in 2008 with Augusta Proud and then in 2009 with

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Champion mare Atlantic Jewel - A Vinery graduate through Magic Millions Gold Coast

Phelan Ready, who also went on to win the STC Golden Slipper-Gr.1 that year.

Testa Rossa also had a personal achievement in being only the second stallion in history to win the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO and then in turn sire a winner of that same race, when his son Unencumbered won in 2014.”

Q: What is some of the breeding news from Vinery this season?

A: “This year we are pleased to be selling the first crop of yearlings by More Than Ready’s Breeders Cup Juvenile (Turf) winning son Pluck. We really are very excited about this horse’s chances at stud and I’m sure his yearlings will create interest. During the 2014 breeding season Vinery welcomed the first foals of champion racehorse All Too Hard and they really are exceptional foals.”

Q: Can you give us a brief summary of Vinery’s Magic Millions Gold Coast draft and any highlights?

A: “Well the first crop Pluck youngsters have really impressed us. We have a lovely bay filly in our draft who is a half-sister to Afleet Esprit, the winner of this season’s MRC 1000 Guineas Prelude-Gr.2. We also have a really nice colt by Pluck from Saigon Moonlight.

Saigon Moonlight is a sister to Estelle Collection, the dam of champion sprinter Lankan Rupee.

“We have several nice More Than Ready yearlings in our draft including a lovely colt from Element of Danger, a sister to a Horse of the Year in Typhoon Tracey. We also have two nice fillies by More Than Ready in our draft, including one from Group winner Nakaaya and the other

from Red Queen, the dam of multiple Group winner Luke’s Luck.”

Q: Have you had a notably ‘disappointing’ sale who later turned out a topliner?

A: “I think the best bargain we sold was Silvern who was by Lujain from Seto Chiffon. We sold him for just $6000 from memory, and he went on to race 44 times for 10 wins and around $200,000 in prizemoney.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a Magic Millions sale yearling?

A: “Well, the great thing about the Magic Millions sale now is that it doesn’t just produce excellent two year-olds. So if you are looking for a horse suited to any condition or distance, you will find what you are looking for here. Buy the horse that looks like an ‘athlete’ and has a good walk.”

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation at Vinery?

A: “We consider that teaching them to walk well and be relaxed when parading is an important key. Treating each yearling as an individual is also important, we like to keep them happy. The whole sales preparation is vital in their education as it helps them adapt to stable life once they become racehorses.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “Be good to people on the way up so that they will be good to you on the way down.”

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

78

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Arziki (AUS)

85

B. or Br. F

Pluck (USA)

Attunga Rose (AUS)

93

B. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Ballet D'amour (USA)

114

B. F

Pluck (USA)

Bonded (AUS)

124

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Brothers Dream (AUS)

169

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Comrie (AUS)

170

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Contented (AUS)

199

B. F

Pluck (USA)

Diamond Cove (AUS)

215

B. F

Duporth (AUS)

Electric Dreams (AUS)

216

B. or Br. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Element Of Danger (AUS)

240

B. F

Casino Prince (AUS)

Film School (AUS)

246

B. F

Redoute's Choice (AUS)

Fit And Ready (AUS)

291

B. C

Choisir (AUS)

Golden Statue (AUS)

351

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Kalamata (AUS)

371

B. or Br. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Lady Diva (AUS)

386

B. F

Casino Prince (AUS)

Legislature (AUS)

400

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Lost Weekend (AUS)

439

B. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Millie Milou (NZ)

480

B. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Nakaaya (AUS)

528

B. C

More Than Ready (USA)

Prerequisite (AUS)

543

B. or Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Quiet Meadow (USA)

554

B. or Br. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Ready Miss (AUS)

559

B. or Br. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Red Queen (AUS)

584

B. or Br. C

Pluck (USA)

Saigon Moonlight (NZ)

646

B. C

Testa Rossa (AUS)

Starwish (AUS)

656

B. C

Casino Prince (AUS)

Sweet Cheeks (AUS)

662

Ch. C

Pluck (USA)

Talons Shown (AUS)

686

B. C

Congrats (USA)

Trezevant (AUS)

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6543 8333 www.vinery.com.au Peter Orton: 0418 276 454 peter@vinery.com.au Adam White: 0414 800 918 adam@vinery.com.au Conor Phelan: 0437 842 852 conor@vinery.com.au PAGE

127

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Widden Stud

MORE QUALITY FROM THE VALLEY OF CHAMPIONS

WIDDEN STUD is one of, if not the, most successful producer of quality racehorses. What is the secret? Certainly the environment is ideal for the rearing of young thoroughbreds.

Widden’s lush and spacious paddocks feed off rich alluvial creek flats, surrounded by huge sandstone cliffs, which combine to provide the perfect foundation for potential Gr.1 winners to thrive and grow. Little wonder it’s earned the name Valley of Champions.

T

he preparation for a yearling sale ultimately starts at birth and Widden’s Ryan McEvoy believes it is their strict attention to detail on every horse in the system that is the reason why they have produced so many top class racehorses for such a long period of time.

Q: Widden graduates have had yet another big season on the track.

What were the highlights?

A: “Certainly it has been a big 12 months for Widden-sold yearlings, highlighted by Magic Millions graduates Triple Gr.1 winner Dissident and the Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Driefontein also winning a Gr.1 race. Absolut Glam is another Gr.1 PAGE

128

Exciting Widden stallions such as SEBRING, STRATUM, ZOUSTAR & STAR WITNESS are all graduates of Magic Millions

winning graduate who comes to mind and some other notable MM graduates include recent stakes winners Peron, Stratum Star and Sir Moments. Also recent Gr 1 winners at Flemington Bonaria and Hucklebuck who are a great advertisement for Widden’s JT over 2 brand as both where foaled and raised at Widden. We’re very proud of the fact that we can offer yearlings who not only present well at the sale, but continue to thrive and improve once they enter stable life.”

Q: Widden retired two of the hottest sire prospects in 2014. Tell us about them?

A: “This current season we launched two exciting stallions in Zoustar and Shamus Award. Our new recruits are both dual Gr.1-winning three year-olds who are not

Dissident: another Gr.1 winner sold by Widden Stud through Magic Millions

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

only the best of their generation but also gorgeous looking types by two of the most commercially successful stallions in Australia. ‘Stand the best, by the best’ has been a motto of ours for some time, and through the likes of our champion young sires Stratum (Redoute’s Choice), Sebring (More Than Ready) and the late Northern Meteor (Encosta de Lago) this has proved to be a very successful formula.

“Shamus Award is the highest rated horse by the outstanding Snitzel to ever race and was understandably the Australian Timeform Champion Three Year-Old last season. Similarly, Zoustar is the best, most successful son of Northern Meteor and retired as his highest ever rated galloper and the season’s Australian Timeform Champion Three Year-Old Sprinter. Both stallions have covered an incredible book of mares and it won’t be long before we have yearlings by them to present at sale!”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: We are really pleased with the draft we have assembled. Typical of this sale, we have a good number of forward, mature running types. The Sebring-Anuket filly is just that, and very much in the mould of Sebring’s high class juveniles. Northern Meteor’s filly out of School Blue is another athletic, racy type who will certainly be popular. The Star Witness colts from Golden Delicious and Silk Shantung are outstanding. They are

strong, forward and full of quality, as is the Sebring colt from Polska and The Stratum Valentine Miss colt.

Q: Have you had a notably disappointing sale that turned out a topliner?

A: We actually did feel that Driefontein was bought well under what we had initially thought she would bring. She was a lovely Fastnet Rock filly who was a real two year-old type and it was a credit to Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds to secure her for $75,000. She is now a winner of the MM 2YO Classic and the Robert SangsterGr.1 with earnings topping $2.24m, and would rate as one of the most valuable racing mares in Australia.”

Q: Why do you like selling at Magic Millions?

A: “Being the first sale of the year, the Magic Millions is always an exciting auction to attend. It is the first major sale where the public can view the first crop yearlings of the new season sires in addition to determining a market trend for the rest of the sales year.

“As a vendor it is extremely important we offer the right product, the first sale of the year sets the tone and with a large local and international buying bench we want to make a good first impression and build momentum for sales later in the year.

We also recognise this sale as a source of potential stallions. At Widden, we are

Magic Millions graduate Driefontein sold for $75,000 and has won over $2.24million

fortunate enough to stand two Golden Slipper-winning stallions Stratum and Sebring who were graduates of the Magic Millions, in addition to dual Gr.1-winning stallion, Champion Two and Three Year-Old Colt Star Witness and Champion Three Year-Old Sprinter of last season Zoustar.”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “Everyone has their own particulars they seek. However, if you stick to the principles of sourcing a horse with good balance, physically mature and displaying a level of athleticism, you are increasing your chances of buying a successful horse. Other things we like to see in our yearlings are

sound temperament, purposeful walk, good condition, without being overweight and, importantly, a pedigree containing winners.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “We are always looking to chat to anyone who is passionate and enthusiastic about working in the industry.

There aren’t many more beautiful environments to work in than the Widden Valley and we’re very proud that many of the industry’s most successful participants have gained experience by working at Widden.

2015 DRAFT Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

1

Gr. C

Stratum (AUS)

Valentine Miss (AUS)

428

Ch. F

Hard Spun (USA)

Marveen (AUS)

48

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Adonia Queen (USA)

430

Br. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Mega Jewels (AUS)

72

Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Anuket (AUS)

443

B. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Mischievous (AUS)

92

B. F

Choisir (AUS)

Baby Angel (AUS)

466

B. F

O'Reilly (NZ)

More Than Adequate (NZ)

100

B. or Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Beautiful Gem (AUS)

469

Br. F

Denman (AUS)

Mosaic Gold (AUS)

119

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Brandy Cocktail (AUS)

478

B. F

Sebring (AUS)

My Type (AUS)

129

B. F

Star Witness (AUS)

Caesour's Promise (AUS)

490

B. F

Sepoy (AUS)

North Pole Dancer (AUS)

140

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Cathie's Lane (AUS)

506

B. C

Star Witness (AUS)

Pearl of the Sea (AUS)

146

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Chaotic (AUS)

524

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Polska (AUS)

165

B. C

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Cloudwing (AUS)

550

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Ranchy (USA)

173

Ch. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Cosmo Gal (AUS)

593

Br. F

So You Think (NZ)

Schiffer (AUS)

178

B. C

Sebring (AUS)

Crimson Sakura (AUS)

594

Ch. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

School Blue (AUS)

190

Ch. C

Congrats (USA)

De Jetcat (AUS)

596

B. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Search for Fame (AUS)

192

Ch. C

Stratum (AUS)

De Lightning Ridge (AUS)

604

B. F

O'Reilly (NZ)

Shanzero (AUS)

264

Ch. C

Sebring (AUS)

Four Star Princess (AUS)

619

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Snipify (AUS)

272

B. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Fun Flight (AUS)

738

B. F

So You Think (NZ)

Cinnamon Bells (AUS)

284

B. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Glogirl (AUS)

800

Br. C

Commands (AUS)

Kennilworth (AUS)

289

Ch. C

Star Witness (AUS)

Golden Delicious (AUS)

805

Ch. F

Choisir (AUS)

Lavish Miss (AUS)

335

Ch. C

Sepoy (AUS)

Intuit (AUS)

872

Ch. C

Star Witness (AUS)

Sheeznodoubt (AUS)

385

B. F

High Chaparral (IRE)

Legal Thrills (AUS)

878

Ch. C

Star Witness (AUS)

Silk Shantung (AUS)

413

B. or Gr. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Madame Trop Vite (IRE)

881

Ch. F

Star Witness (AUS)

Sister Phenomenon (AUS)

Valley of Champions

Widden Valley, NSW 2328 t: 02 6549 9999 info@widden.com www.widden.com Antony Thompson: 0427 470 507 Derek Field: 0408 492 495 Ryan McEvoy: 0439 802 837 PAGE

129

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Woodside Park EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

WOODSIDE has had a successful first year under its belt with new management and a change of focus from being a training centre with the team of farm-owned horses to a pre-training centre with leading trainers sending pre-trainers to the property.

Woodside Park

S

tud manager Gerard Jones has had a fantastic season with Written Tycoon (Iglesia) covering more than 170 mares, however he also has a lot to look forward to with the arrival next year of champion 3YO and first season sire Zoustar. A dual Gr.1 winner by the late Northern Meteor, Zoustar has served a full book of mares at Widden Stud, and his arrival in Victoria where he will stand every second season, brings a unique opportunity for Victorian breeders. The purchase of an interest in the up and PAGE

130

coming stallion prospect Rich Enuff, already a Gr.2 winner and Gr.1 runner-up, complements his sire, the successful stallion Written Tycoon who has stood at Woodside Park for the past two seasons.

We spoke to Gerard about the Magic Millions and Woodside’s draft for 2015:

Q: How do you decide which yearlings you would like to consign to MMGC each year?

A: “We decide on how developed the horses are. If we think they are physical horses and looking like they can run early, we aim them for the MM Gold Coast sale. MMGC is a quality sale so you want to take a really nice horse to optimise your return.”

Q: How many years have you been selling at MMGC A: “We have been involved with MMGC during the past four years.”

Q: What are the latest developments at your farm, new star residents, exciting foals?

A: “The latest development is the purchase of Rich Enuff, and he is without a doubt one of the most exciting gallopers in the country. This is on the back of our part-ownership in Zoustar who took all before him last year and had a massive first book this season at Widden; he will join us every second season. With the acquisition of these horses to join the

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

already proven Written Tycoon we feel it will position Woodside Park as a leading stud farm in Victoria.

“In terms of exciting foals this year, the Fastnet Rock colt from Saggiatore (Galileo), who is a three-quarter brother to Driefontein (Magic Millions 2YO ClassicRL winner and Gr.1 winner) is a really nice youngster. The filly by So You Think from Crystal Spur (Flying Spur) is another very interesting foal, with Crystal Spur being a half-sister to the very talented Inkling and Cluster.”

Q: Give us a brief summary of your draft and any highlights?

A: The Northern Meteor filly from Okaylah (Flying Spur) is a ripping athletic yearling by one of the hottest stallions in the country and she is inbred 4fx3m to Rolls (USA). They are not making them any more so expect this one to be very popular. The Sepoy from Nun Faster (Fastnet Rock) is a beautiful filly by a stallion who is bound to be super popular. We sold the half-brother by Lonhro in 2014 to Danny O’Brien Racing for $180,000. The colt by Helmet from In Expectation (More Than Ready) is by a young sire who has left a very nice line of foals and we believe this neat running type is very likely to be an early runner.”

Q: What is your favourite place to eat and unwind after a sales session?

A: “Sushi Train under Peppers is an absolute must!”

Q: What should buyers look for in a MM sale yearling?

A: “It’s a sale where you’re likely to find more developed earlier horses, so you probably focus more on that rather than a classic staying type. You basically look for an athletic, smooth moving and well-balanced horse who displays a good temperament and copes with the pressure of a sale.”

Zoustar standing at Woodside Park Stud in 2015

Q: What is your approach to selecting sires each season?

Q: What are some of the key steps in your process of yearling preparation?

A: “We decide as a team. We go through the mares individually, taking particular note of their pedigrees, and go through the stallions and match them up. In some respects we have to predict where we think stallions are going to be in a couple of years because this is really the relevant factor for us.

A: “Our yearlings are sent to our farm at Beaudesert in Queensland for their sales preparation. This gives them a chance to get some sun on their backs and settle in well in advance of sales time. One key step is to assess their workload and identify what horses need more work and which horses need less work to present at their best in the sale ring.

“We do this by analysing a number of things, with new stallions we look at the farm where they are, the numbers they are likely to serve, and their overall conformation and race performance.

With established stallions we look at their sales results, consider their age and ongoing commerciality, and really look at what they are producing and if they are likely to suit our mares and overall draft strategy.”

“We make sure we try and keep everything relaxed to keep the horses relaxed and have a chiropractor who really helps to get the horses walking well.

We really emphasise that the horses are fit enough to cope with being paraded at the sales and are as bombproof as we can have them.”

Q: Do you have any opportunities for young people to become involved on a trial basis or as casual staff for the sales?

A: “Absolutely, we are always open to give opportunities to young people who are hard-working and have a team ethos.”

Q: What are your aims for your future breeding and racing ambitions?

A: “Our aims in breeding are to establish the best stallion roster in Victoria which will be strong enough to encourage breeders from all over the country to support us. We also aim to constantly improve the strength of our broodmare band (which is an ongoing process), and from a racing perspective support our stallions and place some of their best progeny with the best trainers to give them every chance.”

Q: What is the best advice you have been given in the horse business?

A: “To have success you need a combination of hard work, persistence and luck.

If the three things merge together the results can be unlimited!”

2015 DRAFT

Exciting galloper Rich Enuff has just been secured by Woodside Park Stud

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

229

Ch. C

Husson (ARG)

Factor Of Safety (AUS)

242

B. or Br. F

Foreplay (AUS)

Fire Lake (AUS)

329

Ch. C

Helmet (AUS)

In Expectation (AUS)

492

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Nun Faster (AUS)

495

Ch. F

Northern Meteor (AUS)

Okaylah (AUS)

585

B. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Salinas (AUS)

802

B. F

Artie Schiller (USA)

La Paris (AUS)

Tylden VIC 3444 t: 03 5424 8166 www.woodsideparkstud.com.au Murray Tillett: 0419 985 921 admin@woodsideparkstud.com.au PAGE

131

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

Story by Kristen Manning

Yarraman Park

INVINCIBLE YOUNGSTERS FROM A PROVEN NURSERY

WHILE there is one Magic Millions moment that stands out in Arthur Mitchell’s mind, the day Yarraman Park sold a record-breaking $1.4m filly, he says the sale has “always been good” for the Scone stud. “We have had a lot of Magic Millions highlights,” he said, recalling Yarraman has supported the sale since the second time it was held back in 1987.

“A

ll the way through it has been a successful sale for us,” Mitchell said, naming the sale of Gr.1-winning sprinter Snitzel as another memorable moment. A $260,000 sale to Gerald Ryan, Snitzel won more than $1m. He is fondly remembered by Mitchell, the stud master describing this son of Redoute’s Choice as a “tough, strong yearling,” qualities he took to the track to win seven of 15 starts including the Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1.

Always excited about Yarraman’s Magic Millions consignments, Mitchell is especially looking forward to the 2015 sale due to the presence of yearlings of the stud’s up and coming young stallions I Am Invincible and Hinchinbrook. “Both stallions sire outstanding types,” he said.

“I Am Invincible has already proved his worth as a two year-old sire and now they are training on, including Ascot Vale (Coolmore) Stakes-Gr.1 winner Brazen

PAGE

132

Beau; and Hinchinbrook is getting early runners to the track and they too look the types to improve further at three. We are hearing good things from trainers and one of the things that stands out about them is that they all have great temperaments.”

Joined by youngsters by the stud’s stalwart Magic Albert, the draft is described by Mitchell as “really strong”.

“We select the more precocious, two year-old types for this sale, the sort we know will sell well.” Among Yarraman Park’s 30 Magic Millions yearlings are colts by the stud’s own stallions and also represented are high profile sires Exceed and Excel, Sepoy, Stratum, Dream Ahead, Smart Missile, Denman, Foxwedge, Commands, Wanted and Myboycharlie.

Highlights of the draft include: Exceed and Excel-Ambers Waltz colt: “He is a nice colt out of a mare who was second to Military Rose in the Magic

MMGC 2015 YEARLING SALE www.magicmillions.com.au

2015 DRAFT

I Am Invincible

Millions,” Mitchell said. Also Group placed on three occasions, Ambers Waltz is a daughter of the Gr.3 winner Ambers Halo.

Sepoy-Be Positive filly: “Sadly we lost the mare young and this is her second of only two foals.” A winner of the Frances Tressady Stakes-Gr.3, Be Positive hails from the family of Singapore star Better Than Ever.

Denman-M’Lady Pedrille filly: “She is closely related to I Am Invincible, so obviously we like the family!” This is the first foal of a Listed-winning sister to the Gr.1 mare Diamond Drille.

I Am Invincible-Kensington Rose filly: The final foal of a proven broodmare who produced one of Magic Albert’s best, the Randwick Guineas-Gr.1 winner Ilovethiscity. Hails from one of Australasia’s finest families whose members include successful stallions Lonhro and Grosvenor.

Foxwedge-Our Pride And Joy filly: “From a happening family,” she is the first foal of a multiple city-winning half-sister to the Gr.1 Australian Derby and Rosehill Guineas winner Criterion.

Another recent Group winner, Bull Point, is also a close relation.

The majority of Yarraman Park’s youngsters are by local stallions, Mitchell being a firm believer in the value of “colonial stallions with good local two year-old form.” He is also adamant that his young horses are treated as individuals with their yearling preparations tailored in such a way to suit each horse.

“We try to get that right balance of exercise and time out in their yards. We are very careful to pay close attention to the small details.” Little wonder then the advice he offers to horse people is fairly simple, “work hard and the luck will follow”.

Lot

Colour & Sex

Sire

Dam

34

B. F

Myboycharlie (IRE)

Zelady (AUS)

53

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Al's Magic Miss (AUS)

61

B. C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Ambers Waltz (AUS)

99

Ch. F

Sepoy (AUS)

Be Positive (AUS)

123

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Bronislava (AUS)

126

B. C

Stratum (AUS)

Bullion Mansion (AUS)

198

B. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Devoirs (AUS)

296

B. or Br. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Graphite Lass (AUS)

297

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Greta's Yarn (AUS)

328

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Impressions (AUS)

348

B. F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Junebug (AUS)

353

B. C

Magic Albert (AUS)

Karalee (AUS)

356

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Kensington Rose (NZ)

410

B. F

Denman (AUS)

M'Lady Pedrille (AUS)

468

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Morinda (AUS)

497

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Orange Marmalade (NZ)

498

B. F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Our Pride and Joy (AUS)

508

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Pekalan (AUS)

571

Ch. F

Wanted (AUS)

Rock Success (AUS)

611

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Simply Enchanting (USA)

653

Br. F

Commands (AUS)

Sugar Bay (CAN)

728

B. F

Dream Ahead (USA)

Cangino (AUS)

767

B. F

Magic Albert (AUS)

Eyes For You (AUS)

786

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Grand Bird (AUS)

811

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mariana Sunset (AUS)

828

B. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Nice Surprise (NZ)

849

B. C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Red Centre (AUS)

852

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Regrade (AUS)

854

B. or Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Reve de Victoire (AUS)

857

B. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Rivers Secret (AUS)

Scone NSW 2337 t: 02 6545 1961 www.yarramanpark.com.au Harry Mitchell: 0412 280 576 Arthur Mitchell 0412 495 687 studoffice@yarramanpark.com.au PAGE

133

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GTF 01/2014

“Home grown” horses proudly reared at Burnewang North.

60% winners/runners and the best is yet to come.

LOT

SIRE

DAM

2

Bay Filly

Denman

Valour

217

Brown Colt

Commands

Elleandee

313

Bay Colt

Snitzel

Huiskes

352

Bay/Brown Colt

Artie Schiller

Kapcher

421

Bay Filly

Sepoy

Maree Basse

488

Bay Colt

Nicconi

Nonchalance

552

Bay Filly

Smart Missile

Rap Tale

659

Chest Colt

Choisir

Swinging Babe

680

Brown Colt

Hard Spun

Top Of Collins

Resistant. A tough and honest BNP product.

Winner of over $450k to date.

Contact Aaron Todd on 0401 423 668 Tanya Edwards 0408 323 785 www.burnewangnorth.com.au

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18/11/2014 5:00 pm

The Hottest Young Stallion In Australia...

Cri ter ion

Sc rat ch y

Bo tto m

Dis sid en t

Pre ssi ng

Valley of Champions

Be lie ve Yo urs elf

Br ing Me Th eM aid

Cli fto nR ed Contact Antony Thompson Derek Field, Ryan McEvoy (0439 802 837)

Br ing So me thi ng Tel: 61 2 6549 9999 Fax: 61 2 6549 9900 Email: info@widden.com Web: www.widden.com

Widden Stud Australia Pty Ltd Widden Valley via Denman NSW 2328

Don’t miss an outstanding representation at the Magic Millions Yearling sale in January!