Australia, 29 June 2008

The Inglis Australian Breeding Stock Sale on Sunday saw a Southern Hemisphere record for a thoroughbred sold at auction when Danehill mare Milanova sold for $5million as part of the Tyreel Stud Reduction.

After competition from a wide ranging number of breeding operations, the mare, in foal to Encosta De Lago, was eventually purchased by Coolmore Stud.

The $5million is a substantial leap on the previous Australian record, set at Newmarket last year when Virage De Fortune made $3.4million at the Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale.

Coolmore Australia General Manager said “blue hens” like Milanova rarely become available and indicated Haradasun was a likely companion for her this year.

“Genuine good horses like her that come on the market always attract genuine money,” Kirwan said.

“She’s got a world class pedigree and Coolmore has enjoyed a lot of success with the family, with not only Holy Roman Emperor, but Encosta De Lago, who will be Champion Sire this year.”

Milanova was one of five mares to sell for more than $1million today in an extraordinary day’s trading.

The seven figure mares were made up by Milanova and Valourina from the Tyreel Reduction and three from Sue Suduk’s Risdon Dispersal, offered by Philippa Duncan Bloodstock.

The Tyreel Reduction, offered on behalf of the late Jim Fleming, saw 12 mares sell for $10,160,000 at an average of $846,666.

“It’s pretty incredible,” Jim’s son Paul Fleming said of the Milanova sale. “But in fairness, she was always going to top the sale – everyone was looking at her and with that kind of pedigree and with those international bloodlines, she is a very valuable commodity. This was a great way to honour Dad.

Danehill mare Lucida topped the Risdon Disersal when knocked down to Freyer Bloodstock for $2million, while her dam Peruzzi sold for $1.25million and Group 1 winner and producer Shindig went for $1.6million.

The 31 Risdon mares grossed $8.63million at an average price of $278,403.

“It’s nice to see clients get good results and the good mares sold really well,” Philippa Duncan said.

“We’re delighted that Lucida is staying in Australia. She is a lovely mare, from a great family and a really nice type.”

The Select Broodmare session grossed $21.394million at an average price of $181,304, with a strong clearance rate of 83.1%.

Top lots

Select Broodmare Session Statistics - Lots 398 to 520 and 615 to 659

Lots Catalogued 168
Gross Value $21,393,900
Lots Sold 118 83.1 %
Top Price - Lot 513 $5,000,000
Lots Passed In 24 16.9 %
Average Price $181,304
Lots Withdrawn 26 15.5 %
Median Price $19,000

General Broodmare Session Statistics - Lots 521 to 614

Lots Catalogued 94
Gross Value $305,750
Lots Sold 73 89 %
Top Price - Lot 579 $26,000
Lots Passed In 9 11 %
Average Price $4,188
Lots Withdrawn 12 12.8 %
Median Price $1,500