Australia, 31 May 2008

The record breaking 2008 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale came to a close on Friday with the bargain hunters out in force on the Gold Coast.

Buyers operating at the lower end of the market were thrilled with the value on offer as just shy of $500,000 was traded on 132 weaners at an average price of $3,762.

The clearance rate held up at an impressive 81 per cent.

The top seller of the session came late in the day when Lot 604 - a colt by Falvelon - was knocked down for $45,000.

Magic Millions' NSW representative Tony Williams had the winner bid on the youngsters on behalf of New Zealand's Gwent Holdings Ltd.

Consigned by Glenlogan Park, as agent, the bay or brown colt is the second living foal of the placed Danehill Dancer mare Vidance.

Vidance is in turn from an unraced daughter of the former star racehorse Vivarchi - a winner of seven races including the Golden Slipper and Champagne Stakes as a two-year-old.

Magic Millions managing director David Chester said those buying today would be back again next year.

"The value at today's sale was second to none," Chester said. "We had so many wonderful young prospects selling for prices that all buyers could afford."

"Today's general session wrapped up a big week of selling comprising the National Weanling Sale and now it's turn to focus on the mares."

"The first session of the broodmare sale will be held on Monday and the world's attention will turn to the Gold Coast that day when Divine Madonna goes under the hammer."

"There won't be a better racemare go under the hammer anywhere in the world this year. She's a wonderful mare who confirmed her place as Australia's star miler."

"No mare fresh off the track with a record like Divine Madonna's has ever been put up for auction. It will be an exciting day on Monday."

The first session of the mare sale will kick away at 11am on Monday with Queensland Oaks winner Zagalia going under the hammer. The daughter of Zabeel visited Redoute's Choice last spring, but is not in foal.

SALE STATISTICS

Lots Sold: 132
Sale Aggregate: $496,600
Average Price: $3,762
Top Price: $45,000
Lots Withdrawn: 39
Lots Passed: 31
Lots Catalogued: 202
Sold %: 81