Big Prices At Sale Of Yearlings

Press, Volume C, Issue 29480, 5 April 1961, Page 17

Big Prices At Sale Of Yearlings

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright)

SYDNEY, April 4. Astounding competition for Star Kingdom yearlings today boosted the average price for the 1961 Sydney sales to the second highest in the history of New South Wales bloodstock sales. Five Star Kingdom yearlings sold for 16,100gns—on average of 3220gns. The demand for Star Kingdom progeny, plus the excellent market for other “fashionable” stock, clearly

established the Sydney sales as the premier market for bloodstock in Australia and New Zealand. Before sales began there was a pessimistic outlook because of credit restrictions. Today, however, at completion of the four-day sales, 377,755gns had been paid for 517 yearlings—an average price of 730.6gn5. The record average sale (836.8gn5) was set last year when the sales were held over three days and only 477 yearlings were sold. Today, 99 yearlings were sold for 63,210gn5, or an average of 638.4gn5. The top-priced yearling was the Star KingdomMargo Lass brown colt which went to Tulloch’s trainer, T. J. Smith, for 4100gns. Final analyses of the sales reveal that Star Kingdom again took the honours for the highest average, but he lost out on the honour of siring the top-priced colt and filly. Highest Price The highest-priced yearling of the sales was the 6500 Wilkes-Golden Chariot colt The costliest filly was the Pipe of Peace-Sunshine Express youngster which cost 3Soogns. Star Kingdom’s over-all sale was 16 yearlings for 43,675gn5, or an average of 2729.6gn5. Next was the highlysuccessful newcomer. Pirate King, which was represented by 18 yearlings sold for 37,050gns—an average of 2058gns. This creates a new Australian average price record for a first-season stallion. Another newcomer—Pipe of Peace—also had a remarkable first-season sale. Thirtyone of his yearlings were sold for 52,925gns—an average of 1707gns. This aggregate has not been aproached by the first crop of any stallion in Australia or New Zealand. Other top-class stallions with a high average included Wilkes (1967.8gn5), Edmundo (1317gns), Newton Wonder (1223gns) and Delville Wood (1073gns). The most successful breeders were Mr A. O. Ellison (Barramul Stud) and Mr J. W. Kelly (Newhaven Park).