A pair of Fastnet Rock fillies topped the opening session of the Inglis Easter yearling sale on Tuesday when the average showed a 12% increase to $291,667.

“There has been an incredible buzz around the sale,” Inglis managing director Mark Webster said.  “It is great to see Australian trainers and agents working closely with both international and local owners.”

A Fastnet Rock filly out of Alinghi’s sister Perfect Persuasion (Lot 103) from Yarraman Park led trade at $1.60 million.  She was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa who won the G1 Inglis Sires’ Produce Stakes with Pride Of Dubai on Monday.

Also flying the flag for the fillies was the Fastnet Rock out of Mennetou (Lot 41).  Catalogued by Coolmore Stud, she is a three-quarter sister the Danehill Dancer Group 3 winners Osaila (Royal Ascot) and Obama Rule (Curragh).

She was secured by Adrian Nicoll of BBA Ireland on behalf of the Niarchos Family for $1.30 million.

Agent George Moore bought the top-priced colt for $1 million.  He is by Street Cry from Flemington juvenile stakes winners Noesis and was offered by Willow Park Stud.

Coolmore Stud champion Fastnet Rock sold 16 lots for an overall aggregate of $8.44 million.  Five of his yearlings made on the Top 10 leader-board.

Other sires to have progeny sell for $500,000 and more included I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Manhattan Rain, Redoute’s Choice, Exceed And Excel, Sebring, Medaglia d’Oro, High Chaparral and More Than Ready.

Inglis reported a 17% median increase to $210,000 but the clearance rate dropped 15 points to 73%.

Day 2 selling begins at 11.00am on Wednesday.

FASTNET ROCK – PERFECT PERSUASION FILLY