A strong international buying bench raised competition at the Inglis Easter yearling sale on Wednesday.

A total of 48 lots have been sold for $500,000 or more, well up on the 28 lots recorded after Day 2 last year.  The average of $298,663 is up 21% and the median of $200,000 has improved 11%.  The clearance rate is 79%.

“The diversity of buyers, sires and vendors represented at the top of the market is a great indicator for the overall confidence in the Inglis Easter product and the Australian industry,” Inglis managing director Mark Webster said.  “Players from around the world have teamed up to invest in Australian bloodstock and it is really encouraging that local syndicators have also been very active up to $200,000 allowing a wider group to join together in racing these yearlings.”

A Snitzel brother to Group 1 winner Sizzling (Lot 264) offered by Milburn Creek topped Tuesday’s trade at $2.20 million.  He was purchased by Tim Stakemire on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.

Another Snitzel colt made $1.80 million from the draft of Arrowfield Stud.  Out Group 1 winner Alinghi, he sold to David Raphael and Gerald Ryan.

A new Australian record price for a yearling by a first-season sire was set when a Sepoy colt out of Group 1 winning Canny Lad mare Ancient Song sold for $1.60 million.  He was offered from the draft of Turangga Farm and was sold to James Harron Bloodstock.

Fastnet Rock continued his huge influence on the market selling two of the five top priced lots.  His filly out of Candlelight sold to Tom Magnier for $1.75 million from Segenhoe Stud.  And his colt by from Weiner was purchased Gai Waterhouse, Coolmore Stud and Stonerstreet Stables for $1.35 million from Kitchwin Hills.

Day 3 selling begins at 11.00am on Thursday.

$2.2 million brother to Sizzling tops Day 2 at Inglis Easter Sale