Melito starred on Day 1 of the Magic Millions National Sale on the Gold Coast.  The G1 winning Redoute’s Choice mare was sold to Coolmore Stud’s Tom Magnier for $1.65 million.

Melito raced for Reavill Racing’s John  Rippon and was a G1 winner of the T J Smith Stakes at Randwick and the QTC Winter Stakes at Eagle Farm.  She presented in foal to champion sire Encosta de Lago.  “Obviously, she is a serious mare,” Magnier said.  “She’s a lovely looking individual with a great pedigree and will be served by So You Think.”

Magnier purchased four of the six top priced lots on Monday – the others being More Valour for $400,000, Sevruga for $360,000 and Graceful Anna for $250,000.

Over $8 million was traded on 144 lots at an average of $56,102 which was 30% up on last year’s opening session.

“It was a very selective market,” Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox reported.  “The disappointing aspect was the 68% clearance rate.  Some vendors haven’t come to terms with the reality of the market.”

The second session of the National Mare sale on Tuesday will be followed by the National Weanling Sale on Wednesday.

MELITO

DAY 1 LEADER-BOARD

$1,650,000 – Melito (in foal to Encosta de Lago)
Vendor: Reavill Farm / Buyer: Tom Magnier

$400,000 – More Valour
Tyreel Stud / Tom Magnier

$400,000 – Miss Keepsake
Oxford Thoroughbreds / Dermot Farrington

$360,000 – Sevruga (in foal to Starspangledbanner)
Tyreel Stud / Tom Magnier

$300,000 – Born to Rock
Vinery Stud (As Agent) / Bowcock Bloodstock

$250,000 – Graceful Anna
Oakwood Farm (As Agent) / Tom Magnier