Arrowfield maintains 100% record at Inglis Premier

Even in a buoyant market, it is never easy for vendors to achieve a 100% sale record. 

Arrowfield has done exactly that at the four yearling auctions it has sold at since July 2020.

The Stud has sold 119 yearlings under its own banner at Magic Millions National & Gold Coast and Inglis Classic, achieving leading vendor status at all three sales. 

Arrowfield also sold all 12 yearlings offered on its behalf by Kulani Park & Milburn Creek at this week’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, including the second top-priced lot, the $900,000 Lord Kanaloa-Believe Yourself colt. Presented by Rhys & Chloe Smith’s Kulani Park, he was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock. 

Overall, Arrowfield’s dozen yearlings sold in the Premier Session for an average price of $193,750 – a healthy 38% above the Session average of $139,803, itself a record for the Sale.

“Arrowfield’s Bloodstock Manager Jon Freyer says, “It was great to work with Milburn Creek and Kulani Park, they both did a terrific job, and it’s allowed us to focus on our Easter yearlings after selling at Classic.

“We want to sell all the horses we offer for sale, so we have to be selective about the yearlings we put through the ring, choose the right sale for each individual and then work with what’s now a very professional buying bench to get the business done.”

He says the last 12 months have been among the most challenging, and the most surprising the industry has faced during his 35-year career. 

“When the Covid pandemic began, I don’t think anyone predicted the Australian yearling market would hold up so well, but with hindsight it’s easier to see what’s fuelling demand.

“Firstly, the long-term industry reforms, especially in New South Wales and Victoria, that have significantly boosted returns to owners. The potential rewards for racing a horse in Australia have never been better.”

“Secondly, the huge effort to keep racing going and navigate all the various lockdowns and protocols has been really important for everyone who works and invests in the industry. It’s undoubtedly supported wagering too.

“And finally, I think there’s been a major switch in sentiment among people with cash to spend – a sense that life is really uncertain, we’re not here forever, we can’t travel overseas, so let’s have some fun with a nice car, a luxury home, a quality thoroughbred horse. And fortunately, we have plenty of quality yearlings to show them!”

Browse Arrowfield’s 2021 Inglis Easter draft here.