Dundeel leads first season sires at Magic Millions

Dundeel can now add Leading First Season Sire at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale to the string of titles he earned as a racehorse.

In a buoyant, but highly selective marketplace, all six of his weanlings have sold for an average price of $143,333 – more than five times his service fee, which remains at $27,500 inc. GST this year.

Top price of $240,000 was paid for a colt described by buyer Tim Stewart, acting on behalf of Musk Creek Farm as “a must-have.” Offered by the Hodges family’s Riversdale Farm, he’s the third foal of Group-placed city winner Cerberus Gal (by General Nediym), from the family of Golden Slipper winner and former Arrowfield resident Danzero.

Agent Sheamus Mills was the successful bidder at $180,000 for Bell View Park’s three-quarter brother to current season Group 3 winner Tivaci, out of Breccia (by Fastnet Rock). Breccia is a three-quarter sister to Group 1 winner Allez Wonder (by Redoute’s Choice).

Marc & Sarah Devcich cared for Dundeel at their lovely Henley Park property in New Zealand when he spelled between Australian campaigns, so it’s not too surprising they would want their own “baby Dundeel” to prepare for re-sale next year.

They joined fellow Kiwis, the van Dyk family of Prima Park, to purchase the $150,000 colt out of the Fasliyev mare Sunset Boulevard, already dam of Group 2 winner Meliora.  The colt was offered by Robyn Wise on behalf of Mary Lee & Richard Trivett’s Banchory Thoroughbreds.

Another New Zealand buyer, agent Paul Willetts, paid $140,000 for Lyndhurst Stud’s Dundeel colt from Joyful Moments (by Viking Ruler), a grand-daughter of the celebrated matron Denise’s Joy.

Dundeel’s consignment was completed by Newgate Farm’s Johan’s Toy colt ($110,000 to Ocean Warhorse, NZ) and the Arrowfield-offered filly out of smart Melbourne mare Sussuro ($40,000 to Queensland buyer Andrew McDonald).

The two-day Sale grossed more than $17 million and achieved an average price of $60,138, both figures breaking last year’s record figures. Importantly, the clearance rate also rose from last year’s 79 to 86 per cent.

Dundeel’s only entry in the Inglis Weanling Sale earlier this month, the filly out of Valda Merceda (by Hennessy), was sold by Holbrook Thoroughbreds for $90,000 to Inglis as agent.