By Duane Ranger
Despite the most severe drought in years, Australia Day 2020, should provide a much needed harness racing rainbow.
Forty quality yearlings will greet the auctioneer at this year’s APG Yearling Sale at ‘The Creek’ on Sunday week (January 26). It is the first of five annual APG Sales.
The others are scheduled for Melbourne on February 2, Perth on March 1, and Sydney on March 8.
APG spokesman, David Boydell, was unavailable for comment because he was moving house from Melbourne to Caloundra. However, Dean Baring did speak on his behalf.
“The Brisbane APG Sale offers more bang for your buck than any other sale in this country and gives harness racing participants a wonderful opportunity to kick off the 2020 year with a real buzz.
“It’s astounding that breeders have been able to professionally care for their yearlings so well at such a challenging time.
“The Sale looks to be overflowing with potential opportunities with half brothers or sisters to Group One stars like, Colt Thirty One, winner of $825,725 (to date), and Forever Gold - $700,593.
“Then there’s the multiple Group One placed and 17-times USA and Listed Classic winner, Sally Fletcher $433,431 ( to date). The Gr.2 winner Clintal Do $218,766, Shezza Gnp $210,000 and the Lindsay and Mary Vagg bred, Rock With Sam $166,640,” Baring said.
He said breeders and vendors that have supported this Sale with such depth and quality, should be very proud of the way these yearlings look already this far – 11 days out from the Sale.
“John Coffey was blown away after a recent trip north to view the lots in this sale. He went on to say: “I’m just so astonished at how good these yearlings look after the tough season the breeders have had up north. Owners looking at adding to their racing stocks, should take this sale very seriously and why wouldn’t they?
“With the QBRED for life bonus scheme and the new race series that means just 38 yearlings can possibly contest Albion Park’s $100,000 Gr.1 2yo Brisbane Sales Race in August of 2021. Add to this, that both $50,000 2yo finals are separate for colts and fillies. Qld could just be the perfect place to race APG eligible horses in the years to come”.
Baring believed opportunities for investors in harness racing in Queensland right now had never been better.
“This is the Sale where buyers get additional advantages in securing APG yearlings with massive upside. One leading breeder told me – “While I’ve got several yearlings in the sales in other states, I’m also very keen to look at a few APG - QBRED yearlings to invest in. This new race series ticks so many boxes in the north.
“APG should be congratulated for their innovation with the new series, now worth more than $2.4 million. Queensland will now host (in addition to its $100,000 sales race), $50,000 finals for 2yo’s & 3yo’s and a $30,000 4yo’s final”.
Baring said the QBRED FOR LIFE bonus system aligned to APG eligible horses has sparked considerable amount of interest both in and out of State.
“It’s an extremely positive sign for the sport going forward and it has plenty of backers. To think just 38 pacing yearlings can compete for the $100,000 Gr.1 Brisbane Sales Race is very exciting,” Baring said.
Under the QBRED For Life scheme, owners of eligible horses will receive a $10,000 cash bonus for their horses’ first win in Queensland, and will then receive a further $7,500 cash bonus for their horse’s first Queensland win in a subsequent racing season.
“Please note, we will have online and telephone bidding options available if you are unable to attend.
John Coffey has personally inspected pretty much all of the Brisbane yearlings and will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have on the individuals featuring in the sale. John can be contacted on 0418 500 211.
“Louise Toulmin is available on (03) 5275 1999 or e-mail her at louiset@apgold.com.au and she’ll be pleased to assist you with your pre-sale bidding approvals or to answer any other questions that you may have,” said Baring.
Last year Tim Butt only went to Brisbane to specifically buy one horse and he returned to New South Wales a very happy man.
Butt paid $55,000 for Lot 44 – a good-looking Captaintreacherous and Forever Gold (by Famous Forever) bay colt. That was $15,000 more than the second top lots - Lots 15, an Art Major – Empty Promises colt; and 34, a Heston Blue Chip – Our Secret Victory colt, who both fetched $40,000.
Baring said Brisbane’s APG Sale starts at 12 noon. Complimentary breakfast starts at 9am, and then free beverages from 10 am to 11am on the day of the Sale.
The Brisbane catalogue can be viewed here:
www.apgold.com.au/yearling-sales/2020-sales-lists/brisbane/