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Pride on show at QTIS Sale

18 March 2020

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By Andrew Adermann

A filly by Australia’s leading first season sire, Pride of Dubai, topped the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale which concluded on Tuesday.

The yearling sold for $170,000 to Grant Morgan at Ontrack Thoroughbreds and will soon be a stablemate to star Queensland three-year-old, Alligator Blood.

“She’s the best QTIS filly offered at any sale this year,” Morgan said.

“The sire Pride of Dubai is going outstanding and she’s a great type, from all of the mare’s foals this filly is the most like the Cat (Looks Like The Cat).

“I’m thrilled to be able to buy her, and she will head to David Vandyke.”

In total, 412 lots were sold over the two days, grossing almost $8 million at an average price of $28,529.

The Gollan stable was the big spender of the sale, dropping $357,000 across six lots.

Five-time Brisbane Trainers’ Premiership winner Rob Heathcote was another prominent buyer, walking away with 10 yearlings.

Following its sales-topping figure, Pride of Dubai was unsurprisingly the leading sire on average price, fetching a mean of $100,000 across two lots sold.

Better Than Ready also showed why he is one of the state’s leading sires, with 34 yearlings sold at an average of $44,206.

“To conclude this year’s sale with the figures we have is a great result for the Queensland breeding industry,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

“The buyers got in and, although selective, bid strong on the quality lots and to end with a clearance rate of over 73 per cent is a pleasing result with all things considered.”

This year’s sale was held in unique circumstances, with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a decision to close the doors to the general public.

The decision followed the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 statement on behalf of the Federal and State Governments to restrict large public gatherings.

“To everyone that played their part in the sale in very trying circumstances – we thank you for your co-operation, support and understanding,” Bowditch said.

“The Magic Millions team and everyone around them had to quickly adapt to what were unprecedented circumstances and an ever changing landscape.”