The World Cup-inspired move last year from KZN to Gauteng had quite an effect on sale average and numbers sold for the KZN yearling sale. The 2010 average dropped to R43k from R60k the year before, with numbers sold from 232 to 175 (caused by higher withdarwals and higher ‘not sold’). Back this year in KZN, at a desirable casino venue, expectations were to see at least a reversal of last year’s downturn.
That didn’t happen. The overall average recovered marginally, with number of yearlings sold about the same. But the real crunch came in the median price, which often gives a truer reflection of affairs than the normal average.
For the last three sales, the overall median went from 45k in 2009, to 40k in 2010, and 30k in 2011.
For colts the median prices were 45k, 40k and 35k. The fillies market just about went to pieces: from 45k, to 40k and now a miserable 20k.
Quality of stock offeredmay have had something to do with it – moderate pedigree pages can be forgiven for colts but not for fillies.
Five yearlings were knocked down for R200k or more. Top price was R310k for a colt by Right Approach, consigned by Daytona Stud. The farm owes the stallion a debt of gratitude: two years ago in the Cape, a Right Approach from Daytona topped the regional sale at R700k. The yearling colt is half brother to a 3-time winner by Kabool, out of stakes placed Pacific Typhoon (sister to Pacific Charm).
The next three highest prices were for fillies. Boland Stud consigned a Windrush daughter of winning West Man mare Law Of The West (half sister to Knockout). She was knocked down for 280k, as was the Australian-bred Oratorio filly from Burwell Stud, the youngster a half sister to seven winners down under. The hammer fell at R260k for a daughter of Captain Al and Goldmark mare Goldante, the latter dam of 4 winners including a full sister to the yearling. She was also consigned by Boland Stud. The fifth of the two-tonners was a Mogok colt from Backworth Stud, at R200k. He’s half brother to a five-time winner.
Click here for the KZN yearling sale prices – listed by sire
