Pinhookers turn $1,500 weanling into $525,000 yearling sale

Hong Kong buyers made a major impact on the final day of the Magic Millions National Sale, snapping up two of the session’s top-priced yearlings at the Gold Coast. In a remarkable pinhook success, Temerity Park turned a $1500 weanling into a $525,000 sale when renowned trainer Manfred Man secured a Harry Angel colt from Alma Vale Thoroughbreds. The sire is also responsible for Everest hopeful Private Harry, adding further allure to the purchase.

Another prominent Hong Kong trainer, Michael Chang, paid $170,000 for a Churchill colt consigned by Taghadoe Stud, while Baramul Stud also sold an Extreme Choice filly for $180,000. Asian buyers were highly active, with a total of 23 yearlings heading to Hong Kong, along with strong representation from China (11), the Philippines (23), South Korea (11), Malaysia (13), and Thailand (13).

Baramul Stud also sold the highest-priced yearling of the entire National Sale—a colt by Extreme Choice—to Yulong for $850,000 on Monday. Across the sale, more than $10.5 million changed hands, with an average price of $38,593, a median of $22,000, and an improved clearance rate of 75 per cent.