01 March 2018 | APG Media
LAST Sunday’s Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold Sale continued the mixed results for the season.
While the fillies’ average and clearance rate was up on the previous year, the average sale price was down among the colts and top spectrum.
Overall the colts also had an improved clearance rate, particularly among the mid to bottom end.
Despite some positive figures, APG’s David Boydell has preferred to “shoot straight” with the results.
“Whilst colts’ averages were down across the board, the averages for fillies actually increased in both Sydney and Melbourne, with colts only marginally outselling the fillies in both states,” Boydell explained.
“It is difficult to pinpoint the reason for the lack of demand at the top end given APG’s enhanced $1.8 million race series ensures there are more earning opportunities for the leading horses.
“Whether it is a reflection on buyer confidence in the industry, or perhaps just a cyclical issue, it is difficult to tell.
“We don’t want to try to sugar coat the results, however, the lack of top end demand is not exclusively a Sydney Sale issue, with all Australian and New Zealand Sales experiencing a pull-back at the top end.”
After some spirited bidding, two colts – Lots 390 and 404 – sold for $85,000, while Lot 290 was the premier filly after being knocked down for $80,000.
“From APG’s perspective, we were really happy with the attendance at Sunday’s Sales,” Boydell said. “The number of people registering to bid and inspecting yearlings was very strong, and clearance rates are already up on last year, with more deals still taking place.
“Nonetheless, the prices show it was generally a buyer’s market on Sunday, and whilst an 83.5 per cent clearance rate indicates people were keen to buy, they weren’t going to mortgage the house to do so.”
APG’s roving sales heads to Western Australia this weekend, where 108 lots will enter the Belmont Park sale ring on Sunday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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