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Numbers decline on Day 1 of National Weanling Sale The receding economy took its toll on the opening session of the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale as the aggregate, average and top price all saw substantial year-over-year declines. A total of A$4,012,000 was spent on Day 1, down 61.2 percent from last year's first-session figure of A$10,337,500. The average of A$24,613 was a 64.3 percent decline from last year's opening mark of A$68,917. The session topper, a Stravinsky filly, sold for A$200,000, down from the A$700,000 a Redoute's Choice colt brought in 2008. The clearance rate saw a less drastic decline, dropping from 84.3 percent to 79.5 percent. "Last year, our catalog was boosted by the outstanding dispersal of weanlings from the Swettenham Stud operation," said David Chester, managing director for the sales company. "And at that time, the economy was strong and the bidding was frantic." Coolmore Stud, agent, consigned the session topper, Lot No. 63. Purchased by Fig Tree Thoroughbreds, the brown filly is out listed winner and Group 2-placed Irongail (Canny Lad), herself a half-sister to Group 1-placed Aim for Gold (End Sweep) and Group 3 third Walking or Dancing (Falvelon). The weanling will now be prepared for the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Vinery Stud, agent, had the highest-selling colt of the day. Lot 632, a son of More Than Ready who was part of the supplemental catalog, was bought by Hassen Adams of South Africa for A$155,000. Out of the winning Yes She Can Cancan (Canny Lad), the brown colt is from the same family as multiple listed winner Prince Benbara (Fraar) Chester, looking for a silver lining, focused on the relatively strong clearance rate and the "value" buyers found. "The quality weanlings are proving popular and the buyers are, overall, very happy," he said. "There are plenty of outstanding prospects tomorrow. We are sure those astute buyers who are at the sale or are represented will be thrilled with the lots on offer." The sale continues Monday and Tuesday. Full catalog, results, streaming video and live bidding are available at www.magicmillions.com.au.
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