A yearling filly by Encosta de Lago out of champion Ha Ha (Danehill) was
hammered down for A$700,000 to top Thursday’s second session of the Magic
Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Gai Waterhouse, who trained Ha Ha to a total
of eight wins, including the 2001 Golden Slipper (Aus-G1), and prize money of
nearly A$3 million, outlasted representatives of Ingham Racing and signed the
winning ticket on behalf of the West Australia-based Mount Hallowell Stud of
Craig Thompson.
“I came here specifically to buy this filly,” Thompson told reporters. “Just
have a look at her pedigree. Hopefully she can win a few races as well — with
her residual value outstanding.”
Thompson confirmed the filly would be heading to the Waterhouse stable, but
others he had purchased at the auction were heading back to his home state.
“I bought three others here (on Wednesday) that will go to David Harrison,”
Thompson said. “He is my top line trainer in Western Australia.”
Thompson is the owner and managing director of ship agency and broking
Perth-based company Seacorp and called his purchase “the filly of the sale.”
Buyers from South Africa and Hong Kong have been prominent at the sale, and
other countries represented included Singapore, Malaysia, England, Ireland and
the United States. With a new sales-topper and brisk trade throughout the day,
Magic Millions’ David Chester was pleased with the overall performance of the
market.
“I expect increases and we got them today,” Chester noted. “It was a healthy
session with spirited bidding on many lots. We still have plenty more quality
lots for sale particularly over the next two sessions. The spread of buyers is
excellent. We are delighted to have such a top buying bench on hand.”
The sale continues Friday morning. Full results may be found at
www.magicmillions.com.au.