Easter Sale continues positive gains into second session

There was much to celebrate at the Inglis complex Wednesday, as the flagship

Easter Sale continued to show positive gains during its second session. A total

of 251 yearlings have been sold at the Newmarket complex for an average of

A$241,394, up nearly 10 percent on 2010 results.

"To have an average up nearly

10 percent is a very satisfying result at this stage," Inglis Managing Director

Mark Webster said. "The clearance rate today was a little disappointing, but, as

yesterday's figures show, it can be expected to improve as post sale

negotiations are completed."

Webster added, "Buyers should note that there's

still a great opportunity to secure a future champion at (Thursday's) closing

session."

A 57-lot first session Thursday will be followed by Session II of the

sale.

Wednesday's topper, a half-brother to superstar Black Caviar (Bel

Esprit) by Cafe Prince, was hammered down to Hawkes Racing, who won

a spirited bidding duel with Peter Moody. Sold by Rick Jamieson's Gilgai Farm

and consignor Makybe as Lot 277, the colt brought A$1,025,000.

"It

seemed like A$600,000 was going to do it, but the two boys obviously wanted him.

I'm thrilled to bits," Jamieson said.

Hawkes Racing is made up of the trio of dad John and sons Wayne and Michael

Hawkes. The Hawkes train Black Caviar's younger full brother Moshe, who

has won three of his four career starts, including a handicap at Moonee Valley

on March 18. Wayne Hawkes said his team had had an eye on the colt for some time.

"We saw him at Makybe six weeks ago and then, when we saw him again last week,

he'd just jumped out of the ground," Hawkes said, "We know the family

obviously, having Moshe, and everyone knows Black Caviar."

Perfect in her 11

starts, Black Caviar picked up her fourth straight Group 1 victory in the March

25 William Reid S. The Hawkes were also pleased to get a graduate of Tony

Santic's Makybe operation.

"Everyone doing form looks at the strike rate of

trainers and we do the same when we are looking at vendors," Wayne Hawkes said.

John Hawkes started his career as a jockey and trainer in 1971, but opted to

hang up his helmet when Australia stopped issuing dual licenses at the end of

that season. A year later, he boasted his first champion in Toltrice (Matrice), and he has since conditioned numerous

champions, including two Australian Horse of the Year honorees, the great

Octagonal and his son Lonhro. Hawkes was elected to Australia's Racing Hall of

Fame in 2004, but, according to his

website, he still gets to the barn at 4 a.m. on a daily

basis.

Hawkes established a training

partnership with his two sons in 2008, but Wayne has worked alongside his father

since the mid-90s. Michael handled a string in Brisbane before returning to

Sydney three years ago.

"I suppose you could say dad is the brains and Wayne and

I are the youth," Michael said on the website. "I think it is a pretty good

partnership. We are lucky we have each other."

For complete results, please visit

www.inglis.com.au.