$725,000 Snitzel Colt Tops Premier Day 1

The third most expensive yearling to ever sell in Victoria set the Oaklands auditorium alight today as a Snitzel colt from Blue Gum Farm sold to Aquis Farm for $725,000.

On a day when all key financial year-on-year indicators were significantly up it was lot 227 (Snitzel x Jestajingle) which stole the show, with fierce bidding creating spectacular theatre for the enormous crowd who had ventured to Oaklands for Day 1 of the Premier Yearling Sale.

The result – for both breeders Neville and Susan Duncan and vendor Phil Campbell of Blue Gum Farm – was spectacular, causing stirring emotion between both parties.

“The Duncans are just the nicest people and they are also brilliant breeders, they keep sending us quality horses year after year. It is just a pleasure to work with them and I’m just delighted to get another great result for them, it makes me bloody emotional to tell the truth,’’ Campbell said as he fought back tears.

“It means a hell of a lot. This is our backyard and we are fiercely loyal, we bring all our best horses here to Victoria and with the clients that we work with, that is what we encourage to happen.

“We knew this colt was special. I think the price he obtained today was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for any more.’’

Aquis’ Shane McGrath praised Campbell for prepping such a quality colt for sale.

“He’s a top-level colt by a champion sire. We thought he was a super mover, a real 2YO who’s come from great breeders and Phil Campbell has done a lovely job preparing him,’’ McGrath said.

“Across the board with these top-quality horses, that’s what they’re going to make.

“They can be expensive but if they can come out and win a nice race, they’re a future stallion prospect which is what everyone is after.’