Darley Stallions start strong at Easter Sale

William Inglis & Sons' flagship yearling sale began on Sunday and despite predictions of a slowdown in the market, trade was brisk during the first two days.

It has been a fantastic few weeks for Red Ransom, who has sired Group winners in both hemispheres and his success continued in the sales ring where his four lots sold for an average of A$525,000 (£250,000). The most expensive of the four was a colt out of the G3-winning dam Palia. Consigned by Cressfield, he is a half-brother to Listed winner and G2-placed Dr Green and was knocked down for A$800,000 (£381,000) to Anthony Cummings Thoroughbreds.

Shadwell Stud were the purchasers of lot 16, paying A$625,000 (£298,000) for the first foal of G3-winning two-year-old Burning Sands. Consigned by Glenmore Park Stud he is from the family of multiple G1 winner Vinaka and globetrotting three-time Group winner Skoozi.

The progeny of Australia's current leading first-season sire Exceed And Excel continue to be very much in demand and during the first two days of the sale he has had five lots sold for more than A$400,000. Lot 279 (pictured) - a filly out of the Champion two-year-old One Under - was bought by Ingham Bloodstock for A$900,000 (£429,000), whilst Darley paid A$750,000 (£327,000) for a colt out of the winning mare Brave And Bold who is from the family of Bravery.

Another Darley resident to record excellent results was first- season stallion Shamardal, who had four lots selling, all of which sold for over A$200,000 (£95,000). Shadwell Stud was again amongst the buyers, this time at A$300,000 (£143,000), for a filly out of winning mare Doduo who is related to Invincible Spirit. The same figure was also paid by T Bott to secure a colt out of stakes placed mare Danse d’Ecole and from the world-class family of Fall Aspen.  

The sale continues tomorrow.