An outstanding Encosta de Lago (stallion pictured) filly from the former grand race filly Ha Ha took over as the sale star at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale when she was purchased by West Australian interests for $700,000.
The Glastonbury Farms offering attracted plenty of interest when she entered the ring late in the afternoon.
When the hammer fell it was Gai Waterhouse, bidding on behalf of West Australian breeding operation Mount Hallowell Stud, who was the bigger.
She out lasted the team from Ingham Racing to secure the prized youngster.
Waterhouse was delighted to purchased the top prospect out of a mare she trained to win a Golden Slipper and a Magic Millions 3YO Trophy.
"She reminds me very much of Ha Ha," Waterhouse commented. "She has got a huge hindquarter, a beautiful hindquarter, but has development to go."
"He (Mount Hallowell Stud's Craig Thompson) is excited to buy her and I am very excited to be training her."
Thompson, owner and Managing Director of ship agency and broking company Seacorp, was delighted to find and purchase his "filly of the sale."
"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 Gai Waterhouse stable, but others he had purchased at the auction were heading back to his home state.
"I bought three others here yesterday that will go to David Harrison. He is my top line trainer in Western Australia."
A strong second session on the Gold Coast led to the clearance rate climbing to 78% (from 73% a day ago) and the average increasing to $131,179.
Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester was pleased with the increases across the board during the session.
"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 third session of the auction will kick away at 11am (Qld time) tomorrow.
SESSION TWO TOP SELLERS
$700,000 - Encosta de Lago-Ha Ha filly Vendor: Glastonbury Farms (As Agent) / Buyer: Mount Hallowell Stud (WA)
$590,000 - Redoute's Choice-La Baraka filly Kitchwin Hills (As Agent) / Gerald Ryan (NSW)
$540,000 - Dehere-Joleur colt Willow Park Stud (As Agent) / Hong Kong Jockey Club (HK)
$530,000 - Encosta de Lago-Mary Marvel colt Strawberry Hill Stud / Hong Kong Jockey Club (HK)
$520,000 - Stravinsky-Irongail filly Widden Stud (As Agent) / BBA (Ireland)
$480,000 - Fastnet Rock-Fusaichi Rose colt Coolmore Stud (As Agent) / Laird Racing Stables (Sth Africa)
$385,000 - Redoute's Choice-Magic Music colt Baramul Stud / Mark Pilkington B'stock (Vic)
$350,000 - Encosta de Lago-Fayfa filly Coolmore Stud (As Agent) / Steve Brem (NSW)
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I wish them luck.Another of Ha Ha's progeny by the immortal Sadlers Wells called Standing Ovation has been a spectacular floperoo,can't run out of sight on a foggy night.Has now been gelded,presumably to try and recoup some expenses,but not likely from what I've seen.