Strong selling and an outstanding international buying bench helped return increased figures across the board at the first session of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast today.

Over $5.1 million was traded on 137 lots today at an average price of over $32,000 - the clearance rate was 73.3 per cent.

The gross was up 100% on last year's figures - the average price also up an impressive 42.3% on the corresponding opening session last year.

The top price was $400,000 given by Hong Kong based Richard Hui for a three-year-old brother by Fastnet Rock to Sydney stakes winner The Mikado.

International buyers signed for the top six priced lots with Hong Kong and South African buyers amongst the day's biggest buyers.

Twelve lots today sold for at least $100,000 - a record number for any session in the history of the National Yearling Sale.

Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said he was pleased with the way the yearling sale had started and looked forward to the strong growth to continue tomorrow.

"It is great to see the figures rise so much for the gross and average and it is pleasing to see the clearance rate higher than day one last year."

"Last year our second session was extremely strong as buyers realised the value that was on offer - so hopefully we can continue the momentum."

"We have got a record international buying bench on hand - dozens of trainers from Hong Kong and Singapore for example and buyers from New Zealand, Ireland, Korea, Libya, Iran and the Philippines.

The second session of the sale will be held from 11am (Qld time) tomorrow.

The third session of yearlings and the National Racehorse Sale will be held from the same time on Tuesday.

SESSION ONE STATISTICS
(2009 in brackets)

Lots Sold: 137 (113)
Session Gross: $5,111,500 ($2,554,500)
Average Price: $32,167 ($22,606)
Top Price: $400,000 ($220,000)
Lots Withdrawn: 21 (42)
Lots Passed: 50 (44)
Lots Catalogued: 208 (200)
Sold %: 73.3 (72)

SESSION ONE TOP SELLERS

$400,000 - Fastnet Rock-Lirico colt
Vendor: Newgate Farm (As Agent) / Buyer: Richard Hui (HK)

$285,000 - Flying Spur-Purde colt
Reavill Farm / World Wide Bloodstock (Sth Africa)

$240,000 - Holy Roman Emperor-Opportune colt
Yarraman Park Stud (As Agent) / Magus Equine Lrd (HK)

$210,000 - Fastnet Rock-Passing Hope colt
Reavill Farm / Magus Equine Ltd (HK)

$200,000 - Encosta de Lago-Perfecto colt
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / World Wide Bloodstock (Sth Africa)

$165,000 - Encosta de Lago-Infinite Grace filly
Newgate Farm (As Agent) / Deburgh Equine (Ireland)

$130,000 - Encosta de Lago-Sally's World colt
Edinburgh Park / Patinack Farm (NSW)

$130,000 - Testa Rossa-Scone filly
Baramul Stud / Bert Vieira (NSW)

$100,000 - Dehere-La Boisselle colt
Turangga Farm (As Agent) / World Wide Bloodstock (Sth Africa)

$100,000 - Bradbury's Luck-Orong colt
Glenlogan Park / Graeme Rogerson (NSW)

$100,000 - Choisir-Prefer an Angel filly
Edinburgh Park (As Agent) / Bill Mitchell (Vic)

$100,000 - General Nediym-Spinning Star filly
Baramul Stud / Peter Moody Racing (Vic)