The 2012 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale ended on a realistic, but positive note. The overall average price of R240 441 fell slightly from last year’s average of R250 511, and the gross total dropped from R93 190 000 to R81 750 000.

However, the figures this year are a far more accurate reflection of the market’s state of being, with the new vendor buy back scheme coming into play this year. Previous years, overall figures hid these same buy backs, and grossly exaggerated the market.

The top priced lot emerged towards the end of the two day sale. A Jet Master colt, consigned by Drakenstein Stud, sold for R1.7 million. An own brother to G1 winner Stratos, the colt named Stratocruiser, was consigned by Klipdrif Stud (as Agent). He was purchased by Glen Kotzen (pictured).

Top priced filly on sale was 235, a daughter of Black Minnaloushe. Consigned by Varsfontein Stud (as Agent), the filly is a half-sister to two Oaks winners, Arcola and Princess of Light. She was bought, for R800 000, by D Chinsammy.

Leading vendor at the sale, by aggregate, was Klipdrif Stud (Agent). They sold 17 yearlings for a total of R7. 425 million.

Leading vendors by average, five or more sold, were Drakenstein Stud. The farm sold 11 yearlings for an average price of R440 909.

Form Bloodstock were the sales’ leading buyers, by gross aggregate. They purchased 27 horses for a total of R10 890 000, ahead of Park Bloodstock, Mike Bass Racing and D Chinsammy.

Trippi, who has made such a wonderful start to his stud career in South Africa, led the sires list, by aggregate. His 20 lots to sell grossed R10 495 000. Jet Master was second best, ahead of Captain Al, Black Minnaloushe and Silvano.

However, Jet Master led the sires list by averages. The late, great sire sold 15 yearlings for an average of R529 667.

Jan Naude expressed satisfaction with the sales’ overall performance, saying,” I am happy that the average price remained very similar to that of last year, especially when taking into account the state of the market. I also firmly believe this year’s figures are a more accurate reflection, due to the new vendor buy back concept.”