A hushed auction room this morning signaled one thing—a fierce bidding war was underway. The star of the session, Widden Stud’s Snitzel-Humma Humma colt, shattered records at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, selling for an astounding $2.8 million to Ciaron Maher Racing.

The colt, now the highest-priced yearling ever sold at the sale, was purchased on behalf of Phil Cunningham of Rebel Racing, who had only arrived at the sale grounds ten minutes before the historic purchase.

“It was Ciaron’s pick of the sale,” Cunningham shared. “This is my first time in Australia. I race horses in Newmarket and have my own training operation. I partnered with Ciaron last year with a filly we bought here, and now this—what a start!”

Maher, one of Australia’s leading trainers, was equally enthusiastic about the acquisition. “He looks really early and sharp,” Maher said. “A great pedigree from a quality family. We’re thrilled to have him.”

A Seller’s Pride

On the selling side, Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson was visibly moved as he stepped off the rostrum.

“This is a really proud moment for us,” Thompson said. “It has been an amazing sale for Widden. We sold Sunlight here as a record-priced mare, Clean Energy as a record-priced filly, and now to achieve the highest-priced yearling—it's a huge honor.”

Thompson credited the result to the colt’s exceptional pedigree, combining the influence of champion sire Snitzel and the speed and class of his dam, Humma Humma.

A Bright Future for the Colt

With Ciaron Maher Racing and Phil Cunningham’s Rebel Racing behind him, the Snitzel-Humma Humma colt is destined for a bright future on the track. The sale capped an electric day at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, further cementing its reputation as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier auction events.

For Widden Stud and their remarkable colt, this result will long be remembered as a defining moment in the stud’s storied history.

Image Magic Millions