The first day of the 2013 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale ended on a high, with the aggregate, average and median prices all up from last.

The sales topper is one of the highest in the sale’s history, behind only the R4 000 000 spent on Divine Jet in 2010 and R3 600 000 for Potala Palace at the same year.Despite fewer lots sold than last year (from 201 to 182) the aggregate on day one jumped to R55 320 000 from 2012’s total of R45 190 000.  The average price rose from R224 826 to R303 956 this year.Lots not sold increased in 2013 to 30 from 17 last year, but the session’s top price of R3 400 000 was well up on last year’s top priced lot – which fetched R1 250 0000.It was noticeable that the day’s trading got off to a slow start, but prices picked up gradually and steadily through the day.

The first day was topped by lot 263 pictured above, who was sold to Markus Jooste's Mayfair Speculators for R3 600 0000. Consigned by Drakenstein Stud, the colt is by Dynasty.

Top priced filly on day one was a daughter of Argentinian sire Easing Along, who was knocked down for R900 000. The unnamed filly was consigned by Wilgerbosdrift, and was purchased by Mayfair Speculators.

TBA’s CEO Tom Callaghan was ecstatic with the outcome of the sale, commenting, “This was an exceptional sale, and the sales’ results are in line with standard international results. The average was up by 39%, and there was quality money for quality horses. Buyers have become more discerning. There was excellent support from some of racing’s real icons, but thanks must go out to the breeders who have supported the sale so well.”

The TBA’s Jan Naude was also well pleased with the day’s outcome, saying ”Despite a slow start, the sale ended with improved figures from last year. This was a great result, as there were fewer horses sold. I hope the positive trend continues on Sunday. Come early – we start at 10!”A full list of results and statistics for day one is now available online. Sunday’s sale starts at 10 am, when the remaining horses will come under the hammer.