Records Tumble at Inglis Classic Opening

Sunday’s opening session of the 2021 Inglis Classic Sale produced a record day’s trade, a record top price and surges in average and median compared to 12 months ago at Riverside. The day’s closing gross of $21,418,000 was not only a 21% increase from Day 1 last year but also a record individual days gross for a Classic Sale, while the average ($106,030), Median ($90,000) and clearance (86%) were also significantly up on what can only be described as a spectacular start to the Inglis sales season. In a further sign of the strength of the yearling market at present, 95 horses sold for $100,000 or more today – up from 79 on Day 1 last year – while 17 sold for $200,000 or more compared to 9 in 2020. Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster was pleased with the Day 1 trade, saying, “It’s a very good start for everyone here, the vendors have presented a great product but have also been realistic in meeting the market while the buyers have shown the confidence to get involved that we were hopeful of.” He added, “The most pleasing aspect for me is the clearance. To start at 86% through the ring on Day 1 suggests we will be looking at 90% by the morning and that is such fantastic reward for the vendors and breeders who have put so much time and effort in.”