Year in, year out, weanling sales continue to present a fantastic opportunity for buyers across the country to find value. With yearling sales consistently increasing in strength and competition, they’re a great way to access the market at a more reasonable price. However, the question has to be asked, can you find a successful horse at a weanling sale? The answer is yes, with weanling sales producing multiple stakes winners including victors of the Group 1 Golden Slipper and The Everest.
Pierro
A son of Lonhro, he was offered at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale in 2010 by Darley as part of their Annual Reduction Sale. He was bought for $115k and then pinhooked by Victorian horseman David Kobritz and sold through his Musk Creek Farm draft for $230k at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Pierro went on to win five Group 1s including the Golden Slipper and is now one of the top stallions on the Coolmore roster.
Redzel
Redzel was offered by Eliza Park at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale and was bought by Marquee Stud for $45k. He was later sold by Marquee Stud for $120k at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, before going on to win The Everest twice and amassing over $15m in prizemoney.
Stay Inside
Stay Inside was initially sold as a weanling on the Gold Coast by his breeder Matthew Sandblom of Kingstar Farm, for $60k. He was then bought for $200k at the following year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. On the racetrack he dominated his two-year-old counterparts, culminating in a scintillating G1 Golden Slipper victory and will now stand his first season at stud at Newgate for $77k.
Other notable weanling sale purchases include prolific sire Zoustar, Group 1 winners Montefilia, Behemoth, Gytrash, Sopressa, Extra Brut, Begood Toya Mother, Spright and Leicester.
These are just a few examples of weanling purchases that have gone onto racetrack success and doesn’t even begin to take into account the numerous pinhook success stories that have happened over the years.
Weanling purchases offer buyers a chance to enter the market at a reduced price compared to a yearling sale, while still providing plenty of opportunities for success either on the racetrack or as a pinhook. If you’re interested in purchasing, talking to an FBAA agent is your best option for finding what’s best for your needs.
To discover more about the art of pinhooking, read here.
