The Classic Yearling Sale opened on a buoyant note at Riverside, where early confidence translated into decisive action in the ring and a pair of headline results rewarded connections who had set out to stand apart from the crowd.
An Extreme Choice x Nais Ko filly from Newgate Farm, offered in partnership with Gooree, topped the first day’s trade when secured for $425,000 by Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds. Well known among inspectors ahead of the sale, the filly’s profile—combining a highly sought-after sire with a mature, forward type—drew sustained interest before Star’s Vin Cox landed the telling bid late, ensuring she will race in the famous purple silks with white stars.
“There was genuine depth to the bidding, which is always a healthy sign,” Cox said after the sale. “When you line up on a filly like this, you expect competition, and that’s exactly what we saw. It tells you people are confident in what they’re buying.”
He added that the filly had impressed on repeated inspections. “She’s a strong, precocious type with a sensible head on her shoulders—one that looks ready to go. With this sire, the reality is they’re scarce. When you find a good one, you have to be prepared to commit.”
Newgate’s Jim Carey was equally pleased with the outcome, noting that the decision to target the Classic Yearling Sale had been a deliberate one. “She’s always been a sharp, mature filly and we felt this was the right platform for her,” Carey said. “We’ve enjoyed success here before and it’s satisfying to see that confidence rewarded.”
Carey also highlighted the filly’s demeanour throughout a busy inspection week. “Like so many by this stallion, her temperament was outstanding. She handled the conditions and the attention with ease, which only added to her appeal.”
Classic Yearling Sale delivers depth beyond the top lot
The second-highest price of the day went to a Hellbent x Miramare colt from Riverstone Lodge, purchased for $400,000 by trainer Gary Portelli alongside Ben Vassallo of BK Racing. Riverstone’s Nick Taylor admitted there had been debate about which early-season sale best suited the colt, but the decision to head to Riverside proved inspired.
“He’s always been a quality animal,” Taylor said. “There was plenty of foot traffic all week, and interest in him just kept building. To achieve this result is massive for our team.”
Vassallo pointed to the colt’s early-maturing look as a key factor in his popularity. “He shapes as one that can get up and going, and that always attracts attention,” he said. “We’ve had success before with a horse from the same farm and by the same sire, so that history gives you confidence when making a big call.”
By the close of Day 1, the sale had generated a gross of $19,041,000 with an 80% clearance rate. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch described the opening session as an encouraging reflection of preparation and buyer engagement.
“There was solid competition right across the market,” Hutch said. “To see a clearance rate at this level, alongside a gross figure up on last year and stable averages, is very pleasing. Buyers are clearly recognising the value on offer here.”
Hutch noted that while the lower end of the market remains competitive, vendors have been realistic and buyers responsive. “This sale has a long-standing reputation for producing quality racehorses, and today reinforced that belief.”
The remaining two days of the 2026 Classic Yearling Sale continue from 10am, with further opportunities for buyers and sellers alike as the catalogue unfolds.
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