The Inglis Digital February Sale produced a vibrant day of trade on Thursday, headlined by the quality race mare and emerging broodmare prospect Manolo Bling, who realised $275,000 to top the online auction.
The four-year-old daughter of Grunt was secured by Highgrove Stud principal Ron Gilbert, who confirmed the mare will relocate to Queensland to join Kelly Schweida’s stable before eventually retiring to the breeding barn later this year. Offered by Anthony Freedman Racing on behalf of Rob Cummings and her ownership group, she attracted sustained interest before finishing at the upper end of expectations.
Gilbert said a change of scenery may bring out further improvement before her eventual transition to stud duties.
“We’ll mix things up with her — new trainer, new surroundings. Sometimes that helps these mares find another level,” he said. “Either way, she’ll head to stud later this year.”
Already Stakes placed and a winner of more than $400,000 in prizemoney, Manolo Bling appealed strongly on both performance and pedigree.
“I don’t normally buy race mares to breed from — I usually prefer mares already in foal — but I really liked her,” Gilbert added. “She’s from a strong family, she’s done the job on the track and she just fitted the mould for us.”
He admitted she stretched the budget.
“I thought she was a $250,000 mare. If she’d gone to $280,000 I probably would have stepped away. But we were fortunate.”
Inglis Digital February Sale Delivers Depth Beyond the Top Lot
While Manolo Bling led the way in the Inglis Digital February Sale, depth across the catalogue underlined the market’s resilience.
The second-top lot was North England, a three-year-old colt by Farnan offered by Newgate Farm. Purchased by Lofty Thoroughbreds for $200,000, he provided satisfaction for Newgate’s Henry Field.
“He’s been a terrific colt for our partnership,” Field said. “He won the Golden Gift and the Kindergarten Stakes and earned nearly $1 million in prizemoney. We’re pleased with today’s result and wish the new owners every success.”
Three additional lots also achieved six-figure results. Absolute Flirt, offered with an Anamoe filly at foot, made $160,000 to Jorshan Investments. Sense Of Honour, in foal to Home Affairs, sold for $150,000 to Ivan Danzo, while Reeh — in foal to Switzerland and with a Unite And Conquer filly at foot — realised $120,000 to Blue Oak Equine.
In total, the Inglis Digital February Sale grossed $4,783,100, reflecting sustained confidence across racing and breeding stock.
Vendor Rob Cummings expressed satisfaction with the outcome for Manolo Bling.
“She’s been a very good mare for us and we’re just scaling down slightly,” he said. “We’ve had great support throughout the process and we’re pleased with the result.”
With the February auction concluded, attention now turns to the March (Early) Sale, for which entries remain open until midnight next Wednesday, March 4. Bidding for that sale will take place from March 6–11, continuing what has been an active start to the year in the digital marketplace.
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