The Easter Yearling Sale 2026 opened in extraordinary fashion at Riverside, where a result “beyond our wildest dreams” for breeders Graham and Linda Huddy set the tone for a buoyant Day 1 of trade, highlighted by a $3 million colt that stole the spotlight.
Offered by Lime Country Thoroughbreds, the Extreme Choice x Pretty Brazen colt emerged as the headline act, eventually secured by Coolmore after spirited bidding. One of eight seven-figure lots on the opening day, the colt’s sale capped an emotional moment for connections who had dared to hope—but not quite this much.
Linda Huddy, visibly moved, struggled to absorb the magnitude of the result. She admitted that even reaching $1.5 million would have exceeded expectations, making the final price all the more remarkable.
Jo Griffin of Lime Country Thoroughbreds echoed the sentiment, emphasising the collective effort behind the colt’s preparation. She reserved special praise for her husband Greg, whose horsemanship and tireless work were instrumental in presenting the colt at his peak. Even so, the final figure surpassed their most optimistic projections, despite quiet confidence the colt might reach the $2 million mark.
Coolmore representative Tom Magnier confirmed the colt will head into the care of leading trainer Chris Waller, noting the unanimous approval he received from the buying team throughout the week. The colt’s athleticism, balance, and fluent movement made him a standout among a deep catalogue.
Strong Depth on Display at Easter Yearling Sale 2026
While the $3 million colt commanded centre stage, the Easter Yearling Sale 2026 showcased depth across the board. The second-highest honours were shared by two fillies—an Extreme Choice x Speak Fondly youngster from Newgate Farm and a Zoustar x Summer Sham filly from Widden Stud—each bringing $1.8 million.
Widden Stud enjoyed further success when their Zoustar x Sword of Light colt realised $1.35 million, capping a remarkable sequence of sales within a short span. Antony Thompson described the experience as surreal, particularly given the sustained interest in their draft throughout the week.
The Summer Sham filly, a full sister to Schwarz, drew widespread inspection and admiration, reinforcing her status as one of the most sought-after fillies of the sale. Purchased on behalf of GSA Bloodstock, the acquisition reflected both confidence in pedigree and the continued appetite for elite bloodlines.
Dean Hawthorne, acting for Jonathan Munz, admitted the bidding pushed expectations, but underlined the importance of securing quality stock at this level. His previous success sourcing performers from Widden added further conviction to the purchase.
Similarly, Shane McGrath—who teamed with Clinton McDonald to secure the Speak Fondly filly—credited detailed research and expert guidance for their decision. With Extreme Choice continuing to produce high-class performers, identifying the right physical traits proved key to their selection.
Newgate’s Henry Field described the filly as a standout individual from a distinguished family, expressing confidence in her future on the track.
By day’s end, the sale posted an average of $452,603, a median of $350,000, and a gross of $66,080,000—figures that reflect both strength at the top and healthy participation across levels.
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch acknowledged the uncertainty leading into the sale but expressed satisfaction with the opening day’s outcome. He highlighted the significance of the Huddy family’s result, noting their long-standing support and the rewarding nature of seeing their investment come full circle.
Attention now turns to the second and final day at Riverside, where another strong catalogue promises further highlights.
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