Buyers targeting the spring breeze-up market were quick to make their presence felt at Riverside on Monday, where the HTBA Yearling Sale closed with solid figures and renewed confidence across the bloodstock sector. The day’s top two lots were both secured with a view to reappearing later this year at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale, underlining the growing importance of that October marketplace.
The leading price of the session came when SP Bloodstock’s Stefan Pardi signed for an Artorius colt out of Azarose, offered by Kingstar Farm, for $160,000.
Pardi moved swiftly to confirm the youngster would be aimed at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale on October 15, believing demand for quality juveniles is set to intensify as the sale approaches.
He described the colt as the standout male yearling on the grounds, praising both his presence and scope for further physical improvement in the months ahead.
The result exceeded expectations for Kingstar Farm’s Adam Cook, who admitted the price was well beyond pre-sale forecasts.
Cook said the return was a major reward for the team and reflected the strength of buyer interest seen throughout inspections. He added that foot traffic had been notably strong in the lead-up to the sale and that the atmosphere had carried through into the ring.
The second-highest price of the HTBA Yearling Sale came at $115,000, paid by Victorian horseman Tyler Aitken for a Home Affairs colt out of Gwader Bay, also from the Kingstar draft.
Aitken said the youngster appealed as an athletic and balanced type, adding that patience would likely bring out the best in him. He confirmed the colt would join a breeze-up team expected to feature youngsters by Toronado, The Autumn Sun and Anamoe among others.
Cook later described the Home Affairs colt as a late foal with length and a fluent action, noting that he had attracted widespread attention during inspections.
Overall turnover for the session reached $3,537,500, with an average of $23,273 and a median of $18,000. Both key indicators improved year-on-year, offering encouragement in a selective but active market.
Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch said the sale rounded off a successful yearling series, with total turnover across the company’s yearling auctions rising by more than $8 million on 2025 figures.
He said more than 1,670 yearlings had been sold at a clearance rate of 83 per cent across the season, describing the figures as a source of pride for the sales team.
Hutch also pointed to the broad buying bench, with participation from Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and multiple Australian states and territories, evidence of sustained international and domestic interest.
Attention now turns to the April (Late) Online Sale, which will feature the first of two Australian Broodmare Sale Sessions dedicated to race fillies and broodmares. Early entries include 11 young commercial mares from Willow Park Stud, an Anamoe breeding right and drafts from several prominent consignors.
The regular catalogue is scheduled to close for bidding on April 29, with the broodmare session following on April 30. Entries close on April 22.
For breeders, pinhookers and racing stables alike, the HTBA Yearling Sale offered another reminder that quality stock continues to command attention when brought to market at the right time.
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