Magic Millions General Manager Don Hancock said he was pleased with the "solid start" to the sale and is looking forward to the next three sessions.

"I felt today's session was the weakest of the four in the select section of the sale," Mr Hancock said.

"So it's certainly a positive start and we are looking forward to the next three days of selling," he added.

Hancock was thrilled by the dramatic increase in the average price of the yearling's in the first session as compared to last year.

"An increase of nearly $15,000 for the average is a great result."

"Unfortunately the pass in rate was worse (11% last year compared to 25% this year)," he added.

A total of 98 yearlings sold during the session for a gross of $8.5 million, which was $900,000 more than last year when eight more horses were sold.

The first session sales topper was the first foal (a Danehill filly) by the Melbourne and Auckland Cup winner Jezabeel. She was sold to Gerry Harvey's Baramul Stud for $475,000.

Two other yearlings, a Danehill filly (from Golden Slipper placed Loving Cup) and an Octagonal colt (from Lucky Lucaya), sold for $400,000 later in the afternoon.

The fourth highest priced yearling of the day was a colt by the champion American Freshman sire Red Ransom, from the top producing Kenmare mare Kew Gardens. He was purchased by John Foote acting as agent for prominent South Australian owner Tony Santic. Offered by Twin Palms Stud from Lochinvar he realised $320,000.

Buyers from around the country and nearby nations were among the buyers. Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria were all represented, while overseas buyers came from New Zealand and Hong Kong to purchase in the first session.

STATISTICS
(2001 statistics in brackets)

Total Lots Sold: 98 (106)
Total Sale Aggregate: $8,500,000 ($7,605,000)
Average Price: $86,735 ($71,745)
Top Price: $475,000 ($275,000)
Lots Withdrawn: 10 (11)
Lots Passed: 32 (13)
Lots Catalogued: 140 (130)
Sold %: 75.4 (89)

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