Records Shattered at Broodmare Sale

Stacey Silver • May 25, 2021


Records were smashed across the board on an incredible opening day to the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast yeterday, 25 May.

       

 An unprecedented $68.8 million was traded on 210 lots at a record average price of $328,038 - up 59 per cent on last year and double that of two years ago.
 
Champion New Zealand mare Melody Belle had the honour of being the top seller on a day when 18 individual lots sold for seven figure amounts.
 
The 14 time Group One winner was offered early in the day as part of the Blue Sky Premium Consignment draft and was knocked down to the Written Tycoon Syndicate for $2.6 million.
 
"It's great to have a mare of this quality joining the farm," Yulong's Sam Fairgray said. "It's fantastic."
 
"We've got Written Tycoon now standing at the farm and she was an obvious mare that we would look at and I think she will suit him ideally."
 
"Mares of this quality don't come onto the market very often and it's great to have a mare of her race ability and type to join our broodmare band," Fairgray added.
 
The Written Tycoon Syndicate rounded the day out as leading buyer with a spend of over $12 million on 26 purchases.
 
Group winning mare Mizzy will head to Coolmore Stud after she was purchased by Tom Magnier for $2.2 million also during the earlier section of the today's sale.
 
"She's one of the nicest physicals at the sale," Magnier said of Mizzy. "We're delighted to get her."
 
"It's for a new partnership. She's a lovely, quality mare and in fairness she should have been a Group One winner."
 
"(Her price) shows you the strength of the market here in Australia at the moment. It's a great indication that Magic Millions have one of the best sales in the world going on."
 
Magnier said a stallion for Mizzy hadn't been decided as yet, but Triple Crown hero Justify and international star Wootton Bassett were among the leading contenders. 

Derby winner Qafila, offered in foal to Dundeel in her first season at stud, sold to Dean Hawthorne for $2 million and she topped the Shadwell Stud Australasia Unreserved Reduction Sale draft.
 
Presented by Yarraman Park Stud, the Shadwell draft grossed over $25 million at a tremendous average price of $679,324 across 37 lots.
 
Rosemont Stud finished the day as second leading buyer. The Victorian farm purchased 10 lots for $9.675 million headlined by Bella Vella at $1.9 million, Minhaaj for $1.8 million and Fiesta, Bulbula and Khulaasa each at $1.35 million.
 
"It's been an extraordinary day," Rosemont's Anthony Mithen said. "To be able to purchase 10 mares and to add that sort of quality - the opportunity was there with the Shadwell Dispersal, but there were also some beautiful mares before the dispersal that we couldn't resist."
 
"We're very pleased. We've put a line in the sand about how serious we are about Rosemont hopefully being one of the better breeding operations in town."
 
"She's a beautiful mare. She's a stunning mare - she was a stunning racehorse. Those fast mares, we are keen to breed stallions at Rosemont and we will get fast ones out of her for sure." 

The gross today of over $68.8 million was up $42 million on last year's opening day and the clearance rate was over 90 per cent.
 
"It's been a phenomenal day," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. "From start to finish it was buoyant, it was strong and it was a really electric atmosphere."
 
"We couldn't be more proud of the team at Magic Millions and we're proud of our vendors. It's our job to get as many buyers here as possible and today the results reflect that like they never have before."
 
"It was an honour to offer Melody Belle today and I know the owners of the mare have had an incredible journey with her and to see her realise $2.6 million was fantastic for Te Akau and John Galvin and his Fortuna team."
 
"The Shadwell Stud Australasia Dispersal of racefillies and broodmares provided buyers with an incredible opportunity and it was no surprise to see the demand from buyers for their amazing draft."
 
To view the sale results so far or to make an offer on a passed in lot click here.
 
Day Two of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale will commence at 10am (Qld time) tomorrow (Wednesday).
 
SALE STATISTICS
(2020 Day One in Brackets)
 
Lots Catalogued: (168)
Lots Sold: 210 (117)
Lots Withdrawn: 53 (29)
Lots Passed In: 23 (22)
Top Price: $2,600,000 ($4,200,000)
Average Price: $328,038 ($206,714)
Median Price: $145,000 ($75,000)
Sale Gross: $68,888,000 ($24,185,500)
Sold %: 90 (84)
 
TOP SELLERS
 
$2,600,000 - Melody Belle (Lot 510)
Blue Sky Premium Consignment (As Agent) / Written Tycoon Syndicate (Vic)
 
$2,200,000 - Mizzy (Lot 528)
Newgate Consignment (As Agent) / Tom Magnier (NSW)
 
$2,000,000 - Qafila (Lot 815)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Dean Hawthorne B'stock (NZ)
 
$1,900,000 - Bella Vella (Lot 643)
Glenesk T'breds (As Agent) / Rosemont Stud (Vic)
 
$1,800,000 - Minhaaj (Lot 801)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Rosemont Stud (Vic)
 
$1,700,000 - Telaawa (Lot 824)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Go Bloodstock/Coolmore (NSW)
 
$1,700,000 - Ektifaa (Lot 831)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Kia Ora Stud (NSW)
 
$1,600,000 - Bonham (Lot 707)
Willow Park Stud (As Agent) / Sheamus Mills B'stock (Vic)
 
$1,500,000 - Greysful Glamour (Lot 679)
Widden Stud (As Agent) / Widden Stud (NSW)
 
$1,500,000 - Rimraam (Lot 817)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Sheamus Mills B'stock/Longwood T'bred Farm/Peter Morgan (Vic)
 
$1,350,000 - Fiesta (Lot 726)
Glenesk T'breds (As Agent) / Rosemont Stud (Vic)
 
$1,350,000 - Bulbula (Lot 829)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Rosemont Stud (Vic)
 
$1,350,000 - Khulaasa (Lot 839)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Rosemont Stud (Vic)
 
$1,250,000 - Zamzam (Lot 827)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Dean Hawthorne B'stock (NZ)
 
$1,200,000 - Taraayef (Lot 822)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / James Harron B'stock (NSW)
 
$1,200,000 - Futooh (Lot 836)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Suman Hedge B'stock (NSW)
 
$1,000,000 - Humma Humma (Lot 683)
Widden Stud (As Agent) / Widden Stud (NSW)
 
$1,000,000 - Hindaam (Lot 805)
Shadwell Stud Australasia / Suman Hedge B'stock (NSW)
 
LEADING BUYERS
(ranked by total spend)
 
$12,200,000 - Written Tycoon Syndicate - 26 lots
$9,675,000 - Rosemont Stud - 10 lots
$4,655,000 - Suman Hedge B'stock - 8 lots
$3,167,500 - James Harron B'stock - 11 lots
$2,200,000 - Tom Magnier - 1 lot

       

Glenlogan Park Praises AIC

February 7, 2026
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association is proud to support emerging young stud staff, but providing internships at willing stud farms for students from the Australian Industry School - Equine College. Glenlogan Park was the first stud to generously take on this huge commitment, hosting two young ladies for two weeks in December. Glenlogan Park Manager, Steve Morley turned from sceptic to advocate of the initiative - and the AIC. Here's what he had to say about the experience: "It is not often that I am surprised in this industry, but that is a word that certainly describes how I felt with the recent work placement here at Glenlogan Park of two very personable young female students. Lilli Coulson and Lilly Morgan, or the “two Lillie’s” as they soon became known to us as, are just 15 year-olds but their work ethic and real-world experience far exceeded their young ages. They attend the Industry School Equine College, which is an entity I knew very little about before their arrival. It is a college that balances studies and work placement and, from what I soon determined, expects strong performances at both levels. Students are encouraged to complete their year 12 graduation but will have had ample opportunity to experience all the equine industry has to offer before they reach that qualification stage. It is my understanding that they almost split studies and work experience on a 50/50 basis, giving their students an incredible head start for those wishing to make the equine industry their full time career. Considering their age, we were initially apprehensive to accept these girls as the demands of stud life can be very taxing, the hours long and they would be required to fend for themselves here on farm at the completion of each day. However, to their credit, they answered every challenge and were of invaluable assistance to us during their time here. Always happy and always willing, they rolled their sleeves up and worked side by side with our team in nearly every aspect of stud life. They never missed a beat. If these the two Lillie’s are typical of what this Industry College is producing, then we will be looking forward to hosting many more students in the future. It truly was a wonderful experience for all involved." - Steve Morley, Glenlogan Park.

2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Open

January 18, 2026
Nominations are now being called for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. The Awards formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards will enter a new chapter in 2026, with a refreshed name, the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), and an expanded industry partnership to further strengthen the recognition and celebration of the people who underpin Australia's world-class racing and breeding sector. From 2026, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) will be custodian of the Awards on behalf of the industry and Godolphin will be naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. The new name and management reflect the industry's commitment to recognising the depth and diversity of skill that keeps the thoroughbred sector and sport thriving. New Category Introduced The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award will be introduced in 2026 to honour individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry over many years. To streamline the program, the Thoroughbred Excellence Award will be retired. TBA President Basil Nolan, a long-standing judge of the Awards, said this new chapter presents an opportunity to further highlight the full breadth of the workforce. "These Awards are about celebrating the people who make our industry work, not only those hands-on with the horses, but also the staff who keep farms running, maintain our tracks, support the office and administration teams, and contribute behind the scenes in countless ways," Mr Nolan said. "Since their inception these Awards have honoured outstanding individuals, and the introduction of the new ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award ensures we can also recognise those who have devoted their careers to the betterment of the thoroughbred industry. Their commitment deserves acknowledgement on the national stage." Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the refreshed Awards reflect the evolving nature of the industry and the importance of recognising its people. “The Australian thoroughbred industry is built on the dedication, skill and professionalism of its workforce, and these Awards play a vital role in recognising those contributions,” Mr Makiv said. In collaboration with stakeholders, Godolphin has initiated similar Award programs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the United States over the past 20 years. “We are proud to see these Awards dedicated to the unsung heroes of our industry strengthened in Australia and thank Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and category sponsors for investing in these Awards.” The Awards also welcome new sponsors AgriFutures and the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), who join a committed group of returning partners: Magic Millions, Queensland Off The Track (QOTT), Yulong and Inglis. Nominations Now Open Nominations for the 2026 Awards are now open and close Monday 16 February. All employers, colleagues, and participants across the racing and breeding industry are encouraged to put forward someone whose commitment and hard work deserves recognition. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on the Gold Coast on Monday 25 May. Award Categories and Prizes The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards continue the program's strong tradition of rewarding excellence, offering significant cash prizes across eight categories: • Dedication to Racing (sponsored by Yulong Stud) • Dedication to Breeding (sponsored by Magic Millions) • Horsemanship (sponsored by Inglis) • Leadership (sponsored by AgriFutures) • Administrative and Ancillary Services (sponsored by The Straight) • Thoroughbred Care and Welfare (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track) • Newcomer Award (sponsored by ATA) • ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin) More information, including instructions on how to nominate, can be found on the website atiea.com.au

Blue Flame victorious in QOTT Cup Final

January 17, 2026
Driving a cheap car in the middle of the Western Australian outback is not the traditional way to prepare for the lucrative Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping Day. But Olivia Rolfe was able to steer past the chaos of a missed qualification attempt to take out the 2026 Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final on the Gold Coast. The amateur rider and former racehorse Blue Flame beat out a group of seasoned competitors to claim top spot in yesterday’s event at The Spit. A twenty-strong field lined up to chase their share of $100,000 prizemoney, after earning their places through qualifiers held in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Rolfe and the retired thoroughbred had only booked their spot in the 1.05m event during the Sydney Summer Classic qualifier event in mid-December. A long-time Sunshine State resident, Rolfe explained how the pair came to be riding under the NSW banner after being unable to take part in the Queensland qualifier in June. “We do a charity rally every year, and it happened to clash with Queensland's qualifier - I was halfway between Perth and Darwin in a $1,500 car at that point,” Rolfe said. “It was a chaotic time just trying to get qualified, I've just moved house and it’s been wild. “I was just happy to be there competing on the Gold Coast, and I thought whatever I could do would be a bonus. “It hasn't set in yet still, it means a lot…I'm just over the moon.” Rolfe and the 13-year-old chestnut gelding finished ahead of Lori James (Restauranter SHP) and Shanae Bohr-Howell (Daunies Surprise) to make it a NSW top-three finish. Bred in Dalby and racing as Blue Banjo, the former galloper had just two starts on the track, finishing last in both races. Rolfe detailed how an argument in an airport between herself and fellow QOTT Cup Final entrant Sarah Weiss led to her teaming up with Blue Flame a year ago. “My friend Sarah actually found his ad and convinced me to come to Canberra to look at him, in case she didn’t like the horse,” Rolfe said. “We both absolutely loved him and then we had to sit in the airport over the table from each other, and fight over who bought him. “She’s been one of my biggest supporters through not only my journey with Blue but for a number of years…I wouldn’t have got to the Magic Millions Day without her! “I had a bit of a confidence knock before, and to be just cruising around without a care in the world is amazing. “It's not necessarily about the prizes, it's about the journey more than anything.” Rolfe and Blue Flame have achieved plenty of success in the last 12 months, being crowned the Amateur Champion at last year’s Jumping Queensland Country Championships. As an amateur horsewoman, Rolfe said celebrations had been put on hold last night, having to transport Blue Flame back home to Carbrook and also to complete some jobs post-event. She added that the $16,000 top prize would be put to good use on the new property. “I am paying off a vet bill from a long time ago…I know that's not a very exciting way to use prizemoney,” Rolfe said with a laugh. “We've just moved to our property and there was an arena here a long time ago. “I think my next project will be to turn it back into an arena, so that's probably where any prize money left over is going to go.” The QOTT Cup Final was run for the third time after a successful inaugural event in 2024, with the prizemoney pool increasing from $75,000 to $100,000 this year. Yesterday’s field also included multiple Group 1-winner and 2021 Doomben Cup victor Zaaki, with renowned trainer Annabel Archibald in the saddle. Rolfe said it was an important event to showcase what thoroughbreds are capable of in retirement. “It's such an amazing opportunity, and it just shows what they can do after racing,” Rolfe said. “They do have these amazing opportunities after racing to do whatever you might want to do with them. “They're such a versatile horse, and it's really important for the public to see that and events like this just give us that opportunity.”

NOTICE OF ELECTION & AGM

January 10, 2026
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association Inc. for 2025 will be held at the Magic Millions Sales Complex, Waugh Room at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. We warmly invite all TBQA members to attend. ELECTION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS There are three (3) positions which have become vacant in rotation as per our constitution and require election of office bearers. These are the positions of Dan Fletcher, Jeff Kruger and Michael Grieve. All three plan to recontest their positions. If you wish to contest one of these positions you and nominate for the TBQA Committee you should be; (1) a breeder; (2) prepared to give up approximately 5 hours per week to the TBQA; (3) happy to attend industry functions when required; (4) able to attend all committee meetings (approximately 1 per month); (5) prepared to promote the Queensland breeding industry at all times. The work load is not large but it is a very important committee as it represents the most significant section of the thoroughbred industry. Please consider your candidacy carefully for this committee. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BACK TO THE TBQA OFFICE BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS (5:00pm) ON FRIDAY 30 January 2026 via email info@queenslandbreeders.com.au with the original documents to be posted to TBQA, PO BOX 18003, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 Download the nomination form here

Come & See us at the Sales

January 3, 2026
TBQA, in partnership with Racing Queensland, invites you to visit our marquee at the prestigious Magic Millions Yearlings Sales on the Gold Coast from January 12–19. Located in the heart of the sales complex, our marquee is the perfect place to take a breather, catch up with colleagues and stay connected throughout the week. Drop in and enjoy a complimentary coffee, meet the TBQA and RQ teams, and find out all the latest industry news and updates. We’ll be on hand to answer questions, share insights and discuss key initiatives supporting Queensland’s thoroughbred industry. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about QTIS, including the benefits, bonuses and opportunities available to breeders, owners and buyers. Whether you’re attending one day or the full week, we look forward to welcoming you to the TBQA / Racing Queensland marquee at Magic Millions.

Magic Millions Gold Raceday

January 3, 2026
On Saturday, 10 January Magic Millions Gold Raceday kicks off two major weekends of racing at Aquis Park, with more than $7.3 million in prizemoney on the line. The Twilight Race Meeting is headlined by the $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight (3YO) Slot Race, run under lights, supported by the $1.5 million Magic Millions QTIS Open and the $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave. A 10-race program, including six races exclusively for horses nominated to the Magic Millions Race Series, sets the tone for a meeting that delivers from the first to the last - and beyond. Trackside Experiences Come hungry, come thirsty — we’ve got you covered. Fuel up with a variety of food trucks and delicious eats across the venue, then sip your way around the precinct at pop-up bars, including: • XXXX Pavilion • El Jimador Bar • Hard Fizz Arcade • The Orchard Lemsecco Bar • Tempus One Chill-Out Bar • Bundy Rum Barn (live entertainment from 2pm – 6pm) • For the punters, soak up the action, odds and atmosphere at either the TAB Stayer’s Lounge or the TAB Clubhouse. The Volume Is Going All the Way Up Magic Millions Gold Raceday is turning the dial to full throttle. Australia’s iconic dance duo Sneaky Sound System will headline Magic Millions Gold Raceday with a massive live trackside performance after the last on Saturday, 10 January. From iconic hits to dance-floor anthems, expect high energy, big vibes and the ultimate summer soundtrack to close out the night. Premium Hospitality – The Events Centre Step it up with a premium food and beverage offering and settle in for a live DJ set from James Mack (5pm – 8pm)*. Giving Back Support a great cause with the 50/50 Charity Raffle, running on track throughout the day. Where: Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall Gates Open Members: 11.00am General Admission: 11.30am* *Times subject to change BUY TICKETS NOW Enjoy up to 26% off accommodation and Private Dining Room during carnival dates at The Star Gold Coast when you book directly via http://www.star.com/goldcoast. T&Cs apply.

New Employee Checklist for Stud Farms

January 2, 2026
Effective employee induction is a critical foundation for maintaining high standards of safety, animal welfare, and operational efficiency on Thoroughbred stud farms. Working with horses - particularly stallions, broodmares, foals, weanlings, and yearlings - presents inherent risks, and it is essential that all new employees are properly trained, supervised, and assessed before undertaking their duties independently. A structured induction process helps ensure that staff understand safe work practices from day one, reducing the risk of injury to both people and horses. Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland has developed this Induction Training – Horse Crew Procedures Checklist to assist stud farms in delivering consistent, thorough, and practical onboarding for new employees. The checklist is designed to guide supervisors through key tasks and competencies required across breeding barns, foaling units, weanling and yearling operations, and advanced foaling care. It provides a clear framework to confirm that employees have been shown correct procedures, understand health and safety requirements, and can demonstrate safe handling techniques appropriate to their role. By using this checklist as part of an induction program, stud farms can support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations while also promoting best practice horse handling and care. The checklist encourages ongoing communication between supervisors and staff, provides a record of training completed, and allows for regular review as skills develop. Ultimately, a strong induction process supports safer workplaces, healthier horses, and more confident, capable employees- benefiting the entire Thoroughbred breeding operation. Click here to access the Checklist

Walk-On Mare Requirements from within Tick Area

December 26, 2025
• Need to complete a WAYBILL outlining what mares/foals are travelling, where they are going to, your PIC number, name and phone number of person in charge of transport. This needs to travel with the truck. • Need to complete a CATTLE TICK RECORD OF MOVEMENT on the DPI website within 48 hours of departure. The link to this is: https://app-cattletick.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/login • Please note that to complete this ROM (Record Of Movement) you will also need to attach: * A seasonal letter from the Hunter Valley farm that your mare will visit confirming that the mares walking on to “stud name” from “your farm” will be staying in an area which does not contain pasture and/or will not be grazed by primary cattle tick carriers (cattle, Bison, buffalo or deer) at any time in the next 12 months. You will need a contact name/number and email for the stud that you are visiting. This letter can be dated in July or August of the year you are travelling and be used all season. * A seasonal letter from your farm declaring that ”the horses on this property have not had any contact with cattle for the last 12 months nor will they have any contact in the foreseeable future.” Again, this can be drafted in July or August and used as a duplication for each trip. * Your PIC number and the PIC number for the farm that you are visiting. * Registration number of transport and name of person in charge of transport. • Self Certification – ideally you should have someone on the farm who has completed the Cattle Tick Training and Education Module with the DPI. They then receive a certificate number which they need to complete every three years. If you are certified you quote your number on the Record of Movement Form. It is a lot easier and faster to complete the form if you are certified. If you are not self certified you need to get your horse/s inspected as outlined below: Clean manual inspection and treatment by accredited certifier or registered veterinarian. A biosecurity certificate or veterinarian certificate to authorise movement. The horse/s are moved within 48 hours of the inspection and treatment. All of this will be needed to complete the Record Of Movement. You can continue entering your details or save this form and return later. You will be unable to submit the form until you have received the biosecurity certificate that is required to be uploaded as an attachment at the end of the form. This form must be submitted no later than 24 hours before importation.

2026 Aushorse Investor's Guide

December 26, 2025
The Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is very proud to release the 2026 Aushorse Investor’s Guide. Each year, this publication offers a snapshot of the strength, momentum and global appeal of Australian racing and breeding, and the story it tells in 2026 is exceptional. With record prizemoney, outstanding opportunities for owners at every level, and world-class racehorses succeeding on the international stage, Australia continues to outperform every major jurisdiction. Whether you are a long-standing owner or considering your first step into the industry, the fundamentals have never been stronger. Australia now hosts more million-dollar races than anywhere else in the world, our yearling market consistently delivers value and returns, and Australian-bred horses are achieving results that highlight the quality of our breeding and training systems. This guide brings those facts together in one place. We hope you enjoy exploring what makes Australia such a compelling destination for racing and bloodstock investment, and we look forward to assisting you in any way we can. Click here to access the Guide

Vale Trevor Alexander

December 3, 2025
Basil and Di Nolan and the TBQA Committee would like to extend condolences to the family of the late Mr Trevor Alexander. Trevor passed away peacefully on 23 October, 2025 aged 86. Trevor leaves behind his wife, Rhonda, his three children, ten grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Trevor was a highly respected thoroughbred breeder based in Chinchilla and worked with many notable horses and trainers during his life.