Records Smashed As Boom Fever Hits the Coast

Jai Warner • March 19, 2018

The insatiable appetite for the latest crop of youngsters by Australian first season sire sensation Spirit of Boom continued today with the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale smashing records across the board. 


With prices never before seen at the sale, the stock of Spirit of Boom picked up from Day One and went to another level with six of his youngsters selling for $300,000 or more on the day. 

Late in the afternoon a new benchmark for the auction was set when Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock teamed up with leading trainer Tony Gollan to buy his filly from Hidden Flair for $430,000.

The filly, the fifth last lot to be offered at the sale, was presented by the Kruger family’s Lyndhurst Stud Farm and is a half sister to stakes winner Flamenco. She smashed the record for the highest price achieved at the sale and for the vendor.

Rounsefell said he was thrilled to secure his top pick of the sale.

“Tony Gollan and I were obviously targeting the Spirit of Booms,” Rounsefell said. “She’s a filly from a young mare who’s already produced a stakes winner.”

“It’s obviously a lot of money but my clients were pretty determined to get her and we gave it our best shot,” he added.

Lyndhurst’s Jeff Kruger said the filly (pictured) came from a family in which three generations had been bred on the farm.

“It’s a great winning family and we should also remember the Spirit of Boom story started at Lyndhurst – he’s by Sequalo and the McAlpines’ sent his dam to the farm to be covered. It’s a great story.”

Earlier in the afternoon Duncan Grimley, bidding for John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud, purchased two Spirit of Boom fillies for $400,000 and $360,000 respectively.

The higher priced of the duo was Lot 305, the Country Class filly from KBL Thoroughbreds – a half sister to two stakes performers including group winner Thiamandi.

“I thought she was the best bred Spirit of Boom filly in the sale,” Grimley said. “I thought she was a beautiful type, so it made sense to buy her.”

“I knew she was going to be expensive but you don’t see a stallion like this come along too often,” Grimley added.

The other Strawberry Hill Stud purchase was Lot 199, the filly from Thank You Darling who was offered by Tullyard on behalf of her breeder.

The result was exciting and emotional for breeder Helen Hough, who fought back tears telling of the input of her late husband Mark who planned the mating of today’s strong seller. Mark, who passed away a couple of years ago, also bred former champion mare Emancipation.

“Mark chose the nick and he also purchased the dam from Furlong (Stud),” an emotional breeder Helen Hough said.

“You need to be a little bit crazy to stay in this game, but it’s worth every bit of it. The highs and lows, it’s just amazing,” she added.

Another top priced Spirit of Boom filly on the day was the youngster from Goodlookin Gambler (Lot 367) who sold to trainer Rex Lipp for $320,000.

“I’ve got a couple of two-year-olds (by Spirit of Boom) in work at the moment and there’s a lot of them on the track and they’re doing very, very well.”

“He is the boom sire of the year in Australia, so you have to go with the flow,” Lipp added.

Eureka Stud’s Scott McAlpine said he was overwhelmed with how the market reacted to the progeny by his resident sire – a sale in which his stock averaged an unprecedented $167,500.

“This QTIS sale in Queensland has been quite remarkable, unbelievable,” McAlpine said. “It was quite unexpected to be honest.”

“It’s been fantastic to see so many of our long time friends and clients across Queensland celebrating record results at this sale – it is a great reward for supporting Spirit of Boom.”

“The amount of runners and winners and stakes horses for this horse – he’s doing something that’s quite unbelievable.”

“The (Golden) Slipper is on Saturday and Ef Troop has drawn two and if he can be lucky enough to finish in the first three we would be over the moon.”

With over $13.7 million traded on 301 lots sold over the past two days, this year’s sale has been declared an outstanding success. The gross (up 61%) and average price (up 59%) both soared while the clearance rate also climbed from last year and rounded out at 84 per cent for the auction.

“It’s hard to describe today’s sale,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “Just amazing results.”

“Obviously Spirit of Boom – he’s the kingmaker. We were all overwhelmed with how he went – his are just incredible results.”

“Spirit of Boom has helped take this sale to a new level and it’s great to see so many Queensland breeders enjoying this success.”

“It’s been life changing here today. Some smaller breeders have been supporting this sale for a long time and to see them get the results they did was phenomenal.”

“The gross is up over $5 million on last year – over 60 per cent and the average price is up 59 per cent on last year.”

“It’s great to be able to continue the trend of the Magic Millions Yearling Sales this year which have all had significant increases,” Bowditch summed up.

To view a video review of today’s action from the sale ring click here.

To see the results and to make an offer on a passed in lot click here.

SALE STATISTICS
(2017 in brackets)

Lots Catalogued: 389 (400)
Sale Gross: $13,784,000 ($8,587,000)
Top Price: $430,000 ($160,000)
Average Price: $45,795 ($28,815)
Lots Sold: 301 (298)
Lots Withdrawn: 29 (32)
Lots Passed In: 59 (70)
Median Price: $26,000 ($22,000)
Sold %: 84 (81)

DAY TWO TOP SELLERS

$430,000 – Spirit of Boom-Hidden Flair filly (Lot 384)
Vendor: Lyndhurst Stud Farm (As Agent) / Boomer Bloodstock/Gollan Racing (Qld)

$400,000 – Spirit of Boom-Country Class filly (Lot 305)
KBL Thoroughbreds (As Agent) / Strawberry Hill Stud (NSW)

$360,000 – Spirit of Boom-Thank You Darling filly (Lot 199)
Tullyard (As Agent) / Strawberry Hill Stud (NSW)

$320,000 – Spirit of Boom-Goodlookin Gambler filly (Lot 367)
Eureka Stud / Lipp Racing (Qld)

$300,000 – Spirit of Boom-Zabeeler filly (Lot 235)
KBL Thoroughbreds (As Agent) / Spicer T’breds/Darren Weir/Brae Sokolski (Vic)

$300,000 – Spirit of Boom-Eureka Moment filly (Lot 338)
Eureka Stud / Boomer Bloodstock/Gollan Racing (Qld)

$225,000 – Spirit of Boom-County Commands colt (Lot 308)
Eureka Stud / James Harron Bloodstock (NSW)

$210,000 – Spirit of Boom-Figure colt (Lot 345)
Lyndhurst Stud Farm (As Agent) / La Sabbia Bloodstock (Qld)

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.