By Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Chief auctioneer, Darren Ebert, believes the forthcoming annual Redcliffe Yearling Sale, is the best raffle any harness racing purchaser would want to be involved with.
“The odds are just so good. For just a $250 sustaining fee payment, buyers will have a one in 53 chance of owning a Listed $100,000-plus winner. That is so cheap when you consider it costs thousands at other Sales. And there’s no reserve or set price a horse must be sold at. Bids can start at a dollar.
“Only the horses sold on the day are eligible for the Listed race. There’s no ‘smokeys’ hiding out the back. What you see is what you get,” the Ebert & Co Auctioneers and Agents CEO said.
“For value and progression, there’s no better sale in the world,” he added.
Fifty-three yearlings have been programmed for the 2024 Redcliffe Yearling Sale, Series 17, at Redcliffe Paceway on Sunday March 24. Lots One – an Ohoka Punter – Digby Diva (Shadow Play) filly, will go under the hammer at noon. The Sale will also be beamed live on the internet.
The Listed Garrard’s Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series 2-year-old Final will be run at ‘The Triangle’ on June 29. The 1,780m mobile is worth $104,000.
Ebert said last year there were 57 yearlings scheduled to go under the hammer but six were withdrawn. In 2022 there were 66 yearlings programmed and nine were scratched.
“The number might be slightly down this year, but the quality is high. We have several proven sires and a couple of first-season stallions. There are also young and experienced producing mares. This Sale has always been a buyers market,” Ebert said.
“People know there is no reserve at this Sale all horses sold are eligible for the Qbred scheme carrying almost $4 million in prize money and bonuses while some may also be eligible for other race series or incentive schemes such as the NSW Breeders Challenge, Vicbred, Breeders Crown, Bathurst Gold Crown or NZ Sires Stakes,” he added.
Buyers have more money in their pockets now because of Qbred. It has had a flow on affect and is really starting to make its presence felt. Trainers from all parts are returning to race their Queensland-bred horses here. It just makes sense,” the 40-year-old auctioneer said.
Ebert went on to say Q-Bred offers more than $2m in additional returns for breeders and owners of harness horses bred and racing in Queensland in .
They receive:
• $14,000 QBRED ‘First Win’ Bonus.
• $7,500 QBRED ‘Second Win’ Bonus.
• $3,000 QBRED Cash bonuses.
He said some of harness racing’s biggest stars have been QBRED registered, including Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny, Forever Gold, Majestic Mach, Leo’s Best, Bettor Promise, Bettorthanspecial, Catcha Lefty, Colt Thirty One, Manilla Playboy, and Smart As Camm Be.
“In recent times Manila Playboy (1:52.4) had been his company’s most successful Sale. Tweed Heads horseman, Shane Fraser paid $8,000 (buy-back) for Manila Playboy at the 2019 Sale. That 2017 Pet Rock gelding has gone on to win 15 of his 46 starts and placed in 14 others for $308,137.
Redcliffe Harness Racing Club President, Bernie Ring, also said quality made up for quantity in 2024.
“Last year we had to overcome a few hurdles to record the second-best average in the Sales 16-year history. I’m sure we can capitalise this year.
“We have a good mix of proven stallions and first year sires. There are also some lovely mares presenting. While prices tumbled at the Melbourne Yearling Sale, and the Marburg Pacing Association conducted its eight-race-programme, the Redcliffe Sale overcame the odds to boast a $615,500 gross spend with an average price of $12,069 for the 51 lots presented,” Ring said.
This compared last’s best ever sale when 57 horses were presented, amassing $752,750 and an average of $13,206. That was well up on the previous two years’ average. In 2021 the average price was $10,2000 and the year before $8,200.
This year the Redcliffe Sale will boast six first-year sires, which have yet to have a starter to the races. They are: Stay Hungry (Lots 9, 20, 26), Sepia Sands (Lots 13, 23, 41, 50), Ride High (Lot 14), Poster Boy (Lots 17 and 53), Tall Dark Stranger (Lot 37), and Soho Tribeca (Lot 42).
Asked to comment on what he thought the standout lots were Ebert replied:
“I don’t want to favour one vendor over another. All I know is that there is a good spread of horses for all budgets.”
Meanwhile, Racing Queensland’s Senior Harness Racing Manager, David Brick, said RQ had proposed promotions to assist with sales this season and the purchase of Qbreds at all three Queensland Sales.
“A $2,000 cash back offer for any Qbred purchased at a Queensland Sale in 2024 that sells for over $7,500. This would have the dual purpose of encouraging bidding on Qbreds, particularly at the middle/lower end ($5k – $25k) where breeders earning from the sale is marginal.
“We also want to negate the issue of buy backs. The offer would only be available on genuine sales, not buy-backs. Conditions would be set to help ensure the offer achieves what it is intended to do including: Cash back paid once a transfer of ownership is submitted so as we can verify it’s not a buy back, perhaps the breeder could be eligible to buy back into the horse at a max of 25 per cent.
“Transfer needs to be lodged with QRIC by May 1, so the Cash Back can be paid in FY24. (late submission of transfer of ownerships is another issue this promotion will aim to resolve). Horses need to be sold at the sale or via the sale company within 2 weeks of the sale. Sales companies to verify sales.
“RQ is hopeful this promotion will assist each of the sales, would look for your assistance in promoting and verifying sales and is currently working internally on terms and conditions and promotional campaign to stimulate interest,” Brick said.
The catalogue for the annual 2024 Redcliffe Yearling Sale, Series 17 can be viewed here (cut and paste):
https://www.darrenebertauctioneer.com.au/yearlingsale.php
The 2023 Redcliffe Sale result:
https://www.darrenebertauctioneer.com.au/yearlingsale.php?year=2023
