THE Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale ended on a slight decline from last year. The aggregate of R22,460,000 fell from last year’s total of R27,530,000. The median price of R100,000 remained the same as 2009.

The sales topper was lot 55, a Hussonet colt which sold for R1.3 million. He was purchased by Form Bloodstock.  Lot 61, an Elusive Quality colt was purchased for the second highest price of the sale, R1.2 million. The colt, consigned by Summerhill Stud, was sold for export to Hong Kong.

Jehan Malherbe, Form Bloodstock.

The TBA’s CEO, Jan Naude, had this to say of the sale.”It seems as if the bottom end of the market is still suffering from the results of the recession but a nice specimen with a good pedigree was still in demand.  The increase in horse which failed to make their reserves resulted in a drop in the sales aggregate.  It was noticeable that there were new faces around the sales ring, as well as buyers from Hong Kong”.

Summerhill Stud’s Mick Goss was satisfied with the overall results of the sale. “It was a very good sale under the circumstances. There was a clearance rate of 84% which is exceptional. The top individuals made good prices, whilst horses lacking pedigree failed to appeal to the market. Whilst the average was marginally down, the sale had been up 52% last year.”

Mike de Kock, whose previous Ready To Run buys included star filly Igugu and top miler Imbongi, was impressed by the sale. “I was pleased with the sale. The gallops were being conducted in a more professional manner. It is important to remember that the sales give owners a dream, and it’s imperative to thank Emperors Palace for their ongoing commitment to this sale. They have turned the sale into a major event, which continues to attract more and more owners. Saturday was a great day, only marred by a poor start to the Ready To Run Cup.”