By Jordan Gerrans
The popular Garrard's Redcliffe Sales Classic and QBRED bonuses have been credited for raising the profile and interest around the Redcliffe Yearling Sale in 2022.
Held at “The Triangle” on Sunday, the average price of yearling’s sold this year increased from the 2021 edition of the sales.
A total of 57 well-bred yearlings went under the hammer – the majority of which are QBRED-eligible – and Redcliffe Peninsula Harness Racing and Sporting Club president Bernie Ring was pleased with the outcome of the day.
“The average was up to $13,206 – which was up around $2,500 on last year – being around 30 per cent, which was great,” Ring said.
“We were quite happy with that, with the gross being about $752,750.
“We were happy with what we were able to achieve, it was probably one of the most spirited sales we have had in the 15 years we have been doing it.”
The sales topper for 2022 was lot 30 – a Rock N Roll Heaven and Lady Savoia filly – which went for $65,000.
The filly is a half-sister to Tardelli, who claimed the $110,000 Group 1 Bathurst Gold Crown earlier this month.
The colt that became Tardelli went through the Redcliffe Yearling Sale just 12 months ago and was sold for $15,000.
Leading harness racing owner Alf La Spina purchased back lot 30.
“It was pretty spirited bidding but he wanted to take her home, which was fair enough,” Ring said.
Darren Ebert – Redcliffe’s auctioneer as well as being a third generation harness racing trainer and driver, believes the prize money for the Redcliffe Sales Classic draws in interested buyers from around Australia.
“The interest has been really high and well received, as well as attracting interstate buyers,” Ebert said.
“That comes down to not only the prize money of the race series but also the QBRED scheme.
“They are all interested in the QBRED scheme, it makes a big difference.”
The Redcliffe Sales Classic, which carries $100,000 in prize money, will be held at Redcliffe Paceway in June, 2023.
All horses that were sold on Sunday are eligible to compete in the $100,000 Redcliffe Sale Race Classic in June 2023 and the 3YO Classic in 2024.
All horses sold, other than lot 45, are eligible for the QBRED scheme carrying $3.5 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.