Tamworth’s Nutrien Classic grossed a record $10.5 million in sales this year, with the top lot fetching $170,000.
Key points:
- The coronavirus seems to have had a positive impact on a the Nurtien Classic, according to an auctioneer
- The Classic’s all-time record sale returned this year to compete in draft events
- One seller says there is plenty of confidence in the industry at the moment, as proven by this year’s record take
Of the 526 lots for sale, 486 sold seeing at 93 per cent clearance rate, with an average price of $21,529.
Auctioneer Joel Flemming said the sale exceeded his expectations.
“It’s been outstanding,” he said.
Good commodity prices, some rain and even pennies saved thanks to COVID-19 all led to a bumper event.
“A lot of people in the horse industry haven’t been able to go anywhere or compete for 12 months, so I would say that there was some money in the bank,” Mr Flemming said.
“Commodity prices as far as crops, sheep, cattle … everything is very, very strong.
‘World-class bloodlines’
It was lot 151 that took the auction by storm, with a Metallic Cat quarter horse mare topping the market on day one with a $170,000 sale.
For trainer Leah Read, riding the mare in the ring was a “bucket list” moment.
“She is an exceptional mare, her bloodlines, Metallic Cat and Westspinster Abie, would have to be some of the world-class bloodlines that we’ve seen,” she said.
Ms Read spent six months riding the mare and eight weeks preparing her for sale.
The quarter horse will now go to the Northern Territory to her new home.
“Everyone who has been a part of it has made this mare worth what she is worth … it’s good to see the results come from that.”
Confidence riding high
Vendor Paul Poole said it was surreal to see his mare make so much money.
“We knew she was a good mare, a special mare,” he said.
Mr Poole said the sale outcome made him realise how much confidence is growing in the horse industry.
“It’s just really, really nice to see people see the value these horses are worth,” he said.
Record filly returns
In 2019 a filly broke all records at the Classic, when she sold for $230,000.
This year Yaven Smooth Spin was back to compete in the drafts for the first time.
Owners Steven and Toni Hart were excited to showcase the filly they bought two years ago.
Now four, the horse has had steady work since 2019.
“Once we purchased her we took her back home, gave her a couple of months off and brought her back into work slowly,” Mr Hart said.
“She has been worth every cent, just for the simple fact of her genetics.