Lights, Camera, Action for Opening 2021 Major

The opening session of the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale today won't necessarily determine the fate of the annual major yearling sales in Australia and, to some extent, New Zealand. What it invariably will do though is set the initial tone. Had Brisbane's rapid-fire three day lockdown happened five days later, it might have been a different ball-game but as things stand with local cases seemingly kept in-check, the industry will be looking for a solid lead from the get-go. Regardless of any COVID-related caution, there is often a degree of hesitancy and early pass-ins as vendors and the buying bench feel each other out for the first 20 lots or so at any sale, howeverr with heavyweight stallions Written Tycoon, Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Pierro, Fastnet Rock, Exceed and Excel, So You Think, Pride of Dubai and Shalaa all represented within the first dozen lots, perhaps 2021 will be prove the exception to the rule. Either way, from midday (Queensland time) today, for owners, trainers, bloodstock agents and vendors, it's game on!

The first MMGC Sale session starts at midday Queensland time (pic: Steve Hart)