Sunlight sale set to beat record

THE record price for a thoroughbred sold through the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale ring could be under siege today when Sunlight returns to where it all began.

Originally sold for $300,000 as a yearling on the Coast in 2017, Sunlight went on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, three Group 1 races and more than $6 million in prizemoney.

She is being sold as a broodmare prospect today and bloodstock experts suggest it would not be a surprise if she set new marks for Magic Millions.

The record for a mare off the track sold on the Gold Coast is $3 million for Princess Coup in 2009.

The highest-priced horse sold there was the broodmare Listen Here, who fetched $3.4 million in 2016, at which time she had already produced the star racehorses Deep Field and Shooting To Win.

Australia-wide, Milanova made an Australasian record $5 million when sold to Coolmore in 2008 in Sydney.

Sunlight is one of several top-class mares being sold over the next two days, which also include Invincibella, Unforgotten, Viddora and Champagne Cuddles.

Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said ordinarily he would expect Sunlight to eclipse the Gold Coast record, but there was an element of uncertainty given the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think she’s the best we’ve ever offered,” Bowditch said.

“Can she break a record? In normal times I’d say she would. In these times, we will see what happens.

“There’s plenty of the right players here with the money to play at the level.”

For Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson, today will be exciting, but with plenty of nostalgia rolled in.

Widden were co-breeders of Sunlight and Thompson’s wife Katie shared in the ownership.

“She’s been a hell of a great ride for everyone involved with her,” Thompson said.

“It will be obviously exciting to see her sell and where she goes to for the next chapter of her life, but also with some sadness because I know how close everyone is attached to her.”

In a special touch, Sunlight’s regular strapper Sarah Rutten will lead the filly through the ring today.

Thompson said Sunlight had been popular since arriving back on the Gold Coast last Thursday, even with people who will be unable to afford her.

“There’s been a lot of admirers of elite thoroughbreds who just want to see what the best looks like,” he said.

“She really does stand out. She is as good looking a mare as you will see.”

Bowditch is expecting less people on the grounds this week, given the absence of Victorians and internationals, but he’s hoping that just means the bloodstock agents are busier. .