By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
She was billed as “one of Australia’s top broodmares” but no-one was expecting Carlas Pixel to take off at auction the way she did.
Last night the multiple Group 1 winner, who’s in foal to boom stallion Captaintreacherous, sold for a record $300,000 on gavelhouse standardbred after a spirited bidding battle from both sides of the Tasman.
“After it reached reserve I thought it would quieten down,” says NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray, “but it went past $175 and then $200,000, never in a million years did we think we’d get $300,000.”
Neither did vendor, Australian-based Shannon Nixon, who’s made the decision to sell his Victorian property and move away from the breeding side of the industry.
“He was pretty emotional, and rightly so – it was a great result all round.”
The buyer was JC International, John Curtin’s bloodstock business, on behalf of clients.
“It seems Carla will stay in Australia with the new owners,” says Bray.
“The trend of the last few years is that the top end is healthy and if you have quality stock there will be buyers prepared to pay big money.”
“But in saying that she exceeded expectations, no question.”
A huge factor too is that Carlas Pixel’s previous foal by Captaintreacherous fetched $270,000.
The $300,000 is a massive new standardbred record for gavelhouse, easily eclipsing the $63,000 paid for Millwood Nike’s dam Albuquerque last year.
Also last night another well-bred and sought after broodmare went for good money, with Moet’s Girl , a full sister to six-time Group One winner Elle Mac, selling for $55,500. She is in foal to Captain Crunch.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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