Vinery Stud and its clients were well-rewarded during Book 1 of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale that concluded on Saturday evening at the Gold Coast.

To cap a memorable day’s racing highlighted by All Too Hard 3yo Alligator Blood winning the 3yo Magic Millions Guineas RL, Vinery posted positive returns for turnover ($4.21 million), average ($210,500) and clearance rate (91%).

Vinery hero More Than Ready led their stallions with 13 lots sold at an average of $221,923 followed by Star Turn ($204,375), Press Statement ($190,000), All Too Hard ($156,250) and Headwater ($145,000).

Star Turn’s first-crop yearlings averaged over 10 times his service fee with top price paid for the colt out of Dukemore (Lot 258) on Day 1.  He was the centre of spirited competition before Team Hawkes won out with a final bid of $550,000.

John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes trained Star Turn and agreed the colt was the one they really wanted.  “We were lucky enough to get him but, gee whiz, we had to chase hard,” Wayne Hawkes admitted.  “He’s absolutely Star Turn all over.”

“Dad saw him first at the Glenlogan Park barn and said ‘Wow’,” Hawkes said.  “Star Turn was a great racehorse and we would love to make one of his sons into a great racehorse, too.”

Team Hawkes also purchased the Star Turn filly from Miss Seton Sands (Gonski) for $200,000 on Day 3.  Offered by Vinery, she’s the first foal of a New Zealand Stakes winner who added a straight-six sprint victory at Flemington for trainer Tony McEvoy.

The Star Turn – Fast ‘n’ Witty colt on account of Edinglassie Thoroughbreds sold for $300,000 to James Harron Bloodstock on Day 2.  His dam is a Fastnet Rock mare related to Golden Slipper Stakes Gr.1 winner Crystal Lily.

“He’s a powerful type and was purchased for our colts’ syndicate,” said Harron who launched the stud career of Golden Slipper Stakes Gr.1 winner Capitalist after buying him for $165,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions.

Those sentiments were shared by Edinglassie manager Mick Talty.  “He’s a beautiful mover and built in the mould as his sire.  Star Turn was a superb athlete and this colt is a very strong individual.”

Vinery also sold a Not a Single Doubt – Downtown Manhattan filly for $500,000 to Godolphin on Day 1.  Two years ago, Godolphin bought Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Exhilarates (Snitzel) from Vinery on the Gold Coast.

Another $500,000 graduate from Vinery (as agent) was the Snitzel – Fit and Ready colt bought by Chris Waller.  He’s a three-quarter brother to Very Tempting (WA Oaks Gr.3) and a half-brother to All Too Hard Group 1 performer Outrageous.

Fit and Ready is a More Than Ready half-sister to Catbird (Golden Slipper Stakes Gr.1) and Danbird (Pago Pago Stakes Gr.2).

Next stop for the Vinery team is the Inglis Classic Sale with 28 yearlings heading to Riverside Stables on February 9, 10 & 11.