American Pharoah Rules First Season Sires at Magic Millions

A highly competitive group of first season sires were showcased at the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sales on the Gold Coast this week and after four record breaking days of trade for Book 1, American Pharoah emerged as a dominant leader.

American Pharoah was the most expensive stallion to retire to stud in Australia in 2017 and for breeders that gambled on him at the big fee of $66,000, their faith has been vindicated.

Being a champion racehorse is one thing, but being a champion sire is another and for American Pharoah’s supporters the results coming out of the Northern Hemisphere last year would have been music to their ears.

American Pharoah has had 28 first crop winners, 12 of them Black Type performers spread across six different countries which basically means everyone from everywhere has a healthy respect for his stock.

That respect reflected in great sale ring results with 20 yearlings averaging $350,000 which was good enough to make him the fourth most successful sire by average behind only I Am Invincible, Redoute’s Choice and Exceed and Excel.

His top seller was the colt from Derelique offered by Lime Country Thoroughbreds and snapped up by Tom Magnier for $850,000, the single best result for first season sire at this sale.

American Pharoah progeny were in hot demand right throughout proceedings and his last two yearlings offered on Saturday night ended the sale for him with a flourish.

Attunga Stud were delighted to receive $675,000 for their colt from Group II winner Tsaritsa that was bought by Spendthrift Australia and Coolmore offered a cracking filly from Starfish that made $575,000 to the bid of Adam Brandwood/Anthony Panozzo/Matt Laurie Racing.