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2026 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale Report

Continue reading to acquire comprehensive information regarding the 2026 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Sale Overview

The Inglis Classic Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Riverside Stables in Sydney. The primary auction was witnessed by a substantial audience, underscoring its significance in the bloodstock calendars of Australia and New Zealand. The bidder interest remained high throughout the three days of frantic trade, and key parameters increased in comparison to 2025. This sale was one of the most profitable in recent history, garnering more than any other Classic to date. In the thirty-first episode of Off N Racing, we conversed with Liam Ruddy, examining the market dynamics and the agreement.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2277350/episodes/18653337-episode-30-off-n-racing-we-sat-down-with-liam-ruddy

Solid Statistics and a Potent Total

The 2026 Classic Yearling Sale was substantially more profitable than its 2025 counterpart, earning A$57.23 million. There has never been a more profitable sale than this one. It appears that sales were adequate this year, as indicated by the data:

• 800 yearlings are included in the list.
• 586 yearlings were sold, which is a higher number than in 2025.
• The proportion of cases that were resolved increased from 80% to 83%.
• Its price has increased from the previous year, now exceeding A$97,668.
• The new quantity, A$75,000, is also greater than the previous amount.

Consistent interest and competitive bids are received by all yearlings, not just the most exceptional ones. This is the reason for the market’s strength. This is evident in the improved clearance rate, superior median and average values, and other metrics.

Notable Sales

The item was the most valuable in the auction, selling for A$625,000. The previous day’s most significant event was the sale of Ghaiyyath’s most valued foal by Wentwood Grange. It was acquired for A$625,000 by members of the Belmont Bloodstock and McEvoy Racing groups. This was not only a fantastic manner to conclude the Classic, but it also awarded the top prize to a single player. The sale of this foal was a significant event for a variety of reasons:

• To date, no sum of this magnitude has been paid for a Ghaiyyath lamb in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Wentwood Grange’s most profitable transaction.
• This strongly implies that Ghaiyyath is acquiring recognition as a sire.

Calvin McEvoy, one of the co-trainers, enthusiastically praised the foal for his graceful movements and attractive appearance. He further stated that they were confident in their ability to provide the horse with the necessary care.

Buyer Choice, Planning, and Market Presence

In addition to American trainers and bloodstock companies, numerous individuals were contemplating participating in the 2026 Classic. Persons from every corner of the world were also present. I considered that to be an exceptional section. People from various countries, such as Europe, South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, were strung along the hall. Additionally, proposals were submitted via the internet and telephone. A general trend in the yearling market in Australia is suggested by the substantial turnout. Individuals are actively pursuing high-quality yearlings that can support their breeding and racing endeavors beyond the conventional channels.

Essential Customer Segments

At the conclusion of the sale, several buyer groups were distinguished by their substantial volume of purchases:

• The preponderance of the horses were acquired by Adrian Bott Racing and Gai Waterhouse, who paid an average of A$189,000 for ten yearlings.
• MG Price Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd. allocated approximately A$1.3 million to the acquisition of eight yearlings.

Although numerous individuals submitted proposals, McEvoy Racing bought the auction’s most expensive horse. If this is any indication, it appeared that they were in search of promising yearlings. This suggests that the public has reestablished confidence in partnership arrangements as a viable method of acquiring and training juvenile horses.

Top Vendors

I was inquiring as to whether you were aware of any sellers or sires that performed well at Classic. Arrowfield Stud, a dependable vendor, once again dominated all other vendors in terms of sales volume, with 32 yearlings selling for nearly A$3.7 million. It is clear that they meticulously managed their inventory to satisfy the needs of Classic clients. Brett Cummings’ Wentwood Grange also experienced an extraordinary transaction, which was largely attributable to their most exceptional lot. By the conclusion of the year, they had achieved exorbitant prices for the yearlings they had sold.

The Horse That Matters Most

In the 2026 Classic, a small number of sires performed exceptionally well, which caught the attention of many people:

• Home Affairs generated A$3.15 million from the sale of 18 yearlings during their tenure. The progeny of this stallion are in high demand due to their practicality and profitability for enterprises.
• Extreme Choice boasts the most impressive sales record among all sires who have sold numerous horses. He generated an average of A$295,000 from the sale of his three yearlings.
• Best-selling Ghaiyyath was the standout among second-season sires, as he made exceptional proposals that drew strong bids. This was typically the case for the foal that emerged victorious at the auction.
• New stallions, including Profondo, Jacquinot, and Anamoe, also achieved significant accomplishments. They were already well-received by consumers; however, they generated progeny that achieved extraordinary success.

Market Fluctuations and Industry Success

The secret to success in a competitive industry is evident. Despite the fact that the global economy is in a state of disarray and the bidding market is highly competitive, the 2026 Classic outperformed the previous year, indicating that both buyers and vendors are being astute and confident about the situation. Buyers’ continued interest in a diverse array of properties, rather than solely the most expensive, is evidenced by the consistent increase in average values and prices.

The Classic Sale has long been regarded as one of the top sales in the Southern Hemisphere by buyers seeking a decent deal on well-bred yearlings for less than A$150,000. This year’s sale underscored the significance of value. Early in the week, there was a significant amount of buyer interest, particularly in fillies and other breeds that have the potential to develop in training and racing. Nevertheless, the most prominent individuals in the market continued to command a premium price as a result of their physical aptitude and breed. One of the primary reasons for the sale’s success was the ability of the top-tier horses, such as the A$625,000 Ghaiyyath stallion, to increase the total and sell for high prices.

Future Expectations and Global Requirements

Inglis yearling sales are a global phenomenon, drawing purchasers from a variety of regions, such as Asia and Europe. This serves as an illustration of the global impact of Australasian bloodstock. The increased participation of a greater number of individuals is a positive indicator of the success of future sales cycles. Horse trainers and breeders worldwide are actively seeking multi-event animals.

The Inglis Year of Sales: What’s Next?

The sale of yearlings at the Magic Millions in Perth and the sale of yearlings in Tasmania are the subsequent main sales that follow the Classic Sale. Both of these events will occur in the latter part of February. These sales will generate additional opportunities for both sellers and customers to capitalize on the current trend. Subsequently, Inglis travels to Melbourne for the Easter Yearling Sale in late March and the Premier Sale in early March. The games are expected to showcase some exceptional horses, and there will be a significant number of competitors from Australia and other countries.

Conclusion

This sale will be the subject of conversation for years to come. The 2026 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale generated nearly A$60 million due to enhanced medians and averages. This demonstrates that yearling sales in Australasia are still robust. The Ghaiyyath colt generated a profitable profit of A$625,000 amid the presence of numerous purchasers and sellers at this event. This event is a significant component of the Southern Hemisphere auction season. The conclusion of the Classic has brought a sense of relief to all bloodstock players in the neighborhood, as it indicates that the subsequent significant sales will be effective and that there will continue to be interest from individuals worldwide.

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