Two Bays Farm owner Ross Ferris savoured an unforgettable moment on Monday as his Zoustar x Nudge filly sold for a day-high $850,000 at the 2026 Premier Yearling Sale at Oaklands. Amid the hum of excitement and flurry of attention from the sale crowd, Ferris could hardly believe the scene surrounding his record-setting yearling.
“It’s the highest priced horse we’ve ever sold, we’re just over the moon,” Ferris said. “You dream about this. It’s not just about the final number, it’s about seeing something you’ve done well recognised by the industry.”
The Zoustar filly, bred by Two Bays Farm in partnership with Elizabeth and Rick Treweeke, drew the eye of a powerhouse consortium including Chris Waller, Guy Mulcaster, Mathew Becker, and Ozzie Kheir. Her poise under the intense scrutiny of over 250 inspections throughout the week made her stand out, and the bidding war reflected her exceptional presence in the ring.
“She’s done a lot of parades and been very busy, but she hasn’t turned a hair,” Becker said. “In our eyes, she’s the filly of the sale. Zoustar over Fastnet Rock mares is a wonderful cross, and this filly had the strength, movement, and temperament to match.”
Not far behind, a Ghaiyyath x Dom Perion colt sold for $520,000 as lot 19, purchased by Lindsay Park in conjunction with Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock. The colt, a half-brother to Group 1-winning Inglis graduate Extra Brut, had been offered by Stonehouse Thoroughbreds for Andrew and Bek McDonald. Their journey from small breeders in Shepparton to headline moments at Oaklands added an emotional dimension to the sale.
“These are the dreams we all work toward,” said Stonehouse’s Ryan Arnel. “It’s exciting and nerve-racking at the same time.”
By the close of Day 1, the Premier Yearling Sale posted a gross of $30,730,000, an average of $157,590, and a median of $130,000 – all substantial improvements on last year’s opening day figures. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch highlighted the electric atmosphere, noting the full carparks, packed auditorium, and bustling lawns filled with families.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable sale days of the year,” Hutch said. “The appetite for horses that vetted well was particularly strong, and buyers were genuinely eager for quality stock.”
The remaining two days of the Premier Yearling Sale will resume at 10am at Oaklands, with live coverage available through Inglis’ online channels from 9:30am.
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