A family-run operation with ownership of Yarraman Park since 1968 after James Mitchell purchased it from champion jockey - George Moore, the Mitchell’s are no strangers to top-class selling. Yarraman has smashed record prices year after year during the yearling sales’ season. Their top stallion I Am Invincible whose explosive speed set the racetrack on fire during his racing career, is one of the most expensive stallions in the world.
The Impact chats to Harry Mitchell, director at Yarraman Park about his 2019 consignment for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Q: Given the record-breaking success in this sale last year, what do you think buyers can expect from your 2019 draft?
A: We have a bigger draft this year, which is made up of predominately proven sires. Stallions like I Am Invincible, Hinchinbrook, Brazen Beau, Epaulette etc. It is great to have a stallion of the calibre of I Am Invincible and exciting to see Brazen Beau starting his career so well. That augers well for Super One whose progeny have been well received so far this year.
Q: How has technology affected and influenced your business?
A: Technology is very important. Our communications with clients have improved so much and social media is a great tool in the promotion of the stud.
Q: Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price?
A: Last year at the Magic Millions we sold the top-priced colt by I Am Invincible/Tai Tai Tess. He was a standout colt and we couldn’t believe the $2mil price tag, but the quality is what the major buyers want and horses like him don’t come along often.
Q: How factors would you consider in-order to breed a highly commercial racehorse for the Australian market?
A: The Australian market is more focused on speed. We like to buy fast good looking mares and breed to high-class stallions. I Am Invincible is a classic example of what the Australian market wants. High percentage sire of 2yo winners, winners to runners and stakes winners.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Shane Warne autobiography
Published in The Impact 4 Issue, 2 Vol
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com