31 Jan January ’25 Round-Up
As the new year begins, the thoroughbred industry shifts its focus to Australia’s northeast coast, where the prestigious Magic Millions Yearling Sale takes center stage for the first two weeks of January. Widely regarded as the leading yearling sale in the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s event reflected a market still adjusting to post-COVID economic pressures. Australia’s racing industry has plateaued due to interest rate rises, and 2025 saw a slight decline compared to 2024. The clearance rate dropped to 83%, down from 87% the previous year, while the median sale price decreased by just over $6,000 AUD to $269,363 from $275,675.
Middle East Racing Heats Up
Closer to home than Australia, the Middle East’s racing scene intensifies in January with lucrative prize funds attracting top international contenders. Trainer George Scott has capitalized on the growing opportunities in Bahrain and Dubai, where his string of runners continues to make an impact.
Bahrain proved to be a successful hunting ground for Scott last season, with Isle Of Jura securing the Triple Crown. The son of New Approach was purchased by Billy at the Tattersalls March Sale in 2023 for £150,000. The success has continued into 2025, with West Acre—a son of Mehmas—claiming Group honors in January. Purchased in partnership with Alex Elliott from master breeder Tally-Ho Stud for Michael Blencowe, West Acre was secured for £95,000 at the Goffs Premier Yearling Sale. After narrowly missing out in his Meydan debut over six furlongs, he rebounded impressively two weeks later over five furlongs, breaking the track record in the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint. His next target is the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup Night.
City House also delivered a notable performance, following up on a mid-January victory with a win in a Bahrain Series Sprint, earning a lucrative £40,000 prize. The son of Night Of Thunder was a Tattersalls July HIT Sale purchase for 180,000 Guineas by Billy for George Scott and owners Fox And Badger Racing. Looking ahead, City House will likely be aimed at the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot this summer.
UK Success Stories
Back on home soil, several purchases have been making their mark on UK tracks. Miss Funky Monk secured her first victory on her third start for trainer Tom Clover. The daughter of Shalaa was a bargain buy from Arqana’s July Mixed Sale, acquired for a modest €10,000.
The Outlaw has been in fine form, winning twice and finishing second in January. The son of New Bay was purchased in partnership with Alex Elliott for owners Michael Blencowe and Valmont, joining trainer Ralph Beckett’s yard after being secured for 160,000 Guineas at Tattersalls Book 1.
Marchogion also got off the mark, winning his maiden after a lightly campaigned and consistent season last year. The colt was a Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale purchase for 160,000 Guineas and now looks set to progress further for owners Opulence Thoroughbreds. Fingers crossed, he continues his upward trajectory throughout the season.
With strong performances both internationally and domestically, 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for our team and connections.