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An Australian record price for a yearling filly has been set during the final session of the Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney when a superbly bred youngster was knocked down for $1.5 million.
The purchase also equalled the overall Australian record for a yearling when leading international bloodstock buyer Demi O'Byrne placed the final bid.

O'Byrne, best known as the bloodstock buyer for Coolmore's John Magnier and Michael Tabor, sat back during the early selling when Darley Australia and the Gooree Pastoral Company locked horns in a spirited bidding duel.

However, when Darley Australia's Oliver Tait, who was bidding via a mobile telephone, dropped out soon after the price had reached the seven figure mark the team of Gooree, headed by millionaire Philippean businessman Eduardo Cojuangco.

Just when the filly looked as though she would be racing in the familiar Gooree Pastoral colours, which raced to victory in Saturday's AJC Derby with Don Eduardo, the Coolmore team stepped in and with two swift bids they produced a knockout blow that would have done Evander Holyfield proud.

O'Byrne said he was pleased to be able to purchase a quality filly with a proven pedigree.

"She's a very good looking filly with a great pedigree," he said.

The filly is a half sister to the Gai Waterhouse trained pair of Group One winners - Assertive Lad and Assertive Lass. Whether Waterhouse gets to train the youngster is yet to be decided.

"We'll make a decision in the next few weeks," O'Byrne said.

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