TOM Magnier and trainer John O’Shea stirred up the first session of the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale on Wednesday going to A$1 million for lot 239, a Fastnet Rock colt out of the stakes-winning Encosta De Lago mare Risk Aversion.

O’Shea, who trained the Group 1-winning son of Fastnet Rock, Foxwedge, remarked: “It’s all about the type, this colt is a real athlete and that’s why I was drawn to him.”

Active earlier in the day was James Harron who bid $900,000 to secure the Snitzel colt out of the War Emblem mare Madam Andree. “He reminded me of the good Snitzels. He’s got that great will. He just wanted to walk and really move and show himself off which is a lovely sign especially for a horse that you’d like to go as an early two-year-old,” said Harron.

Day one finished at the optimistic average of $215,220 from 81 per cent of the 226 lots offered. The median was price was $170,000, up from last year’s $150,000 with 43 lots passed-in.

“It’s been a very good start,” said Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox. “We’re very happy with where we’re sitting now. The momentum picked up, particularly late in the day.”

Book 1 concludes tonight after the Magic Millions Raceday.