THE Magic Millions National Sale series began on Monday with two days of weanling sales edging past the record figures posted in 2015. With a superior clearance rate of 86%, surpassing last year’s 79%, the gross rocketed to just under A$17.1 million from 284 weanlings sold at an average of $60,138.

At the top end, 22 weanlings sold for $200,000 or greater, as five sold in the $300,000’s. Beyond that was the top lot, a Fastnet Rock colt out of the Japanese mare, Temple Of Peace who sold for $400,000. “He’s extremely well bred,” said winning bidder James Harron of the half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Whobegotyou (Street Cry).

“It was great that we got the opportunity to buy him and he being offered here.

“He’s a horse that could have made a lot more money as a yearling and I’m delighted to get him.”

Fastnet Rock was the leading sire for the sale by gross ($1,490,000) and average ($248,333 for six sold).

Of the first season sires the Arrowfield sire Dundeel averaged $143,333 for six sold just ahead of the Widden sire Zoustar whose eight to sell averaged $118,938.

The sale continued on Wedneday with broodmares and Group 1 winning mare Bounding was the star act of the opening day.

The outstanding daughter of Lonhro, presented by Willow Park Stud, attracted intense interest and in the end it was the $1.9 million bid from John Moynihan, for America’s Stonestreet Farm, which came out on top. The sale continues through to next Thursday with broodmares, yearlings and racehorse all catalogued.