AN inconveniently timed deluge at Paradise Lagoons, just moments before Saturday’s Annual Rockhampton Quarter Horse and Performance Horse sale was due to kick off sent crowds of buyers and onlookers running for cover, and, with a reported 53mm of rain falling in an hour, left the selling ring and gallery awash.
After a quick relocation of the selling ring and a much deliberated decision to forfeit the pre-works, the auction got under way.
Bid spotters had their work cut out for them in the crowded undercover pavilion and bar area, but they had no trouble spotting the bids when they came flying for Cameron and Sarah Parker’s striking filly, The Cats Hat, which sold to Norm Barraclough for $14,000.
Bred in the purple, the four-year-old bay was by the imported Cat N A Hat, whose total earnings exceed $116,000. The dam’s side carries both Acres Destiny and Docs Freckles Oak bloodlines, and the mare, Freckles and Acres, was successfully challenged in 2007.
While The Cats Hat has not yet been shown, Mr Parker proved that she is ready to go, with the filly stylishly working a beast in the exceptionally tough conditions of the muddy camp.
The sale success continued for Mr Parker, who also sold the top priced led colt and top priced led filly.
The bay roan yearling colt, Christmas Bon Bon, was by Jewel N Boon, who was the 2013 Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge Champion, and out of Christmas Spin, who was the 2006 Paradise Lagoons Challenge Champion. Christmas Bon Bon was purchased by Mal & Sue Burston, Moranbah for $6250.
The top priced led filly, Freckles Look Smart, was a yearling from the same dam as the top priced mare of the sale, and by renowned sire Tassa N Smart, who recently won the 2015 Rocky Rush Open Challenge. The flashy chestnut filly went home with Anita Glasgow, Monto, for $6000.
The top priced gelding, Jason Lindley’s Chisums Tablespoon, also caught the eye of many bidders, and hot competition resulted in the final bid resting with Bill & Kelly McLean, Roma at $10,500.
Standing at 15 hands, the five-year-old bay was by the imported sire RS Chisum and out of an Australian Stock Horse mare, Kumbidgee Reagan.
The top priced broodmare, offered by Malabar Holdings Pty Ltd, was Freckles Spinin Splash, a 13-year-old Paint Horse heavily in foal to Bobs Yer Uncle. The mare was purchased by Daniel & Leanne Lamb, Banana, for $3500.
Matt & Janelle McCamley, Dululu, took home a showy palomino mare offered by Dave Lee, Westwood for $9000. The seven-year-old was by Catmandee (High Brow Cat).
Agent - Elders
