By Nick McCabe

THE 2023 edition of Australia's premier yearling sale 'The Gold Coast Magic Millions', was held from January 9 to 16.

This year's sale saw a record 971 book one lots listed, which included progeny from 108 individual stallions, many of which that stand in the Strathbogie Shire.

However, one of the shire's largest representatives at the 2023 sale was the Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, which is owned and managed by Michael and Siobhan Christian.

For the 2023 sale, Longwood Thoroughbred Farm travelled eight of their finest prepared yearlings to the Gold Coast with confidence they would impress some of Australia's highest profile buyers, and impress they certainly did.

In total seven out of eight lots were sold, fetching an average sale price of $437,143 for a total aggregate of $3,060,000.

This placed the farm as the leading Victorian vendor on average price achieved (for more than seven lots sold) and sixth overall.

The highlight undoubtedly for Longwood Thoroughbred Farm over the seven day event was the sale of Lot 886 a Zoustar x Fuddle Dee Duddle Filly that went under the hammer for an astonishing $1,450,000.

The filly is a full sister to group three winning 2YO Brereton and is closely related to last years dominant group one Manikato Stakes winner, Bella Nipotina.

While the Christian family has been breeding for some time, Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, located in Longwood East, is only a relatively new venture.

"This was an amazing result for the farm in our first draft we've taken to the Magic Millions," they said.

"To sell a yearling for $1.45m at a major yearling sale gives us great justification about in we're trying to achieve.

"We have a great team on the farm led by Lelaina Vennemeyer and Steph Attwood who prepared our yearlings in outstanding order.

"A special thanks to all our staff and service providers who put in so much time and effort so we could achieve the results we did."

Longwood Thoroughbred Farm covers 500 acres and provides a full breeding and sale service to clients.

The farm also co–bred last years group one Coolmore Stud Stakes winner, 'In Secret'.