Post contributed by HELEN McDONALD ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Were you there? Did you go? We went… that is both Evan and I took a leave of absence and went to the Magic Millions sale on Monday and caught up with some old friends and made some new ones. It was a veritable smorgasboard of the “who’s who” of the thoroughbred industry.

And the prices!

As is already known, the colt ex Ha Ha was bought for $1.3 million dollars. That’s right - a one year old baby for $1.3 million dollars. No, this baby has not won a Group 1 race. Nor has he won a listed race at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day. This little fella does not even know what it’s like to have a saddle placed on his back or to walk through the barriers.

Are there any guarantees that this little bloke will get to run in the 2007 MM 2 year old race? No. Are there any guarantees that this little bloke will run in a 2yo race at Toowoomba in October later this year? No. Are there any guarantees that this little bloke will make it to the track at all? No! Ok, ok… Are there any guarantees that this colt will get broken in? Um, No!!

Now, let me tell you the story of “Adavale Hornet” as reported in The Toowoomba Chronicle by Susan Searle. Please note the cost of this thoroughbred - $1.00 (an amount which has yet to be paid I have since discovered, although the new owner has promised to buy the previous owner a Hamburger and Chips in lieu).

The unwanted, unraced four-year old gelding – named after the owner’s hometown of Adavale - had a reputation and had been a handful, and had caused a real stir when he would wheel around the training track and go the wrong way.

Like Lucky Starr’s hit, “I’ve Been Everywhere”, Adavale Hornet has raced at Gympie, Roma, Caloundra, Tara, Goondiwindi, Quilpie, Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Gatton and Bundaberg, and won at Charleville, and Surat.

Adavale Hornet was one of the longest-priced winners at Toowoomba’s Clifford Park in August when he paid $122 for the win on the TAB. In an industry that usually nurtures its equines, Adavale Hornet has raced six times in the last six weeks for five wins and a third. Not bad for a dollar investment huh?

$1.3 million vs. $1.00 ... $1.3 million vs. $1.00 .. Thinking, thinking, thinking… now, which one do I want?

Ok, now hands up those who still think that they have to spend thousands and thousands (or millions if the case be) on a yearling to have a city class horse and a lot of fun?????

Helen McDonald

www.massielodge.com

www.gallopers.com.au