Gold Coast January 2006.





No, I didn't manage to snare a photograph of the top priced yearling but yes, the crowds around the TV's at the sales complex were 20-deep come 2yo race time on Saturday afternoon, and yes the Events team were busy preparing the tables for the post 4pm rush.





You might have earned a bid of $725,000 but it didn't stop you chewing on a towel as you had the final touches put to your coat prior to your sale ...



Yes, I did stand at the parade ring for more than 2 hours on Monday to get the photos of the yearlings rearing (and stared in glum envy at the professionals who casually sauntered out from the media room for all of 2 seconds, had every horse in a 10m radius standing on their hind legs as if on command ... and a roll of film instantly tucked away ...).



(Surprisingly) no, I didn't get stressed by the traffic jams out to the race track on Saturday (living in Hong Kong means I don't get to enjoy driving a car for most of the year so even sitting in traffic whilst behind the wheel is an enjoyable novelty).

Yes, when you want to get a horse to prick its ears for a photo you can get people standing alongside you to do pretty much anything you ask of them !



I could travel halfway around the world but no, there wasn't vegemite on the menu for breakfast on Sunday morning.

Yes, images of the 'Ekka'/'Easter Show' did cross my mind over the 4 days I was there.



No, the majority of casual fans don't realize how much work is involved in both getting a horse to the sales and ensuring it is able to be paraded at show-class quality for more than a week before the sale even commences.







No, I couldn't explain why More than Ready's yearlings inexplicably went off the boil; just as I couldn't answer the question why everyone suddenly wanted a Danehill Dancer yearling ... and damn the expense. There's a lot to be said for those sales gossip channels.



Yes, I did covet the portable folding chair that someone appeared with alongside the crowded sales ring on Saturday, and for one blissful moment as I imagined sitting on it, I craved it even more than the beautifully bred Elusive Quality colt that was facing the auctioneer and staring in boggle eyed horror at the post-race crowd.



He said he was one of the co-owners of a starter in the 2yo MM race. We momentarily gave him the benefit of the doubt, but no, we didn't believe him.



Yes, Dash for Cash did have the marketing distinction of offering a selection of largely grey - rather than the traditional bay and chestnut - yearlings.

Yes, it's exhausting work ...



... even if you're not working ...



Yes, we all perspired uncomfortably in the heat but the stud grooms were still turned out immaculately.



No, these boards won't be around forever so enjoy tradition whilst it lasts.



Yes, I am now the owner of yet more horses (so much for keeping my hands on the tripod/pen and out of the air ... I will blame one of my co-owners and my Queensland trainer for encouraging such a rapid fall from the recent New Year's Resolution that I wouldn't buy any more thoroughbreds in 2006.)

... and on to the next stage of the roadshow ...



... and now I'm off to read the next chapter in Bryan Peterson's photography book "Understanding exposure" - why I have no idea given that sleep would no doubt be a far better option !