Sarah Cookson and Troy Palmer from Willinga Park, trainer Isaac Westerhuis and vendor Holly Clayden with Bad in Black. Photo: Penwood Creations.
Terry Snow’s Willinga Park has purchased three-year-old mare Bad in Black for a record-breaking $550,000 at the 2022 Nutrien Classic sale in Tamworth.
The sale breaks all Australasian records for a performance horse and has doubled the previous record held at the Nutrien Classic Campdraft and Sale.
The stunning Stevie Rey Von mare is out of Spinies Bad Girl and was purchased from 25-year-old Holly Clayden, owner of Loomberah Lodge Performance Horses, who breeds and imports horses for the campdraft and cutting industry.
The horse immediately caught the eye of Willinga Park’s Troy Palmer and Sarah Cookson representing Terry Snow AM.
Troy said the purchase was very exciting for Willinga Park, one of Australia’s leading equestrian centres, located at Bawley Point on the NSW South Coast.
“We wanted to expand our breeding mare band, and she is perfect for the job,” he said.
“Terry is also very pleased, he knows quality when he sees it and he trusted Sarah and I to get the mare.
“It’s very exciting and great for the industry.”
With a new vet centre being set up at Willinga Park, the mare will head straight to the breeding barn, but the Willinga Park team indicated she will definitely be back for the 2023 Nutrien Classic campdrafting competition.
Bad in Black is bound for the Willinga Park stables. Photo: Penwood Creations.
Breeder Maggie Mason from Branxton said she was blown away by the result.
“I’m in shock, this is 17 years of believing in the Spinifex blood, every foal she has had has been a money earner and I’m just so proud,” she said.
Auctioneer Joel Fleming said he is still processing that he sold one horse for $550,000.
“It’s surreal, and it was all in the ring,” he said.
“It got to about $350,000 and there were still three solid bidders. It was all about getting the best out of the arena.
“I have never sold a horse over $100,000 before so this is pretty special.
“Sales like this raise the bar of what a good performance horse is worth, in fact, this historic sale doubled it.”
Holly purchased the horse as a weanling from Maggie and it was her only nomination in the Nutrien Classic this year.
“I have been wanting to get a foot in the door at the Nutrien Classic so I thought I’d bring my best one here to showcase what I have,” she said.
“The result is incredible, it’s surreal and hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
Willinga Park is gearing up for its massive annual Dressage by the Sea event to be held from 19 to 27 February.
Bad in Black in the ring. Photo: Jo Thieme Photography.
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