The event, staged by Davidson Cameron Board & Simmons at the Inveresk Showground, Launceston last Saturday, flew high in the face of predictions of doom and gloom owing to global economic climate and the pending sale of the Tasmanian TOTE that has been the life source of funding for the Tasmanian racing industry.

"Considering the economic climate the result was outstanding," auctioneer Graeme Board said.

"The market was very strong and there was spirited competition for the well bred, well presented lots. The attendance of mainland buyers certainly helped the sale."

"The upcoming Australian yearling sales can take great heart judging by the outstanding result of this sale," Board said.

Melbourne car racing ace Gary Rogers shelled our $71,000 for four lots including the sale topping Bettor's Delight-Cam River filly at $30,000.

The filly was offered by John, Jill and Brooke Hammond, of Launceston and she is a half-sister to the classics-winning Cat Bay and the Stakes placed Southeast Beach.

It was a spirited bidding war with John Hammond keen to buy her back but Rogers was as determined and when his bid hit $30,000 Hammond surrendered and let the filly go.

Rogers also outlaid $15,000 for a grey Jet Laag-Paksa Punch filly; $14,500 for a Western Terror-El Jays Angel colt and $11,500 for a colt by River Khan from Usetabemygirl.

All four youngsters purchased by Rogers are expected to be trained in Tasmania by Brighton mentor Phillip Ford.

Wayne Rattray paid the second highest price of $28,000 for a lovely filly by Jenna's Beach Boy out of the Fake Left mare Amarillen, a daughter of prized broodmare Nellirama.

She was one of five yearlings bred by the Fred and Pauline Barkers to go under the hammer.

Another Jenna's Beach Boy filly from the Barker draft was purchased by leading Victorian harness identity Mike Barratt. The filly will eventually make its way to Andy Gath's stable. Barratt also shelled out a modest $5000 for a So That's Life filly which also will go to Gath's stable.

Prominent Victorian horseman David Miles, a regular visitor to the Tasmanian sale, spent $13,500 for a colt by leading juvenile sire Modern Art out of the New York

Motoring mare Motoring Rivers. He was offered by Michael and Carol LeFevre.

Another Modern Art colt, from the winning Swishinon mare Judging Amy and offered by Noel and Marlene Salter, was sold for $14,500.

Peter Staples