Harness
APG Sale stars primed for big-money battles
The latest two-year-old stars from Perth’s annual APG harness yearling sales alumni are set to light up Gloucester Park this Friday night.
Flying filly Seaside Serenade will head the glittering list of young guns from both genders - who were all sold at the 2025 APG Sale - in a battle for $250,000 in prizemoney over two hotly contested races.
The industry's attention will then quickly turn to this year's APG Sale at the Magic Millions complex in Middle Swan on Sunday, where the next generation of WA harness heroes are set to go under the hammer in what is being touted as the best crop of yearlings in recent years.
"It is no doubt the strongest book we've had in years," APG general manager Anthony Essex said of the select group of about 130 yearlings.
"Many of the breeders have been going to stronger stallions and we will be showcasing the cream of the crop. It has definitely generated a lot of interest among the older buyers and the new ones and we're expecting an exciting, atmospheric sale from start to finish."
Essex said he expected buyers to flock to the progeny of former United States flying machine Sweet Lou – not only this year, but also beyond. Sweet Lou was a multiple world record holder, winning nearly US$3.5 million in prizemoney, and is already compiling a prodigious record as a winner-producing stallion.
"The biggest thing is how many Sweet Lous are in the sale," he said.
"They are a standout for this year, but I believe next year they are going to double. Everybody loves a Sweet Lou."
For the first time, a highlight of the APG sales will be a Gala Ball at the Magic Millions complex on Saturday night, where vendors will get the chance to parade their best yearlings in front of more than 160 buyers. The WA Standardbred Breeders Association will also hold its annual awards on the night.
Gloucester Park Chief Executive Officer Michael Radley said entertainment on Friday night would include a DJ on track, in addition to food trucks, bars and a 10-race card. He said there was a distinct air of anticipation surrounding the entire sales weekend.
"The early two-year-old races are an exciting time for all involved, especially the APG Sales Classic series," Radley said.
"Sales Classic night is one of our more popular nights with owners coming to watch their purchases from a year before race for $125,000 in prize money each for both the boys and girls. There is a lot of anticipation with the race night leading into the Sales on Sunday, with everyone looking for the next champion."
Two pacers bought at the 2024 APG Sale - Ideal Beach and Wishing Belle - have already won more than $500,000 in prizemoney between them from just 16 combined starts.
Racing and Wagering WA Head of Harness Racing & Special Projects, Cameron Brown, said the prizemoney and bonuses on offer in the State's harness racing code gave buyers confidence going into the sales.
"This really is a great catalogue," Brown said of Sunday's sales.
"In WA, we have a rich Westbred scheme with $3 million in bonuses and we have the best prizemoney on offer in Australia for our two-year-old feature racing, with the Pearl Classic and Diamond Classic now both worth $250,000."
The APG Sale starts at 11am on Sunday. There will be a free barbecue provided by RWWA and all owners who register to buy with APG will have the chance to win one of five $1000 vouchers to spend at the sale.
The $1.25 million Group 1 TABtouch Nullarbor slot race at Gloucester Park is also looming on April 17, with superstar Don Hugo the first starter confirmed for the race. Keep up to date with further reveals at racingwa.com.au/nullarbor.
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