"The bidding war was so intense, the auctioneer joked the mare would have had a foal before it ended."
Record-Breaking Sale at 2026 Elders Ag-Grow Elite Horse Sale
At the 2026 Elders Ag-Grow Elite Horse Sale in Emerald on June 20, Queensland cattleman Evan Acton sold his six-year-old registered bay mare, Millungeras Josephine, for a record price of $66,000. The buyer was Hughes Pastoral Co, Nebo, via online bidding.
Background
Acton's stud, Millungera's Australian Stock Horses, has been buying at the Dalby sale since 1983. He previously held a record for a mare purchased at the Tamworth horse sale for $200,000. The $66,000 sale price broke his previous record.
Horse Details
- Height: 14.3 hands
- Sire: Millungeras Moon Beam
- Dam: BlueJay Justin
- Bloodlines: Omega and Romeo, known for good temperament, conformation, and versatility in campdrafting, challenges, and shows.
Sale Statistics
The sale grossed $1,922,000—a sharp rise from $1,093,500 in 2025. Clearance stood at 93% (100 of 108 horses sold), with an average price of $19,220.
- Top gelding: Brookston Clancy, sold for $45,000 to Coolreah Pastoral Company, Mount Isa. Sire: Jewel N Boon; Dam: Brookston Zora.
- Online activity: 1,389 unique views, 87 active bidders, 25 successful bidders buying 32 horses.
- In-person attendance: 166 bid cards in the stands.
Statements
Anthony Ball (Elders stud stock agent): "The sale set records, reinforcing its reputation for quality. The average was as expected, but clearance and online participation exceeded expectations."
Sam Galea (Brookston Pastoral Co): "The gelding had ability and cowness; I believe the buyer will have fun with the horse."
Elders auctioneer Randall Spann: Joked during the bidding war that the mare would have had a foal before it ended.