The strength of the Australian dollar has become a big talking point ahead of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast starting today.
Stephen Silk, the Magic Millions managing director, estimates that international buying could be down by as much as 20 per cent this year.
Some vendors fear buyers may wait until the New Zealand Premier sale later this month with the weaker Kiwi dollar more appealing to buyers.
Magic Millions director Gerry Harvey, whose Baramul Stud is the biggest vendor this week with 53 lots, disagrees and believes the value of the dollar won't make or break the sale.
"Certainly if it (the Australian dollar) was 75 cents it would be a huge advantage, but it's not", Harvey said.
"In terms of Asia, the dollar doesn't help us but they still have to buy horses. I'm not sure it will make that big a difference".
A new sale scheduled in South Africa later this month was also a threat to the Gold Coast showpiece, as South Africans have been solid supporters of this sale over the past few years.
Two youngsters who are tipped to top the sales this week are Lot 564, John Singleton's half-brother to glamour mare 'More Joyous' and Lot 30, Reavill Farm's full brother to Golden Slipper winner and gun young sire Stratum. Both colts are by Redoute's Choice.
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