Topping the Nutrien Classic sale at $315,000 was the stallion entry, Smith Family Just Jack (HSH), offered by Hugh Miles and purchased by the No Mane Syndicate

PERFORMANCE horses hit a high of $315,000 at the 2026 Nutrien Classic Sale held at Tamworth on the weekend, producing the strongest result in the event’s history.

Across the catalogue, 602 of 680 lots were sold, producing a clearance of 88.5 percent, for an average price of $30,305.

The 2026 result reflects the integration for the first time of horses previously offered at the Nutrien Equine Masters Sale into the Classic catalogue.

Topping the sale was the stallion entry, Smith Family Just Jack (HSH), offered by Hugh Miles and purchased by the No Mane Syndicate which has recently retired its resident sire and is looking for a standout replacement. The sale price of $315,000 fell well short of the sale record of $550,000 set in 2022.

From the stables of Mark and Shelly Ruff, Bulla Peggy produced the sale’s second highest price of $200,000, bought by the Hicks family.

The mare market again proved a key driver of competition, with Bulla Peggy producing the sale’s second highest price of $200,000, bou8ght by the Hicks family. She was from the stables of Mark and Shelly Ruff, and trained by Peter and Toni O’Neill.

Highest price gelding at $105,000 was No Moore Reyn offered by Lach and Bec Sim from Holbrook, NSW, and bought by Corbould, Oakdene.

Strong clearance rates across all categories highlighted continued buyer confidence, particularly in well-prepared young horses with proven bloodlines and commercial appeal.

Highest price gelding at $105,000 was No Moore Reyn offered by Lach and Bec Sim from Holbrook, NSW

In a breakdown of the sale by category:

• 286 of 327 geldings sold (87pc), average $22,489
• 23 of 32 stallions sold (72pc) average $51,478.
• 293 of 321 mares sold (91pc) average $36,273.04

Nutrien equine manager and auctioneer Mark Barton said the result was a clear reflection of the strength of the Australian performance horse industry.

“It’s pleasing to see such strong clearance rates and competition across all categories,” Mr Barton said. “Bringing those horses into the Classic this year created a larger, deeper catalogue, and the fact that the overall gross has exceeded the combined results of previous years is a very positive outcome.”

“It demonstrates that the market has absorbed the change well, and that demand remains strong for quality performance horses.”

“These outcomes don’t happen without the confidence and commitment of our vendors, the competition among buyers, and the work of our team in presenting a sale that the industry trusts. The Nutrien Classic continues to set the benchmark, and we’re proud to play a leading role in the ongoing growth of this sector.”