Historic sale achieves $170K mare, equal Australian record $110K gelding,
and exceeds $8 million for first time
Australian Rural & Regional News asked a few questions of Ray White Livestock Dalby, answered below the release.
Ray White Livestock Dalby, Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale, Media Release, 9 December 2025
The 51st Annual Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale has cemented its position as the world’s premier Stock Horse sale, delivering a historic weekend that shattered records and exceeded $8 million in sales for the first time in the event’s history.
Held from Wednesday December 3 to Sunday December 7, 2025 at the Dalby Showgrounds, the milestone sale saw 333 horses offered with 297 selling under the hammer, achieving an outstanding 89 per cent clearance rate. The sale gross of $8,124,000 and average of $27,170 represents an eight-fold growth over just five years, demonstrating the explosive strength of the Australian Stock Horse market.
The legacy of legendary sire Hazelwood Conman continued to dominate, with his progeny commanding top prices across multiple categories.
The sale made history on day one when McNamara Conbrace (Lot 181), a nine-year-old mare by Hazelwood Conman out of McNamara Embrace, emerged as the sale topper, selling for $170,000 to Kirkbys Stud Stock Horses. Offered by the Curtin Family from Ben Lomond, New South Wales, the mare sparked spirited bidding that brought the grandstands alive.
Kirkbys Stud Stock Horses, a cornerstone of the sale since the 1970s, secured the complete package in McNamara Conbrace.
Peelvale Truce (Lot 242), an eight-year-old gelding by Conductor out of Oaks River Queen, sold for a record-breaking $110,000 in the ring, equaling the Australian record for the highest price ever paid for a gelding. Offered by Rob Leach Equine from Attunga, New South Wales, the exceptional gelding was purchased by Adam and Hayley Rae.
Selling at the Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale had been on Mr Leach’s bucket list and is thrilled to have been part of it this year.
The top priced stallion, Mt Oweenee Quba (Lot 264), also hitting the six-figure mark was secured at the fall of the hammer for $100,000. The seven-year-old stallion by Hazelwood Conman, offered by Miss I O’Neill and purchased by Triple C Performance Horses, brought plenty of emotion to the ring. Out of the legendary Toomba Quarry mare line that produced campdraft champions, the stallion represented a significant moment for all involved.
The sale achieved several remarkable milestones, with a total of five horses exceeding $100,000:
Bulla Ariel (Lot 219), an eight-year-old mare by Bulla Forrest, achieved $115,000 for Bulla Lyn ASH Stud from Diggers Rest, Victoria, selling online through Stocklive.
Gheart Zarlow (Lot 363), a six-year-old mare on the account of Boonara Stock Horses, sired by Ropeley Park Briglow out of Vey School Zara, sold for $110,000 on day two of the sale.
Coolest (Lot 261), a four-year-old stallion by Smith Family Just Jack out of Cooldust, opened the stallion category with a strong $80,000 result for vendor Ben Tapp from Wandoan, Queensland.
“It’s seriously unbelievable. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who chose to sell through the sale this year – I did not anticipate these amazing results, and I’m glad we could deliver,” said David Felsch, Principal of Ray White Livestock Dalby. “The number of people who came through the gates over the week was remarkable. It’s about recognising the event as a whole – from the campdraft run by the Darling Downs ASH Society, to the sale itself, and through to the day and evening entertainment.”
“When Amy and I took it on in 2020, we had 189 horses selling for roughly $3.5 million. To be sitting here now with 333 horses and over $8 million in sales is a testament to the effort everyone puts in. This result belongs to the entire team and community that makes this event possible.”
The sale’s success was supported by Arubial Wagyu, who returned as the livestream sponsor and standalone cattle sponsor for the sale pre-works and auction event, providing exceptional cattle.
“The quality and standard of Australian Stock Horses coming through this sale is outstanding – whether they’re heading to work or ready for the show ring,” said Rick Young, President of the Darling Downs Australian Stock Horse Society. “It’s a pleasure to watch them return year after year for the incentive drafts. As my final year as President, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, and thank the Ray White team for their partnership.”
A skilled lineup of Ray White auctioneers including Liam Kirkwood (Ray White Geaney | Kirkwood), Keegan de Roo (Ray White Livestock Dalby), Sam Greenup (Ray White Livestock Dalby), Lincoln McKinlay, Bill Seeney (Ray White Livestock Longreach), and Max Nell (Ray White Rural Corporate), expertly managed the two day sale.
“The Ray White Rural network support this weekend has been incredible to witness, with members traveling from as far as Bendigo, Victoria to help out,” said Matt White, CEO of Ray White Rural. “Having so many people from different offices come together so seamlessly is the true beauty of the rural network.”
“It has also been fantastic to see so many young agents coming through with great energy. Events like this offer them valuable exposure to how Ray White Rural Livestock manages major sales and provides an excellent opportunity to progress their careers.”
Official results:
- Total Horses Offered: 334
- Total Horses Sold: 299
- Sale Gross: $8,124,000
- Sale Average: $27,170
- Clearance Rate: 89.5 per cent
StockLive online results
- 76 lots sold online
- 679 registered buyers
- 268 lots received online bids
Australian Rural & Regional News asked Ray White Livestock Dalby about the Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale
ARR.News: Yes, the horses are fabulous, no question at all, but why people are prepared to pay these prices? What’s the return? Is there great prize money for Australian Stock Horse sale?
Ray White Livestock Dalby: We believe that buyers are prepared to pay these prices because, for most of them, this is a business investment rather than a discretionary purchase.
ARR.News: How does the money spent here tally with the cost of living crisis? Are there lots of horse lovers with spare cash?
Ray White Livestock Dalby: The horse industry — particularly campdrafting and performance bloodlines — operates commercially now, so cost-of-living pressures don’t really influence these decisions. People are investing in proven genetics, performance, and long-term return.
ARR.News: Big picture, what do these sale results mean?
Ray White Livestock Dalby: Big picture – these results show the continued growth and confidence in the Australian Stock Horse market. The demand is strong, the industry is expanding, and buyers are backing quality horses with clear commercial value.
