Great Southern Yearling Sale Returns in 2026 After Successful Debut
Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2025, the Great Southern Yearling Sale is set to return to Sugarloaf, Cobbitty, NSW, from 6–8 November 2026, building on the momentum of what has quickly become an exciting addition to the Australian performance horse calendar.
The first-ever Great Southern Yearling Sale exceeded expectations, attracting strong support from vendors, buyers, sponsors and spectators alike. The sale achieved a solid 64 per cent clearance rate, with 48 horses sold from 74 presented through the ring.
The average sale price reached $6,100 per head, reflecting strong confidence in the quality of horses on offer and the event’s potential as a premier marketplace for young performance prospects.
Leading the sale was Lot 80, Secretheart Fine Calibre-HSH, by Secretheart Hitman, offered by Sharleen Flanagan of Secretheart Stockhorses. The standout yearling topped the sale at $14,000, highlighting the calibre of breeding showcased throughout the catalogue.
Adding to the excitement, Rachel Scott, purchaser of Lot 69, Cleavers Bandit, received the $5,000 purchaser’s prize as part of the popular $7,500 Cash Incentive Giveaway, while vendors Pat and Liz Cleaver received the $2,500 vendor’s prize, while competition in the arena proved just as entertaining. Christopher Ware, riding RIVERGLEN CONVOY, claimed victory in the inaugural Stan Bowd Vendor Challenge, and Aaron Hausfeld partnered with KINGSFIELD KITTY CATT to win the Barastoc Novice Campdraft.
The combination of quality horses, competitive events and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere helped establish the Great Southern Yearling Sale as more than just a marketplace—it .became a weekend celebrating the Performance Horse industry and the people who make it thrive.
Organisers are now preparing for an even bigger event in 2026, with more than $40,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded across the three-day weekend. Returning favourites include the Stan Bowd Vendor Challenge, the Barastoc Novice Campdraft and the ever-popular $7,500 Cash Giveaway, proudly sponsored by Maddens Stable Bedding and Schliebs Contracting.
Several exciting new initiatives have also been introduced for 2026. The Open Buyers Challenge will be open exclusively to purchasers from the 2025 Great Southern Yearling Sale, providing competitors
with the opportunity to return and compete on any open-aged horse. Meanwhile, the Nutrien Moss Vale/Goulburn 3 & Under Incentive Challenge has been created exclusively for graduates of the 2025 Great Southern Yearling Sale, rewarding buyers who continue to develop and campaign their young horses.
The official catalogue for the 2026 sale is scheduled for release in mid-September, giving prospective buyers their first look at another quality lineup of Australian Stock Horse and Quarter Horse yearlings and two-year-olds.
As a proudly family-run event, the Great Southern Yearling Sale continues to focus on presenting exceptional young horses in a professional, welcoming environment while fostering lasting connections between breeders, buyers and competitors. With its growing reputation and the promise of an expanded program, the 2026 event is shaping up to be another outstanding weekend under its fitting tagline, “Where Future Champions Are Found.”
