The sales business is not all high days and holidays, however, as most people trying to sell a foal at either of the quieter days last week, or indeed a filly or mare on Thursday, will verify. Polarisation, whether between the top and lower tiers of the market, or in stallion fashion – those two things of course having significant crossover – has rarely felt more pronounced than it has done over the last few weeks. 

Breeders will be finalising their matings for 2024 over the coming weeks and it is easy to envisage that the foal crop of next year, particularly in Britain, will be reduced in size. A number of smaller breeders are undoubtedly feeling the pinch and are no longer able to justify paying nomination fees that may well be higher than the final bid they receive for a resultant foal or yearling, never mind the keep fees.

Readjustment is a constant factor in the breeding industry, and a contraction in foal numbers is not necessarily unwelcome while the BHA conducts its trial of 'Premierisation' over the next two years. It is an experiment that looks certain to drive more breeders, owners and trainers out of the game as the funding for those race meetings identified as 'core' fixtures is either stripped further or stagnates. Core is a good description, and it is worth considering one of the dictionary definitions of that word: 'the part of something that is central to its existence or character.'

Chip away too much at the base of racing's pyramid while ignoring the importance it plays in levy yield, not to mention as a vital part of the sport's broad geographical appeal, and the apex will topple, eventually.

In his closing address, Edmond Mahony, the chairman of Tattersalls, was mindful of all sectors of the marketplace, reflecting on the many high points of Tuesday evening's Sceptre Session in particular, while observing a final day which saw a clearance rate of just 50%. 

“We must also recognise that the appetite for the less commercial mares and fillies has dwindled dramatically,” he said. 

“The international bloodstock market is not immune from global economic pressures and certain sectors are facing a headwind, but we will continue, in association with our extensive network of overseas representatives, to explore every avenue to encourage as wide a participation as possible. In the meantime we extend our sincere thanks to each and every individual who has contributed to a year which has seen our annual turnover exceed 350 million gns for only the second time.

“Figures of this magnitude are a tribute to all involved and to the consistent support from so many British, Irish and European breeders which all of us at Tattersalls are very proud to receive.”

Figures for the closing day usually make for sober reading, but this year's Thursday session proved more challenging than ever. Sixty-eight of the 137 lots offered were sold for turnover of 413,600gns (-19%) at an average of 5,986gns (-8%) and median of 3,000gns (-29%).

For the December Mares Sale as a whole, the aggregate stood at 67,752,000gns (-16%), with an average of 107,544gns (-8%) and median of 30,000gns (-6%). The clearance rate dropped to 75%.

Concluding his view of the week's trade, Mahony said, “International demand is the feature of so many sales at Tattersalls, but few can match the global appeal of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale which annually draws buyers from every continent, united in a quest to acquire some of the finest bloodstock to be found anywhere in the world.

“In only their second year the two showcase Sceptre Sessions again produced some spectacular theatre played out in front of a packed sale ring with the highlight being the outstanding Group 1-winning sale topper Teona who became the third-highest priced broodmare ever sold at the December Sale when selling for 4,500,000gns to Juddmonte Farms. The supporting cast of British-trained Group 1-winning fillies, Cachet, Lezoo, Poptronic, Prosperous Voyage and Via Sistina all also provided memorable sales for their connections averaging almost 2 million gns apiece and adding to a day which produced turnover exceeded only twice in Tattersalls history.”

He continued, “Elite fillies and mares have been in high demand throughout the sale with an unprecedented six selling for more than two million gns and 29 breaking the 500,000gns mark, which is a number bettered only at last year's extraordinary record-breaking sale. American, Australian and Chinese buyers have all made a huge contribution at the top end of the market, as have the impressive number of Japanese buyers who continue to prioritise the Tattersalls December Mares Sale above all other European breeding stock sales. As ever, they have all faced strong competition from British, Irish and French breeders who form the backbone of the December Sale and there has been notable participation from throughout Europe as well as strong contingents of Indian and Turkish buyers who between them have bought more than 60 fillies and mares.”

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Topping the final session was Veiled Illusion (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) (lot 1562), who sold for 55,000gns to Nawaf Abdullah Al-Saif. Consigned by James Tate's Jamesfield Stables, the Lingfield winner is bound for Saudi Arabia.

“He is in good form, and will ship soon to Saudi,” said Al-Saif. “I think he will like the better weather in the Middle East and should be one to go on both the turf and dirt surfaces at the King Abdulaziz racecourse.”

One day longer than 2022's edition, the sale's Friday session resulted in 88 lots sold from 162 offered (81%). The aggregate was 1,076,859gns. The average was 8,158gns and the median was 4,500gns.

Overall, despite the larger catalogue, the clearance rate remained high at 87% dropping only three points from the record-breaking 2022 sale. The gross for the 1,089 lots that found new homes was 33,705,774gns. Both the average and median were down, with the average settling at 30,951gns (-14%) and the median was 15,000gns (-6%) compared to last term.

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “Sale turnover second only to last year's wide-margin record is a very solid performance from the 2023 renewal of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale. As ever this unique fixture, the largest and most popular of its type in the world, has attracted an extraordinarily diverse collection of buyers from all corners of the world and this has been reflected in figures which yet again demonstrate the enduring appeal of British and Irish horses in training as well as quality stock from France and Germany.

“Similar to so many Tattersalls sales the Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale has made relentless progress in the past decade. Only 10 years ago the sale recorded turnover a little over 20 million guineas, an average price of 23,000 guineas and eight lots selling for 200,000 guineas or more. This year's sale has achieved turnover of almost 34 million guineas, an average price well over 30,000 guineas and 28 lots have sold for 200,000 guineas or more which is only one fewer than at last year's record-breaking sale.

“The sustained and widespread demand from throughout the Gulf region has yet again played an enormous part in the success of the sale as racing in that part of the world continues to grow and flourish, but equally significant has been the impact of a particularly strong contingent of Australian buyers whose presence has been felt in all sectors of the market, but most notably at the very top. Ten of the top 20 highest priced horses sold this week and nearly 50 horses in total are heading down to Australia which is a tribute to the top level success of recent graduates of the sale like Just Fine (Ire) and Zaaki (GB). Similarly success driven, although largely at a different level of the market has been the notable contribution from the numerous European buyers in particular Spanish and Italian buyers who have been busy from start to finish and have also accounted for more than 80 horses between them this week. We work hard alongside our extensive network of overseas representatives to promote this and every other Tattersalls sale and it is rewarding to see this reflected in the unrivalled overseas participation which is the hallmark of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale.

“Alongside international buyers from more than 30 different countries the domestic British and Irish influence has also been felt in all sectors of the market this week with Flat and National Hunt buyers all making a significant contribution and we look forward to seeing equally diverse international and domestic demand at the forthcoming Tattersalls December Foals and Mares Sale which annually provides a showcase for the very best European bloodstock.”

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NEWMARKET, UK–A Frankel (GB) filly out of the brilliant G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Millisle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) provided a sprinkling of stardust on the final day of the Tattersalls Book 1 October Yearling Sale when selling to Shadwell for 1.6 million gns.

Sheikha Hissa has been a notable presence on the sales ground all week and, according to Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold, it was her determination that helped see off the attention of underbidder Kieran Lalor for the first foal out of the former Jessica Harrington-trained star. 

That result brought Shadwell's haul of fillies to seven and pushed the operation's total spend to 3.66 million gns this week. 

Gold said of lot 492 bred by Stonethorn Stud Farm, “Sheikha Hissa absolutely loved her when she saw her. I said she's probably going to make a lot of money and she said, 'well, we need fillies for the stud.' 

“A first foal out of the Cheveley Park winner by one of the world's great stallions, it's sort of self-explanatory. She seemed very athletic and had a very good mind for a Frankel. A very well-balanced filly.”

He added, “I thought she'd make a million and two, probably a million and three. We were determined to buy her and there is obviously a period of rebuilding. It's a long-term project for Sheikha Hissa. It's exciting times for the stud but obviously you need to keep regenerating.

Shadwell did not add any colts to the team this week but that's not to say that the major owner-breeders would be against the idea with Gold going on to reveal that there is a possibility that Shadwell will be active at next week's Book 2 sessions.

He said, “Obviously we'll be looking. The concentration has been fillies but we will see what Sheikha Hissa wants to do.”

The day-three topper was consigned by Watership Down Stud, who also sold a Dubawi (Ire) filly to Shadwell earlier this week for 450,000gns. 

Watership Down's Simon Marsh said, “This is a real reward for the breeder who has been with us for about 15 years. The filly was born and raised on our farm in Ireland at Kiltinan Castle Stud and it was a great result all round.

“It's wonderful for Sheikh Hissa and it's great to see the success of Shadwell since the very sad passing of Sheikh Hamdan. It's a great testament to him to see what's been happening on the racecourse. and it's wonderful to see her wanting to buy lovely fillies to put into the broodmare band in the future.”

The filly was the sole millionaire offering of the final session, with the trade lagging some way behind the record figures of 2022. The deficit was acknowledged by Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony in his closing statement.

He said, “Book 1 of last year's Tattersalls October Yearling Sale produced some outlandish figures which will most likely remain in the record books for many years to come, and it is no surprise that this year's renewal has not matched the extraordinary 2022 returns which saw a year on year rise in turnover of almost 40 million guineas.

“Nevertheless, Europe's premier yearling sale has enjoyed plenty of memorable moments, very much reflecting the quality of the yearlings which have been on show throughout the past three days.”

Cumani: 'We Owe That Family a Hell of a Lot'

The last Frankel (GB) colt in the sale, lot 493, from the Cumani family's terrific Souk (Ire) dynasty, lifted the spirits as the afternoon drew to a close when joining the list of Coolmore's purchases this week at 950,000gns.

Last year the Cumanis' Fittocks Stud sold Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 1.9 million gns, and he timed his run rather well to score on debut at Navan on Wednesday. So it was back to a trusted source, and in fact as association that stretches back at least 24 years to when the Coolmore team bought a Sadler's Wells colt for 650,000gns at the Houghton Sale for 650,000gns and named him Milan (GB) after the birthplace of his breeder Luca Cumani. As a St Leger winner and a leading National Hunt sire for Coolmore, he served his owners well.

In the case of the team's latest purchase, a decent update could be in the offing, because John and Thady Gosden think enough of the Frankel colt's three-year-old half-sister Naaey (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) to be planning entering her in the G2 Pride S. in the coming weeks. The dam Materialistic (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) won twice and was Listed-placed for Cumani in his training days. Now 10, she is a great-grand-daughter of the Fittocks foundation mare Souk, who was herself by Ahonoora (GB).

“From the moment he was born he was strong,” said Cumani of the yearling. “Obviously yesterday's result helped, and we have to thank the Juddmonte team, as they were underbidders and without them we wouldn't have got this far.”

His wife Sara added, “It'll be great for all the guys at the farm as it's not been the easiest sale. [The market has been] up and down. We sold one for more than we expected, four for less than we expected and two we took home. Anything that is bred to look like a mile-and-a-half horse they didn't seem to be excited about. But this was a great result and we are grateful to the people who support us and grateful to the people who work with us.”

Materialistic is now back in foal to Frankel, having lost an earlier colt by him as a weanling, and she has a colt foal by Wootton Bassett (GB).

Luca Cumani added, “We'd like to thank Coolmore very much. They have been great supporters of ours, especially this year and last year.

“I bought Souk as a yearling in Goffs for Ir£100,000, which was a lot of money in those days, and I got home and got quite a bollocking. I'm glad it has worked out okay. [Her grand-daughter] Platonic, who struggled to win, and finally won as a four-year-old in the French provinces, we sold for 100,000gns, and look what she has produced. It is a great family. We owe that family a hell of a lot.”

Talking Points

• Edmond Mahony highlighted a “selectivity to the market”, and that is reflected in the figures for Book 1. The final day's trade dipped by 35% year-on-year to 29,158,000gns, with the median being the lowest of the week at 155,000gns (-35%) and the average at 219,233gns (-32%). Across the three days, the aggregate was  down to 95,395,000gns (-25%), which was still up on the 'Covid years' of 2020 and 2021 and just beneath the preceding three years when the turnover passed 100 million gns. From 470 yearlings offered, 391 were marked as sold, to give a clearance rate of 83% (-5%) The median price for the three days was 180,000gns (-10%) and the average was 243,997gns (-18%).
• The trade at last year's Book 1 reached record levels, but it is worth reflecting that more than 10 million gns of that was attributed to yearlings 'bought' by Saleh Al Homaizi which ultimately had to be reoffered after payment wasn't forthcoming. Another 2.7 million gns was spent by John Dance of Manor House Farm, who has not been active in the yearling market this season since Dance's business affairs came under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority earlier this year. On the other hand, Richard Knight, who last year signed for the yearlings on Al Homaizi's list, is now acting on behalf of a new name on the buyers' sheet, the Saudi Arabia-based Al Salhia Stud, which is owned by Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden. Al Salhia Stud, which has previously been involved in Arab racing, is now branching out into Thoroughbreds and was active at Arqana in August. Through Book 1, the operation bought 10 yearlings for a total of 2,555,000gns.
• Though Godolphin was still a significant presence as the leading buyer, with 20 horses bought for just north of 12 million gns, even this expenditure pales next to last year's outlay of 25.3 million gns for 35 Book 1 yearlings. Rabbah Bloodstock, too, spent 1.5 million gns at last year's sale but was absent from the buyers' list this week. 
• Tom Goff and Richard Brown buy for a range of clients, and their Blandford Bloodstock was the second-leading buyer at Book 1, with 25 yearlings signed for at a total outlay of 8.1 million gns. Brown has been the main buyer of horses in training for Wathnan Racing, owned by the Emir of Qatar, and a new name in the owner ranks in recent seasons. Though no confirmation was given of any yearling purchases for the operation, it is fair to assume that some of those bought under the Blandford banner may be seen racing in the Wathnan colours in the future.
• For the sixth year in a row, Graham Smith-Bernal's Newsells Park Stud topped the Book 1 consignors' list with 25 sold for a total of 10,565,000gns. There were also noteworthy results from the select drafts of Anthony Oppenheimer's Hascombe & Valiant Stud, which sold six yearlings at an average of 554,167gns, including the overall top lot, and for Paul and Marie McCartan's Ballyphilip Stud, which averaged 504,000gns for five sold.
• Frankel was responsible for the most expensive colt and filly in the sale, and two of the seven yearlings to have sold for a million or more. That number of seven-figure lots was down from 16 last year.
• Twelve late withdrawals on the day from the final session tells its own tale of how some vendors viewed the dip in trade on Thursday.

Another Gem for Grangemore

Grangemore Stud's full-sister to the Group 2 winners Charyn (Ire) and Wings Of War (Ire), both by Dark Angel (Ire), will join her brother Charyn in the ownership of Nurlan Bizakov, who, under his Sumbe banner, when to 850,000gns for the daughter of the 10-year-old mare Futoon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}).

Grangemore owner Guy O'Callaghan bought Futoon in partnership with his brother David for 100,000gns, and she has more that repaid that outlay, with her repeat matings with Yeomanstown Stud's Dark Angel having produced those two black-type winners from as many foals of racing age.

O'Callaghan said of the yearling filly [lot 376], “She's always been a spectacular filly at home. I'm thrilled with the price she made and the home she's going to. We had to come over to the sales a day early with the storm last week, so she's been here nine days and she's not put a foot wrong. It's a lot for a yearling to take and she's been a class act. They're all so great out of the mare but she was probably the best of them.”

Futoon, who was placed multiple times at Listed level, is from the family of the G2 Mill Reef S. winner Galeota (Ire) and of the Group 3-winning siblings Burnt Sugar (Ire) and Brown Sugar (Ire).

O'Callaghan added, “My brother David and I bought the mare here as a four-year-old from Steven Hillen and Kevin Ryan. We were following her as a racehorse and she's been very lucky for us ever since. It's a real fast, tough family. There was a good Dark Angel in the family already, and she just made so much sense.”

Along with Nurlan Bizakov, major owner-breeder operations Cheveley Park Stud, Shadwell and Al Shira'aa Farms were also among those to have selected well-bred fillies on the final day of Book 1.

On Shadwell's behalf, Angus Gold went to 575,000gns for lot 427, Meon Valley Stud's daughter of Sea The Moon (Ger) and Group 2 winner Jazzi Top (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), whose second and third dams, Zee Zee Top (GB) (Zafonic) and Colorspin (Fr) (High Top {GB}) are both Group 1 winners.

Kieran Lalor picked up another smart filly for Al Shira'aa in lot 393, a Siyouni (Fr) half-sister to Al Husn (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won the G1 Nassau S. after publication of the catalogue. Shadwell were under-bidders on the filly, having sold her dam Hadaatha (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) to David Nagle of Barronstown Stud for 400,000gns when she was in foal to Siyouni in 2021.

Bennett's Merry Week

Craig Bennett of Merry Fox Stud signed off on a good week of selling alongside Newsells Park Stud when Godolphin went to 800,000gns to secure his Dubawi (Ire) filly (lot 470) out of Luminate (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}).

Along with Newsells Park, Bennett brought four yearlings to the market this week and sold all four, with the owner-breeder describing himself as happy with the business conducted at Tattersalls.

He said, “Great week-I sold four out of four. Going home now! The first mare we bought in partnership with Newsells was Luminate. She is clearly a lovely-walking mare and she passes that walk on. This is the first one we have brought to market and got very well paid to go to a good home. It's a great cross and the Rainbow Quest in the second generation really suits the sire, particularly for fillies, so I think they have got a very good chance of her being a very good racehorse. The mare is in foal to Lope De Vega, carrying a filly, and we are just working out mating plans for next year.”

Market View

There were plenty of positives to take from Book 1, the highest-priced yearling sold in Europe this year being one of them, but there were just seven lots all told to break the million gns throughout the three days. 

Unlike the Orby Sale at Goffs, where well-bred fillies led the way, the majority of the big-ticket horses sold at Tattersalls this week were colts. 

Kieran Lalor, who buys on behalf of major owner-breeder Al Shira'aa Farms, cut the image of a frustrated figure on Thursday when sharing his feeling that the well-bred colts matched up better physically than the fillies this week. 

That played out in the results and Al Shira'aa signed for four yearlings–two fillies and two colts–in what was at times a patchy sale. 

Bloodstock agent Mark McStay shared that while he felt the top end of the market remained strong at Tattersalls this week, the middle tiers were difficult at times. 

In other words, the recession-proof buyers were there, but in reflection of what is going on in the wider world outside racing, the middle market has taken somewhat of a dent. 

He explained, “Like every sale that I have attended for the past number of years, for the very good stock, the trade is highly competitive. Underneath that top level, business is being done but it can be sticky in patches.

“The standard of horses has been high and all of the big players are here. What we have seen play out this week is probably a fair reflection of the worldwide bloodstock market.”

He added, “Some people who have been active here in the past number of years haven't appeared but, then again, some of the bigger players, the likes of Sheikh Mohammed, have participated stronger than ever.”

A much clearer picture will be painted on the middle market, according to McStay, after Books 2, 3 and 4 take place at Tattersalls next week. 

He continued, “I am very happy with how my week went. We bought some nice horses and, while we weren't in the big league, I'm happy and am looking forward to Book 2 and onwards. Next week will be telling and it will be interesting to see what trainers have orders.”

Edmond Mahony concluded his own assessment of the market in a philosophical fashion. He commented, “Year on year the consignors show enormous faith in Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale with the sale showcasing the very best that Europe has to offer, and yet again we have seen so many of the world's leading owners competing for the finest turf-bred yearlings to be found anywhere in the world. 

“Amongst them have been a greater number of yearlings selling for one million guineas or more than all other European yearling sales combined, Europe's highest-priced yearling yet again, and 40 yearlings selling for in excess of 500,000gns which similarly is more than all other European yearlings sales to date this year. As ever Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale has attracted buyers from throughout the world, so many of them drawn annually to Park Paddocks by the consistent success of Book 1 horses at the highest level on the global stage. In the course of the past three days buyers from Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahrain, China, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the USA have all made significant contributions at all levels of the market confirming the unparalleled esteem in which the finest European yearlings are held and specifically those found annually at this particular sale. This is a sale that produces stallions and breed-shaping broodmares on an annual basis and it is the sale's unrivalled reputation which annually makes this fixture an unmissable event for so many of the most influential thoroughbred owners in the world.”

He added, “Amongst the success stories and numerous pinhooking triumphs, there has nevertheless been a selectivity to the market which we must recognise. Last year's game-changing October Book 1 was always going to be a challenging target, and so it has proved with the sale turnover some way short of the massive 2022 total, but the median has held up well, second only to last year's record level, the average of almost 250,000gns is an impressive figure, and the clearance rate in excess of 80% is a solid number. We extend our gratitude as ever to the consignors and purchasers alike whose support is what makes Newmarket and Tattersalls a true hub for the European bloodstock industry and we look forward to seeing this year's crop of October Book 1 yearlings competing globally at the highest level as well as earning their owners in Britain and Ireland yet more lucrative £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonuses.”

Buy Of The Day

Mark Flannery has turned water into wine on more than one occasion–the top breeze-up handler famously got €210,000 for €5,000 Book 2 buy Landshark.

Perhaps Flannery found more value at Tattersalls this week in the shape of a 40,000gns Kingman (GB) colt (lot 516) from Blue Diamond Stud. 

Kingman has done well with his breeze-up graduates and this could be another. He's gone to a top outfit and could rock into six figures or more at the Craven Breeze-Up Sale here in the spring. Time will tell. 

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Open to unraced 2-year-olds, the breezes will provide an opportunity for entries to gallop on the all-weather track similarly to conventional breeze-up sales. During their breezes, the 2-year-olds will be filmed and footage will then be uploaded to the Tattersalls Online website two weeks prior to the sale. Similar options will also be provided on request for entries based in the United Kingdom.

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “We are delighted to offer this innovative and cost-effective opportunity to breeze-up consignors to showcase their horses on the Tattersalls Online platform. We are constantly exploring ways to provide new innovative options for vendors and purchasers alike and we believe that Tattersalls Online will provide an excellent alternative for those wishing to showcase their breeze-up 2-year-olds. The Tattersalls Online sales have already captured the attention of domestic and international buyers, and we anticipate that the benefits of selling online as well as the opportunity to use the facilities at Dundalk will be an attractive option for vendors.”

Tattersalls Online website will provide buyers the opportunity to inspect any lot entered prior to the sale taking place. Spectators can also attend the breeze session at Dundalk. The June Sale is also open to all other entry types.

For more information, please visit the Tattersalls Online website.

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Mahony has described 2022 as the year where every expectation was exceeded and, speaking at the end of the December Mares Sale where over 80 million gns went through the Tattersalls tills, headlined by 5.4 million gns purchase Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never), he paid tribute to all key stakeholders for playing a part in the roaring trade.

Mahony said, “Every so often we experience sales at Tattersalls which defy all expectations, but in 2022 it is probably fair to say that each successive sale here at Park Paddocks has achieved levels of trade which even the most optimistic observers would have deemed unlikely, culminating in a Tattersalls December Mares Sale which at times has been truly astonishing.”

The 80,831,200gns traded at Tattersalls this week represents a 30% rise on last year's figure. The average rose by 48% to 117,147gns, the median jumped 23% to 32,000gns and the clearance rate stayed the same at 82%.

But the major success story to emerge from the sale was the strength of the inaugural Sceptre Sessions which accounted for over half of the turnover with 71 lots selling for a combined total of 45,907,000gns.

Mahony commented, “There can be no doubt that the eagerly anticipated inaugural Sceptre Sessions have added a new dimension to what was already Europe's premier sale of breeding stock. When we launched the Sceptre Sessions back in the summer our goal was to create a format which would allow us to showcase elite fillies and mares to the global audience which defines the Tattersalls December Sale. The response from breeders and consignors to the new initiative was overwhelmingly positive, and this was widely recognised as an exceptional catalogue, but we could not have predicted the extraordinary atmosphere which enveloped Park Paddocks throughout a sale which has seen the record books completely rewritten.”

A staggering 11 fillies and mares sold for seven figures at Tattersalls in a week where BBA Ireland dominated by snapping up 39 lots for 14,567,000gns. Featuring among the haul was the overall top lot Alcohol Free while BBA Ireland also paid 1,000,000gns for Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Gan Teorainn (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}).

Mahony reflected, “Turnover, average and median have all soared past the previous record levels and to see the packed sale ring as the succession of outstanding fillies and mares took to the stage will live long in the memories of all those present. The huge number of overseas buyers here at Park Paddocks for the duration of the December Sale reflects the incredible support we have received from the vendors who entrusted us with such an illustrious cast of race fillies and broodmares. Every one of the 11 fillies and mares who sold for one million guineas or more was special and the 5.4 million gns sale of the gorgeous Alcohol Free was not only the highest auction price in the world this year for a filly in training, but also a wonderful reward for her owner Jeff Smith, her trainer Andrew Balding and all associated with one of the great race fillies of recent years. We all look forward to seeing Alcohol Free race on in Australia and to dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach, who sold for 3.6 million guineas, who looks set to target the $20-million [G1] Saudi Cup in February.”

He added, “While the individual highlights will leave lasting memories, we must express our deep gratitude to all who have made 2022 such an extraordinary year at Tattersalls. Sale after sale has attracted buyers from all over the world in overwhelming numbers, and we are enormously grateful for the support we receive from purchasers and vendors alike, all of whom have contributed to a year which has seen our annual turnover exceed 400 million gns, comfortably exceeding the previous high of 331 million guineas set in 2017. These remarkable figures are a massive tribute to the professionalism and commitment of all involved in the bloodstock industry in Britain, Ireland, France and further afield. It is their consistent support which makes Newmarket such a focal point of the global bloodstock industry and makes the uniquely international Tattersalls December Sale the pre-eminent sale of its type in Europe.”

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Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “Harry is a great addition to the Tattersalls team of overseas representatives and his appointment working alongside Jenny McAlpine demonstrates the importance we attach to promoting Tattersalls sales throughout Australia and New Zealand. Having worked at Tattersalls in Newmarket and at William Inglis in Sydney, Harry is already familiar with the Tattersalls ethos and sales portfolio and between him and Jenny, Tattersalls has two highly respected individuals to represent the company in a hugely important market.”

McAlpine added, “Tattersalls has a fantastic reputation in both Australia and New Zealand and to be promoting Tattersalls alongside Jenny is a role I am looking forward to enormously.”

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Offered by The Castlebridge Consignment, Thunder Moon was trained by Joseph O'Brien and won the G1 National S. as a juvenile. Part of a 155-strong draft, he currently holds a rating of 108 by Timeform, and was also placed in the G1 Dewhurst S. and G1 Prix Jean Prat.

Sunday's Irish Cesarewitch victor Waterville (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) (lot 275) is part of Coolmore's 41-lot draft. Rated 116p by Timeform, the lightly-raced 3-year-old is joined by G2 Dante S. third Bluegrass (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 678), who is rated 107.

Eddie's Boy (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) (lot 643), who won the G3 Prix Eclipse, will go through the ring from the The Castlebridge Consignment, while other 2-year-olds of note include G2 Royal Lodge S. second Dubai Mile (Ire) (Roaring Lion) (lot 768A) from Kingsley Park. Eve Lodge Stables' listed winner Rocket Rodney (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}) (lot 1138) and the Listed Chesham S. second Pearling Path (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (lot 674) from Baroda Stud are also set to sell.

Godolphin and Shadwell Estates will offer 28 and 14 lots, respectively, with a notable lot Shadwell's group winner Mujbar (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) (lot 657). Juddmonte's 23-lot draft contains the 97-rated Special Envoy (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 1086) among others.

Andrew Balding's Park House Stables' draft of 47 features G2 July S. winner Tactical (GB) (Toronado {Ire}) (lot 1059).

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “The Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale has a remarkable record of producing top class winners with no less than 76 individual group/listed winners in the last three years bought at the sale including seven Group/Grade 1 winners. That continued success is the key to the sales enduring appeal to both domestic and international buyers and this year's catalogue has all the ingredients to appeal to the customary global audience including the significant, high-class consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell Estates.”

The post Group 1 Winner Thunder Moon Highlights Tattersalls Autumn HIT Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Consigned by New England Stud, the daughter of the multiple listed-winning Ezima (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) (lot 82) is part of a continued reduction from breeder Shadwell. Shadwell consigns two broodmares and eight yearlings at the sale under its own banner, with many more spread out among other drafts. New England's draft of 2-year-olds for Shadwell also includes a colt by Sea The Stars out of the G1 Oaks runner-up and multiple stakes producer Tarfasha (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 80); a Dubawi (Ire) colt out of the listed-winning Yaazy (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 81), herself a half-sister to four stakes horses including the Group 1-winning Matterhorn (Ire) (Raven's Pass); and a Cracksman (GB) colt (lot 69) out of a winning full-sister to Group 1 winners Salve Regina (Ger), Schiaparelli (Ger) and Samum (Ger).

Barton Sales's draft of 57-the largest in the book-includes 10 fillies and 30 colts and geldings in and out of training from Shadwell. Among the highlights are Hamaayel (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) (lot 145), an unraced 3-year-old full-sister to GI E.P. Taylor S. winner Blond Me (Ire); Waajeeha (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 58), a 4-year-old unraced daughter of G3 Cumberland Lodge S. winner Hawaafez (GB) (Nayef); and an unnamed 4-year-old filly by Kingman out of the multiple Group 3-winning Mashoora (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) (lot 56).

Godolphin offers 47 lots including New Style (Street Cry {Ire}) (lot 170), a half-sister to five-time Group 1 winner and sire Dream Ahead and to the dam of dual Group 1 winner Fairyland (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in foal to Kodiac; Heaven's Angel (Ire) (Henrythenavigator) (lot 172), a half-sister to Oaks winner Qualify (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in foal to Siyouni (Fr); Prefer (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 173), a sister to seven stakes horses including the G1 1000 Guineas runner-up Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in foal to Kingman (GB); Luceita (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) (lot 171), a half-sister to the G2 Rockfel S. winner and multiple Group 1 and Classic-placed Lucida (Ire) (Shamardal) from the family of American champion English Channel in foal to Invincible Spirit (Ire); and Painted Daisy (Ire) (Postponed {Ire}) (lot 163), an unraced 3-year-old half-sister to triple Group 1 winner Hunter's Light (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and to the dam of G2 Hardwicke S. winner Fanny Logan (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

The Juddmonte draft includes the unraced 3-year-old filly Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 138), a descendant of Hasili (GB)'s dam Kerali; and Aquiano (GB) (Equiano {GB}) (lot 139), an unraced 3-year-old filly out of a winning full-sister to Bated Breath (GB).

Additional sisters to Group 1 winners catalogued include Rooful (GB) (Charming Thought {GB}) (lot 124), a winning 4-year-old half-sister to G1 Queen Anne S. winner Accidental Agent (GB) (Delegator {GB}); Gift Horse (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) (lot 208), a winning 3-year-old half-sister to G1 Golden Shaheen S. winner Krypton Factor (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}); and Santiki (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) (lot 131), a 4-year-old half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Behkabad (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}). G3 Anglesey S. winner and G1 Phoenix S. third Walk On Bye (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) (lot 37) is catalogued in foal to Without Parole (GB).

“The Tattersalls February Sale continues to be a source of high-quality breeding stock and horses in training, with the dams of three individual Group/Grade 1 winners in 2021 a prime example,” said Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony. “There is no shortage of top-class breeding stock in this year's catalogue headlined by major consignments from Shadwell Estates and Godolphin, which will undoubtedly appeal to the usual diverse mix of domestic and international buyers who have made the Tattersalls February Sale Europe's undisputed leading midwinter sale.”

The post Tattersalls Releases February Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The strength of the earlier sessions continued into the fourth day with significant rises in all key indicators resulting in the sale recording a record turnover, average and median, all of which rose substantially compared with last year's sale.

The top price on the final day was 250,000 guineas for the 2-year-old Laatansa who has finished third on his last two starts for trainer Ed Dunlop. The son of New Bay was greeted by a packed sales ring and after some early brisk flurries, the bidding soon settled into a head-to-head battle between the Najd Stud team and Ronald Rauscher, with the former successful at what is the second highest price for the final session of this sale.

Najd Stud's Saad bin Mishraf had left Park Paddocks bound for Saudi Arabia, leaving Saudi-based trainer and consultant Saud al Qahtani in charge of bidding and taking instructions over the telephone.

“Saad called me and told me not to leave here without this horse. He is a beautiful horse and a lovely physical. He is by a very promising stallion, whose progeny are booming. He has a very good family and we hope he will be a very good horse next year.

“We have bought 14 horses here this week and they are of great quality. We will have a great race in Saudi Arabia at the end of February, our race will be the destination for all the very best horses from Europe and America, and our Jockey Club racing manager is doing a great job.”

Laatansa was third at Newmarket on his most recent appearance and was offered with a 'Timeform' rating of 86. He is out of the Listed placed Rock of Gibraltar mare Louve Rare, herself a half-sister to the Group 2 winner and triple Group 1 placed Loup Breton.

The Najd Stud and Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock team purchased fourteen lots this week totaling 2,791,000 guineas, whilst Shadwell Estates' consignment saw a total of 118 lots realise 5,238,500 guineas.

At the conclusion of the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

“An extraordinary renewal of a unique sale. There is no sale in the world quite like the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale and there has never been one quite like the sale that has just taken place.

“Records for turnover, average and median are always notable landmarks for any sale, but when the record margins are so large it suggests that maybe new factors have come into play and to an extent that may have been the case this week. There is no doubt that the major consignment from the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Estates has introduced a new dynamic. A consignment of that size and quality does not go unnoticed and the buyers have seized the rare opportunity to source horses from one of the finest owner/breeder operations in the world.

“Additionally, the numerous racing carnivals that now take place during the Autumn and Winter months throughout the Gulf region have had a huge impact on the sale. Buyers from the Gulf have been major contributors to Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sales for many years, but new racing opportunities have brought buyers from the region in even greater numbers than before and crucially, they have been active at all levels of the market.

“Equally important has been the sustained success-driven demand throughout the sale from Australian connections and this has been despite continued difficulties surrounding travel. There will be around 40 horses heading to Australia from this week's sale and that is in addition to the 30 or so yearlings which were purchased at the recent Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The Australian buyers deserve huge praise for their collective commitment using every means possible to continue buying here despite being unable to travel and we look forward to them being rewarded with more success along the lines of recent Tattersalls Australian superstars Zaaki and Russian Camelot.

“The strong domestic demand we saw at our yearling sales has also been replicated and we can not only look back on a successful month at Tattersalls, but also take encouragement as we look forward to the Tattersalls December Foal and Mares Sale which, similar to this week, features outstanding consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell Estates.”

The post Shadwell Draft Heads Final Session Of Record-Breaking Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Widely regarded as the world's most international bloodstock sale, the Tattersalls December Mares Sale has consistently featured major consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell Estates, and the three drafts catalogued for the 2021 renewal total 224 lots comprising 101 from Godolphin, 30 from Juddmonte Farms and 93 from the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Estates.

The Godolphin team features mares in foal to leading proven sires Dark Angel, Dubawi, Night of Thunder, and Siyouni as well as the listed and group winning duo Sarinda and Under the Stars who are both in foal to champion sire elect Frankel. Also amongst the Godolphin mares are the Group and Listed winners Dancing Sands, Lady Liberty, and Yellow Rosebud in foal to their young sires Cracksman, Earthlight, and Too Darn Hot respectively, as well as the stakes producer Zam Zoom in foal to world champion Ghaiyyath.

The 93 Shadwell fillies and mares are equally eye-catching with mares in foal to exciting young stallions Blue Point, Masar, Mohaather, Persian King, and Pinatubo likely to prove popular alongside those in foal to proven Group 1 sires including Dark Angel, Invincible Spirit, Kingman, Lope de Vega, Night of Thunder, Oasis Dream, and Siyouni. Shadwell fillies have long been highly sought after at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale and amongst this year's regally bred fillies are those tracing back to the direct families of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's outstanding homebred Champions Alhaarth, Bahri, Eswarah, Ghanaati, Lahudood, Mehthaaf, Nashwan, Shadayid, Taghrooda and latest superstar Baaeed.

The Juddmonte consignment is another perennial December Sale highlight and young mares in foal to Frankel and Kingman from top Juddmonte families are joined by regally bred fillies including half-sisters to Group 1 winners Epicuris, Quadrilateral, and Winsili, as well as Not in Doubt, the winning 3-year-old Sea the Stars daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Intercontinental, herself one of the five Group/Grade 1 winners out of the legendary Juddmonte broodmare Hasili.

In a catalogue of real depth, proven dams of Group winners include Sunday Times, the dam of champion Newspaperofrecord, in foal to Lope de Vega, Mondelice, dam of 2021 Group 2 winning rising star Dubai Honour, in foal to New Bay and Vadariya, dam of 2021 Group 3 winner Waliyak, in foal to Pinatubo, while Group 1 winning mares in foal include Sir Robert Ogden's Amazing Maria, in foal to Oasis Dream, as well as Blond Me, Flotilla, Penelopa, and Temida in foal to Siyouni, Sea the Moon, Mehmas, and Sea the Moon respectively.

In addition to Group 1 winners Blond Me and Flotilla, an outstanding draft of 21 fillies and mares from Newsells Park Stud also includes a rare jewel in the form of six-year-old Group 2 winner Waldlied, the New Approach three-parts sister to Arc winner Waldgeist, in foal to Kingman. Also guaranteed to be amongst the highlights of the Newsells Park consignment and the sale is the 4-year-old Group 2 Blandford Stakes winner Cayenne Pepper. The classic placed daughter of Australia hails from the direct family of Galileo and Sea the Stars.

While outstanding Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes runner up Flotus is the star 2-year-old in the catalog, she is joined by an illustrious band of Group winning 3- and 4-year-old fillies in/out of training, most notably last year's Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Tiger Tanaka, who ended her 2-year-old career as the joint highest rated 2-year-old filly in France alongside Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte winner Plainchant, who is one of a typically strong 11 lot team from French based consignors European Sales Management, which also includes Group and Listed winning fillies Feel Glorious, Madeline Must, and See the Rose.

Having enjoyed a stellar year, Nick Bradley Racing will be offering a quartet of Group and Listed winning fillies in training headed by the Group 2 winning three-year-olds Dandalla and Fev Rover, both of whom also boast Classic or Group 1 form. They are joined by Listed winning Oaks runner up Mystery Angel, the Group 3 winning 2-year-old Corazon and the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes fourth Guilded.

The beautifully bred Group 3 Sceptre Fillies' Stakes winning 3-year-old Just Beautiful, beaten only twice in seven lifetime starts for trainer Ivan Furtado, is another filly with massive international appeal as are the Group 3 winners Axana, Have a Good Day, Lullaby Moon, Santosha, Stella Star and the Listed winning, Group 1 placed trio of Que Amoro, Measure of Magic, and Es La Vida.

Commenting on the catalog for the 2021 Tattersalls December Mares Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony;

“The Tattersalls December Mares Sale is an annual highlight of the global bloodstock sales calendar and this year's catalogue, which features the dispersal of Sir Robert Ogden's broodmares and fillies and major consignments from both Godolphin and Shadwell Estates, looks set to bring the Tattersalls year to an exciting conclusion. With buyers from the vast majority of countries now able to travel easily to Britain we look forward to welcoming the uniquely international cast of buyers for whom the Tattersalls December Mares Sale is an unmissable event every year.”

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