Traditionally, the auction has offered winning point-to-pointers and bumper horses with the potential to be stars of the future, as Grade 1-winning graduates such as Bravemansgame (Fr), Gerri Colombe (Fr), Santini (GB) and Slate House (Ire) have demonstrated. However, there could be a much quicker return on investment for the buyer of the first lot through the ring on Thursday evening, Harmonya Maker (Fr). The seven-year-old daughter of Saddler Maker (Ire) has been declared to run in Friday's G2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase by her trainer Gordon Elliott.

To date, Hamonya Maker has won five of her 15 races, including the G2 Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares' Novice Chase in January. She has been kept busy this season and has never been out of the first three in her five starts since November, which include two victories. 

The remainder of the 30 lots catalogued for the sale are aged either four or five and have recent winning or placed form in the point-to-point field. Lot 10, from Ballycrystal Stables, is the half-sister to Grade 1 winner Stay Away Fay (Ire) (Shantou). Named The Big Westerner (Ire) (Westerner {GB}), she won on debut at Ballycahane earlier this month.

Last year's catalogue of the same size saw 20 horses sold on the night (67%) for a total of £3.45 million. The co-top lots, Romeo Coolio (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}) and Jalon d'Oudairies (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}), were bought by Gordon Elliott for £420,000 apiece and they finished second and third at Cheltenham in Wednesday's G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

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Russell, who bowed out from the saddle in December 2022 before briefly returning to race-riding for his long-time ally Gordon Elliott after Jack Kennedy broke his leg the following January, has heaped praise on his dancing coach Kylee Vincent. 

He explained, “I've a brilliant teacher in Kylee. She has an outstanding way of coaxing me into being able to do the dances. I have no step now. I couldn't dance a step if my life depended on it before the show. It's amazing how my coach can turn somebody like me around within the space of a week to be somewhat reasonable at dancing. A lot of the credit goes to her.”

Carberry, widely considered one of the greatest amateur riders of all time, famously won the competition in 2022 after hanging up her saddle four years previously. Russell explained that, while he consulted Carberry before accepting the invitation to take part in the competition, nothing could have prepared him for the amount of work that goes into preparing for each live show. 

He said, “Nina was obviously very supportive of me because not only did she do it but she also won it. The rest of the lads were laughing at me. They thought it would be great craic of a Sunday evening watching me go and make an eejit of myself on National television. 

Thankfully, it's gone the other way around. Now they are tuning in on the Sunday night to see how I get on and to support me. But come here, I was on the same page as them when I started-I'm pleasantly surprised by how it's going but the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes is phenomenal.”

One smoooooth start to the show 20 points for Davy and Kylee! #DWTSIRL pic.twitter.com/w5NpbXuI06

— DWTS Ireland (@DWTSIRL) February 4, 2024

What's making Russell's progression on the reality television series all the more impressive is that the Cork native is balancing practicing along with raising a young family and tending to over 50 horses on his farm.

However, Russell admitted to being put to the pin of his collar at present and is desperately seeking a full-time worker to help out at the burgeoning National Hunt breeding and pinhooking operation.

“It's very hard at the moment,” he said. “I have great help at home but it's not easy. This week took its toll because Edelle [Russell's wife] was away and I am down a member of staff on the farm. I'm actually in dire need of somebody coming on board. 

“We've 15 broodmares on the farm. All of them bar one are National Hunt-bred. On top of the 15 mares, we have their progeny coming through-foals, yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds so we've well over 50 horses here. It's a full-time job in itself.”

He added, “I had somebody working with me and they let me down. It seems to be a common theme in the industry at the moment. Nobody seems to have any regard for anyone and staff seem to just jump around. It's very hard to get somebody to stay in the one place. That's my experience anyway. I would love if somebody came to me and wanted to get involved in the place. Whether that was buying into a mare or pinhooking foals along with working here full-time, I don't know. I'd be open to whatever. Like, if I was getting a few quid on something, I'd love to see the person working for me get a few quid as well. So, I'm open to anything really.”

Russell's Whitebarn Stud has enjoyed some decent paydays in recent times but few will top last year's result at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale when a Cima de Triomphe (Ire) gelding who was bought for just €5,500 on behalf of his kids rocked into €54,000 at the premier store sale. 

He reflected, “I had a great year. A lot of that would be down to Peter Vaughan of Moanmore Stables. I do a lot of work with Peter. My kids had an excellent year as well. They sold a Cima de Triomphe gelding for €54,000. They started off with two cows and we put them in calf. Out of that, Peter bought them a yearling and they sold him and got a few quid but nothing major, just a couple of grand profit. I gave €5,500 for the Cima de Triomphe horse for them in Osarus in France and then they got €54,000 for him at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale last year so they were over the moon with that.”

Russell has also dipped his toe in the breeze-up game from time to time through his association with the Vaughans but it was a certain Siyouni (Fr) filly by the name of Expressiy (Fr) who gave him one of his most memorable results in that sphere back in 2017 when selling for €260,000 at Arqana. 

“I am involved in the breeze-ups but my involvement doesn't extend beyond being an investor. Peter and Patrick Vaughan do all the work with the breeze-up horses. We bought a Bolt d'Oro horse in America last year and he seems to be going quite well. I had a lovely Not This Time horse last year but we just about wiped our nose with him at the Dubai Breeze-Up Sale.”

He added, “It's very funny actually, I got a great touch with a Siyouni filly at Arqana a few years ago. I was heading out for a beginners' chase on a 10-1 shot at Kilbeggan as the filly was going through the ring. Lorcan Wyer [clerk of the course] was telling me to get a move on but, as this filly was rocking into €200,000, I told him I wasn't going anywhere. 

“She made €260,000 in the end. I had her with John Cullinan and I really enjoyed the experience. The filly [Expressiy] turned out to be okay, too, as she went and got black-type for Godolphin. I got down to post in time for the beginners' chase on Burndown (Ire) (Presenting {Ire}) and, while he could only finish third, it ended up being an enjoyable day!”

The decorated rider, who partnered his first winner 25 years ago and will forever be associated with horses like Tiger Roll, Weapon's Amnesty and more, can be backed at 10-1 to win the competition outright. However, the aim is a simple one heading into this Sunday's performance: don't mess up. 

“I just don't want to f*** up,” Russell said. “I built my career on that mindset. I used to go to Cheltenham with one thing on my mind and that was to not f*** up. The only way of doing that is by putting in the work but it's a lot of work to do. 

“I have an awful problem learning the steps and then, when I learn the steps, I then have to put it to music and then you have to have your facial expressions ready as well. To do all of that in six days and then to walk out live on television and bang, get it out in one go, it's not easy.”

He added, “All of my life, nothing ever made me nervous. Riding any horse in any of those big races never made me nervous. But the show two weeks ago, I have never felt nerves like that. I was shaking like a leaf. Maybe it was stepping into the unknown that made me nervous, I don't know. Thankfully this week was a bit more comfortable and I am starting to enjoy it now.”

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The Gordon Elliott-trained Caldwell Potter, who won the Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and is as short as 10-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, will race for a partnership comprising John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done. 

Bromley commented, “You just don't get these rare commodities come on the market. My heart was skyrocketing when I was watching El Fabiolo jumping at Leopardstown yesterday, but this was far more nerve-wracking!

“I have bought him for great clients John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done, who have a lovely horse in Kalif Du Berlais and this horse will join him at Paul Nicholls.”

Elliott put up a determined fight to keep Caldwell Potter at Cullentra House Stables and finished up as underbidder on the horse who was spoken about as a potential Gold Cup prospect by Bromley.

The agent continued, “He is a standout, a lovely horse, I loved him as a youngster as a store. I have watched his career closely – he has only been running over two miles yet he looks a stayer. He may potentially be a Gold Cup horse, long term.

“I can't say what plans Paul will have for the horse and we will see how it all works out, obviously there are the Cheltenham entries and Aintree would be a consideration, but he has been bought really as a chaser of the future.”

The session turnover of €5,290,000 for the 29 lots on offer was a record-breaking aggregate for a one-day boutique National Hunt Sale. The average price for the session was €182,414.

Staffordshire Knot finished the afternoon's trade as the most expensive horse that Elliott managed to keep a hold of on €510,000. Elliott also signed for Sa Fureur, Doctor Elvis and Chemical Energy, bringing his total spend to €1,315,000, while prominent buyers for the stable such as Mags O'Toole stepped in to buy other smart prospects on behalf of current owners within the stable.

Elliott commented, “I was disappointed to lose the big horse, but that is the way it is – hopefully he will be lucky for the new owners. Pied Piper is coming back and we have got all the ones we wanted apart from Caldwell Potter.

“Staffordshire Knot is an exciting six-year-old and we are delighted we have bought him. The horses all looked great – we only had a week's notice for this sale and it is a credit to the staff.”

Simon Kerins, chief executive at Tattersalls Ireland, described staging the dispersal as an honour before labelling the sale as “a phenomenal success.”

He said, “First and foremost, I extend my sincere gratitude to Andy and Gemma Brown, as well as Joey Logan, for entrusting us with their dispersal sale, it has been an honour.

“I would like to express my appreciation to Gordon Elliott and his team – every single horse in this draft has been produced looking in superb order and, finally, the Tattersalls Ireland team for turning this sale around at such speed. It is testament to the team's professionalism and hard work, proof of the flexibility that we have and ability to act as the industry requires.

“The sale has been a phenomenal success and the figures paid have been mind blowing. We knew these horses would be in high demand given their proven level of form, and all the big players were here today.

“We look forward to watching today's sales horses going on to achieve great things on the racecourse, and we hope to see the Browns return to the racing scene in the near future.

“We now look ahead to the National Hunt Store season and inspections, which, of course, will be highlighted by the 50th year of the industry-leading Derby Sale on June 26-27th.”

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Frogman may be Hall's first runner but eagle-eyed observers may recognise the black and red silks that the four-year-old will carry as they are the exact colours of the old Stablemate Racing Syndicate, a successful ownership venture that Hall was involved with alongside Denny Cordell in the late eighties. After a 30-year hiatus, the black and red is back and the hope is that Frogman can prove up to the task. 

“It's my first runner in my own name,” the legendary broadcaster explained. “They are the old Stablemate Racing colours. Stablemate was an old syndicate that we had and there were just short of 800 subscribers to it. It was a company set up by the late Denny Cordell, a famous music producer and racehorse trainer, and we had horses with about seven or eight different trainers. 

“A lot of our proceeds came from the telephone lines. Premium numbers had just come in at the time and we realised there was an opportunity there. So, we did very well and had a lot of fun. All bar one of our horses won races and we had one or two decent ones. We had horses with Willie Mullins when he started out–and I actually won on one of those! We also had horses with Michael Cunningham, Denny himself, Dermot Weld, Arthur Moore and a good few others. They've been lucky enough colours.”

He added, “We closed Stablemate Racing down after six years. When we closed it down, the subscribers very kindly registered these colours for a lifetime to myself. I think it is the first time since 1993 since these colours have been used and it's the first time I've had one in my own name.” 

Hall has been retired from broadcasting for over three years now but remains part of the Tattersalls Ireland media team. It was at the May Sale last year when Frogman first caught his attention and, while he didn't set out to snap up a store on the day, came home from work the proud new owner with trainer Richard O'Brien, who he'd previously never met. 

He explained, “I got this fella at the May Sale at Tattersalls Ireland. I do a bit of work with Tattersalls and I can remember I absolutely loved this horse when he came into the ring. I couldn't buy him because I hadn't seen him outside. Anyway, he got knocked down to Gerry Hogan who was standing beside me and I said to him, 'what a lovely horse'. He then told me that the horse was for Richard O'Brien. 

“I was interested in the horse because he has a lovely pedigree. It goes all the way back to Mumtaz Mahal, who was an incredible filly, one of the best of all time. I mean, she has just been the most incredible mare and so many good horses, including Alpinista (GB), can be traced back to Mumtaz Mahal. You know, I love all of those old families and, sometimes in this game, you need to look back and see what's not on the page to get a bit of value.”

Hall added, “The next thing I did was look up Richard O'Brien. I liked hugely what I saw of him and then I said to Gerry that, if Richard hadn't found anyone for the horse, I'd love to have him. By the end of the day, I owned him.”

In O'Brien, Hall has identified a man with a proven track record for winning this race at Naas. The County Limerick trainer sent out Impulsive Dancer (Ire) (Dragon Pulse {Ire})–who would later be sold to Simon Munir and Isaac Souede to race with Willie Mullins–to win this in 2022 while his fingerprints were over last year's scorer Cut The Rope (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) given he sold the horse to Paul Nolan just a few weeks before the first four-year-old bumper of the year. But Sunday is not about winning for Hall. It's about much more than that.

“Since giving up my television role,” he explained, “I just felt there was a danger of me not drifting away completely, but losing my connection with racing. It's funny, the last horse I bought on impulse like this turned out to be the dam of Indigenous (Ire) and she was incredible. I've always kept my eye in and it's good to have an interest.”

Hall bid adieu to RTE Racing after almost 40 years at the helm of Ireland's terrestrial television coverage of the sport. He provided countless hours of entertainment, often alongside Ted Walsh, with the duo building up a loyal following, especially through the infamous Ask Ted segment, which generated lots of laughs–and some hairy moments–in more recent times. 

However, all good things comes to an end, according to Hall, with the 68-year-old revealing that he doesn't miss broadcasting. He also acknowledged how much things have changed, especially over jumps, since his departure. 

“I don't miss it and I'm glad I got out when I did because I would have hated to have broadcast during Covid when there was nobody on the track. Also, when we were doing it, there was a hell of a bigger spread of talent among the leading trainers which you're not getting these days. That's tough for them, but that's the way it is.”

When it was put to Hall that it was therefore admirable that he kept Frogman with O'Brien, a trainer who doesn't have the same numbers to go to war with compared to a Willie Mullins or a Gordon Elliott, he explained how working with someone of O'Brien's ilk is what provides him with the biggest buzz.

Hall said, “I love them all. I mean, Willie is a pal and I appreciate Gordon hugely, but do you know something, I don't think I'd have gotten any buzz about having a horse in a big yard. I really don't. I love the smaller operations and I think it's great sport. We'll see how good this fella is but I really enjoy working with the smaller trainers. Of course I do. And when we had Stablemate, a lot of our horses were with smaller trainers as well.”

If you're waiting for a clever explanation into the backstory of where Hall came up with the name for his first ever runner, there isn't one. Ask Ted may well have been a better fit but, as long as Frogman can gallop, Hall won't be heard complaining. 

He concluded, “Ol' Man River is obviously the Mississippi and Paul Robeson wrote that wonderful song. The Mississippi is full of interesting frogs and the dam's name is sort of northern Ukraine and Southern Russia and they are all quite ugly names. I couldn't attach any names to the horse so I just went with Frogman. I'm not into my nature, terribly, but it will be a great name if he turns out to be any good. 

“Before they run, you've always got a smile on your face, haven't you? We think he's a nice horse but he is obviously going to come on a lot from the run. He's a horse for the future. I'm hoping there will be a tomorrow and that he can progress.”

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Leading proceedings was the 3-year-old New Approach (Ire) colt Kadeen (Ire) (lot 85), who sports one victory–at the Curragh–and four placings in five starts to date. He was picked up by Gordon Elliott and Bective Stud for €100,000. His dam, the listed winner Kadra (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), is from the same family as the top-class Kahyasi (Ire) (Ile De Bourbon)), etc.

Second on the list was the 3-year-old colt Zariygann (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (lot 58), who went to Joe O'Flaherty for €62,000. The bay is a half-brother to multiple Grade 2-winning hurdler Zanahiyr (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), who has been placed at the highest table six times.

Rathbride Stables' Fernao (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 97) was sold to Carol Walsh for €55,000, while John McConnell snapped up Churchwarden (Ire) (Parish Hall {Ire}) (lot 33) from Baroda Stud for €54,000.

The clearance rate, for the 92 sold of 121 offered, was 76%. They grossed €1,275,700. The average was €13,867 (-18%) and the median was €7,500 (-32%).

Said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby, “As is nearly always the case on this day of the year we reflect on a busy and vibrant day of trade for horses-in-training but bemoan the lack of entries. We so want to do more and will continue to strive to grow the catalogue as the time and date makes so much sense with so many overseas buyers combining a visit with our large two-day Autumn Yearling Sale. Goffs HIT is a convenient, low-cost option when compared to the alternative and is promoted around the globe by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and our network of international agents, but they can only work with what we have which makes it a challenge. That said trade today has been strong for those that stood out and, as ever, we are indebted to the HH Aga Khan draft who have topped the sale with another six-figure winner.

“So I make no apology for repeating our annual cry following this sale as we're here, we're keen and everything is in place for today to be the natural choice for Irish horses-in-training but, as with every category, we cannot do it without the horses. The buyers are here as today's results will see horses heading for the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Sweden as well as the UK whilst, of course, many will stay on these shores and the prices exceed expectations in so many cases. So it's really up to Irish owners and trainers to give us the chance as we are confident we will deliver. All that said it is disappointing that the statistics have fallen back although the upper end of the market has proved marginally stronger with a higher top price and more at €50,000 and above. We now turn our attention to yearlings and our two-day Autumn Yearling Sale that is once again packed full of potential and value.”

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Trade was topped by Champ de Gane (Lot 68), a horse in training from Newlands Farm who was purchased by Kevin Jardine for £33,000. Other lots to feature were Pickanumber (Lot 110), a horse in training from Ballyfree House Stables, who was knocked down to Olly Murphy Racing for £30,000, and Signcastle City (Lot 22), a winning horse-in-training from East Everleigh Stables, which was knocked down to his trainer Richard Hannon for £27,000.

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   But it's not just about the action on the track with Codd. In his role with Tattersalls Ireland, Codd will put in many hours behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the Cheltenham Sale, of which Gold Cup livewire Bravemansgame and Brown Advisory Novice Chase hotpot Gerri Colombe are graduates. 

   In this week's Starfield Stud-sponsored Q&A, Codd talks about his Cheltenham Festival rides, his interests outside the saddle and much more. 

Brian Sheerin: You have a good book of rides next week-what are you most looking forward to?

Jamie Codd: When you are riding for Gordon Elliott, he's one of the best trainers in Cheltenham Festival history, so, to be in the lucky position to be riding for him in the amateur races, you are going to be in with a chance of winning races there. I'm not sure if I have a standout ride at Cheltenham this year but I do have five or six who have good chances. That's all you can ask for going into any big festival. 

And what would those 'good chances' be?

There are a few in the bumper-Time To Wait is there and Better Days Ahead would be a very good ride in that as well. I'll be happy to ride whichever one Gordon puts me up on. Dunboyne will be a very good ride in the Kim Muir and Chemical Energy has solid claims in the National Hunt Chase although Gaillard Du Mesnil looks the one to beat in that. What Chemical Energy has going for him though is course form so hopefully we can make a race of it. 

“If there is a horse to beat Delta Work in the race, I think Galvin could be the one,”- Jamie Codd

Do you ride Galvin in the cross-country?

A lot of people have asked me that! I'd like to ride him but I haven't been told I'm riding him yet. Galvin hasn't been running well all year but Gordon has tweaked a few things with him since Christmas and the horse has been freshened up, put on weight and he looks fantastic now. He seems to be in good form so, if he comes back to last year's form and with the way he's taken to the cross-country in his schooling, then he has a big chance. If there is a horse to beat Delta Work in the race, I think Galvin could be the one. 

It was terrible news about Jack Kennedy not being fit in time to ride next week. Would you envisage yourself playing more of a role for Gordon next week in the handicaps etc?

I wouldn't have thought so. I'd say the cross-country and the bumper might be the only ones outside of the amateur races that I will have a ride in. But in Jordan Gainford, Gordon has a really good young rider. Sam Ewing is coming along as well and Davy Russell and Denis O'Regan will obviously ride plenty as well. Between them, they are going to ride the majority of them. 

How real is the worry of losing a race at Cheltenham because of the new whip rules?

I'm not worried about losing a race because, with the new rules, you know the number. I don't think many people are going five, six or seven over the number nowadays. Riders are conscious of the number and I don't think we will see any disqualifications.

But it's not just going over the limit because Brian Hughes got done for using his whip over the permitted height.

This is the thing. They tried to bring in the change with the whip in the backhand and the forehand and then that got quashed. Now they are going hard on the height. I do think that, when things are slowed down on camera, it makes it all look way worse. In real time, it doesn't look bad. Introducing the number, that should have been it. They should have left it at that. They seem to be treating jockeys very harshly and, when the backhand and forehand thing got quashed, they should have parked it with a view towards revisiting it all at the beginning of the new season. It's going to be very hard on the Irish jockeys going over there. 

It's not just about the action on the track for you next week. The excitement must be building for the Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale. 

Absolutely. It's a busy week and we're hoping to have between 25 and 28 horses for the sale on Thursday night. The sale has become so popular and, when you have the likes of Bravemansgame, Gerri Colombe, Love Envoi, Envoi Allen, graduates like that, it's pretty impressive. 

I can imagine that it's a bit of a balancing act for yourself. 

It's a brilliant week and you have to enjoy it. I'll arrive on Monday morning and the sales horses will start to arrive shortly after that. On Tuesday morning, I'll ride out for Gordon and we usually pull out at around half seven. I ride one or two lots for him and then it's back down to the sales horses to touch base with vendors and get ready for the vetting process the following morning. All the horses get vetted on Wednesday and then the viewing will commence on from then right through to Thursday. It's a bit of a juggling act between riding out and in the races and then working at the sales but it all fits together. It's nice to be in a position to be able to juggle it all. 

These boutique sales have taken on a life of their own. Did you ever think you'd see the day where National Hunt horses were regularly walking into a half a million at public auction? 

When I started off point-to-pointing, there wasn't as much emphasis on those younger maidens but then you had your few people who were selling, the likes of Wilson Dennison, who was strong up north. The Costellos and Liam Burke were also very strong at the time. But the current era of point-to-point handlers have stepped into the market and started with the August Sale-type horse, you know, buying the 15-grand horse and trying to turn him into 30 or 40 grand. They did that quite successfully and kept building the thing up. Now they are operating at such a high level. It's amazing even the way training set-ups have progressed. The Flat operators have experienced something similar with the breeze-up sales. The breeze-ups and point-to-point handlers are almost pre-training and half-trying these young horses for the trainers. It's a longer wait if a trainer or an owner buys a yearling or a store. By paying more money for a horse who has come through the point-to-point system, you are hoping that you are getting a Bravemansgame or a Gerri Colmobe. That's the key thing. 

That's it. And not only that, you don't have to buy as many yearlings or stores when you are buying the ready-made horse. That's probably factored into the thing. 

One hundred per cent. When Gigginstown came into it, they bought a lot of stores-between 30 and 40 a year. Now, it did work but they went through a lot of horses. They have reined it back in and seem to be buying the form horses now and just the odd store horse as well. Everything evolves and this has gone to a new level with the point-to-point handlers pushing on. It has created a market that is viable and strong. Everybody wants a good horse, so maybe that's the only worrying thing, that the middle market might fall at some stage. But at the minute, we're going very well and there's plenty of good owners out there who are willing to spend the money. 

Sean Doyle touched on the middle market when I was down with him-he said that the middle market is in many ways being propped up by the strength of the horses-in-training sales on the Flat. Gone are the days where a trainer can go and buy a few horses with a nice rating off the Flat to go jumping with. They've turned to the placed horses in point-to-points and even those who are winning the older maidens instead. Not only that, but Anthony Bromley said recently that, because France has become so expensive to buy out of, he's turned to buying the placed horses from the Irish points more and more as well. 

Nail on the head. Guys like Sean Doyle and Anthony Bromley, they know the industry and the Flat market has gone extremely strong, largely driven by the demand for horses in the Middle East. The likes of Gordon, he'd to pay 225,000gns to buy Pied Piper, a good horse from off the Flat. So that's the level you have to go to if you want to compete with the foreign market for the good Flat horses. People find it easier to buy a point-to-pointer and they know what they are getting.

And what about the private market?

I think the strength of our sales drives the private market and that's a testament to what we have done. People want to go in and try and buy these horses privately but, ultimately, I think the sales ring prices them very well. Sometimes vendors would prefer to sell horses privately, and that may be to keep a relationship going with a trainer, but they all know that, if they have a good one, the sales ring is where they will make the most money. Walter Connors for example, he would sell a lot at home, but every now and again he'll throw one into the ring. He threw Envoi Allen into the ring and he made £400,000 and he got big money for a No Risk At All gelding recently as well. 

Everyone knows you for being one of the best amateur jockeys of all time but what would you like to go on and achieve outside of the saddle with Tattersalls. 

I don't know where the ceiling is in Tattersalls as it's a big company and there are a lot of layers to it. I am a representative for Tattersalls Ireland and I spend a lot of time on the road and do a lot of work at the racecourses and at the point-to-points. I look at the stores, the yearlings on the Flat and, while I don't know what the next step is, I am very happy with what I do and it allows me to have my racing and trade a little bit from our home place at Churchlands Stables. Tattersalls have opened up a lot of doors for me and they are a great company to work for and I enjoy it. 

How many horses do you have at home and what's the breakdown?

I try to buy five to eight foals every year and then sell them on as stores. I could buy a Flat yearling to try and store as well. I could even buy a 3-year-old and put it in training with one of the lads, the likes of Denis Murphy for example, so I'm not tied down to one thing. I like to buy my foals and rear them and basically try and get a twist out of every horse that I buy.

And would you have any opinion on what is popular on the jumps side of things?

It's a hard time for a National Hunt stallion to get going in Ireland right now. We are probably quick to judge a stallion after his first year and then we can jump on the train when they do start to get results. The breeders know that the pinhookers are trying to get these horses on the select stores sales so they are breeding to the stallions who will do that. They are breeding to supply the pinhookers and the pinhookers are buying the horse who they feel will make as much money as possible at the store sales. It's a funny time but I do believe that a good stallion will always come through and Stowaway is a good example of that. It did take him a while to come through but he did come through. Blue Bresil and Walk In The Park are a good age now. It takes a while to make a stallion over jumps and some of those younger stallions, if they can get the results in the first three years, there's always a chance they can come back into fashion. Yeats for example, he's a bit of a forgotten horse, but his results on the track have been good. It is becoming a bit polarised but the pinhookers have driven that. 

Is there anything under the radar that you have cottoned on to?

I'm a trader and will try to find value at whatever level. I could buy a foal from a thousand to 40 thousand. As long as I get my five foals every year, I'm happy enough. Once I see an angle in that horse, I'm happy. The game has become a bit fickle but there are stallions there who are covering big books-Affinisea and even Workforce is coming through now-and then the Coolmore stallions seem to be going well as well. Order Of St George and Crystal Ocean are doing good numbers. I don't know if I could nail down one and say that it is the second coming because I don't think anyone knows!

And away from your own interests at Cheltenham, what would you say you are most looking forward to next week?

I'm most looking forward to the Gold Cup. It's the pinnacle of the week and I think it's going to be a brilliant race. There are so many horses there with chances. You want Galopin Des Champs to be a superstar but then you have A Plus Tard, Conflated, Bravemansgame, Noble Yeats-there's so many. There is a list of seven or eight horses who I genuinely believe could win the Gold Cup. It's going to be a brilliant race and I'm really looking forward to it.

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The price was the highest for a 4-year-old since 2019. Second on his debut at Oldtown last weekend to fellow sales horse Jingko Blue (Fr) (Great Pretender {Ire}) (lot 36) who made £225,000 from JP McGrath Bloodstock, Jersey Des Brosses was consigned by Colin Bowe's Milestone Stables.

Elliott, bidding online, said, “He looked the standout horse in the sale, and I'd say a summer's grass is what he wants as he's a horse with plenty of improvement in him.

“He's one we're looking forward to for next year. We'd seen him in Colin's and liked him. We'll have to get him home and get him sold now.”

A pair of winning Walk In The Park (Ire) geldings from Monbeg Stables brought £290,000 and £250,000 apiece, as Mt Fugi Park (Ire) (lot 8) caught the eye of Stroud Coleman Bloodstock on behalf of Jonjo O'Neill Racing, and Highflyer Bloodstock bought Leader In The Park (Ire) (lot 28), respectively.

A total of 40 lots of 52 offered (77%) sold for a gross of £4,298,000, the third highest aggregate ever reached at the sale. The average rose 30% to £107,450 and the median rose by 29% to £77,500.

Matt Prior, Tattersalls Head of Sales, said, “To have six horses fetch over £200,000, 15 sell for over £100,000 and a record-breaking turnover is a fantastic result and shows the continuing desire by owners and trainers to buy the very best NH prospects at the Tattersalls Cheltenham sales.

“A top-price of £370,000 given for the 4-year-old Jersey Des Brosses is a fabulous result for trainer Colin Bowe and owner Walter Connors, who are always such strong supporters of Tattersalls, and it is a great start to this year's trade in 4-year-old point-to-pointers.”

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Kennedy broke his leg for a fifth time in a fall from Top Bandit at Naas on Sunday, leaving Elliott without an established number one with the major spring festivals just over the horizon.

That led to growing speculation that Russell, who called time on his glittering career when bowing out on Elliott's Liberty Dance at Thurles less than a month ago, would make a shock return.

In a statement released late on Wednesday evening, the 43-year-old confirmed that he would return to the saddle to help his old ally and friend Elliott while Kennedy is on the sidelines.

He said, “After meeting with Gordon today, I have decided to come out of retirement and ride for the short period while Jack is on the sidelines.”

The legendary jockey, most famous for his association with dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}), added, “It's only been a matter of weeks since I retired, and I actually rode more out this morning than I have in many years.

“We are a close team in Cullentra and after what happened last weekend, I want to help the team through a difficult few weeks. The plan is to resume riding in Fairyhouse on Saturday and Punchestown on Sunday.”

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Russell will forever be remembered for partnering Elliott's Tiger Roll to successive Grand National triumphs in 2018 and 2019. Like those momentous days at Aintree, Russell signed off from the saddle with his customary wave aboard the Elliott-trained Liberty Dance in the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares' Novice Hurdle.

The most successful jockey of all time who was still active in the weighroom, Russell earned a reputation as being one of the finest riders at Cheltenham, evident when he guided Jim Culloty's Lord Windermere to Gold Cup success in 2014.

Close friend Elliott supplied the majority of Russell's Cheltenham winners and the Cullentra House-based trainer heaped praise on the rider following his decision to retire on the spot at Thurles.

Elliott said,  “The feedback he gave has always been invaluable. He has been a big part of the team here at Cullentra for the last 10 or 12 years–and he is still going to be part of the team. He's still going to have an involvement. Hopefully we will work closely with him, on what level we are just not quite sure yet, but he will still have something to do with it.”

He added, “He has been a big part of my team since I started training and he has been a friend as well as a colleague. I rode with him as an amateur. He has been as much a friend as anything else. He is a brilliant jockey and a great person. I'm sad to see him retiring but delighted to see him going out on his own terms.

“He's a brilliant jockey and a great horseman. He could do things on horses that other people couldn't. There was never anything wrong with the bottle. The body slowed down, but the bottle was 100 per cent and so it is very sad to see him go.

“He has brilliant hands and transmitted confidence to a horse, and you only have to look at what he has achieved to see what a great jockey he was. He was brilliant.”

Multiple Cheltenham festival and Grand National-winning rider Barry Geraghty shared the weigh room with Russell for the majority of his career and labelled him “a brilliant competitor and a brilliant jockey.”

Geraghty said, “He was as tough as nails in every sense, to ride against but also coming back from the injuries he's had to deal with.

“His CV speaks for itself, two Grand Nationals, a Gold Cup, multiple Cheltenham winners. He's been a multiple champion jockey in Ireland and a brilliant, brilliant jockey for years. It's great to see him finish on such a good note and he's definitely proved the longevity in him.”

Meanwhile, Byrnes, who Russell rode Solwhit and Weapon's Amnesty to major big-race victories for, described himself as “shocked” that the 43-year-old decided to call time on a wonderful career. 

Byrnes said, “I'm delighted he is getting out in one piece, but shocked because as far as I could see he's riding as well, if not better, than ever. He is getting out on his own terms and as far as I'm concerned, he'd probably be the greatest of all time–but I'd be slightly biased.

“That's my opinion. He had an unbelievable pair of hands to get a horse to settle, to get a horse jumping. You could nearly say whether a horse was going to win or not by jumping the first hurdle with him.

“You knew the flow and the rhythm he was in. He was an absolute genius. He worked hard, he deserved everything he's got–he worked hard all his life.”

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