With the yearling sales now in full swing, TDN quizzes industry figures on past purchases, life during lockdown and their perspective on the sales over the next few weeks. Today, Eddie Linehan answers our questions.
TDN: What was your best yearling purchase over the last few years? And your favourite?
EL: [G1 Matron S. winner] Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) was the best I’ve ever signed for. She was late on the third day of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and was a standout yearling that day. Johnny Murtagh had loved her and was gone home by the time she was in the ring so I bid on her.
My favourite yearling was a Piccolo (GB) filly called Nantany (GB). She was an 800gns purchase in my first year buying breezers. She went on to win a listed race in Germany and was stakes placed a few times.
TDN: Are there any positives you have taken from how the sales have been conducted this year?
EL: Sales have been much the same really bar the masks and keeping your distance from people. All concerned are working hard and it seems to be working well.
TDN: How has your business adapted?
EL: I haven’t had to adapt too much so far bar trying to be as selective as possible. I have been busy buying my own breeze-up horses and a few yearlings for Johnny Murtagh.
TDN: In general what are your thoughts on the 2020 yearling catalogues? And what new stallions’ progeny are you most looking forward to?
EL: All the catalogues so far have been good. I was very impressed with the Tattersalls Ascot sale recently. On paper the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale looks strong so I’m really looking forward to that.
I’ve been very impressed with the Ribchesters (Ire) I have seen so far. There have been some nice horses by Profitable (Ire) and Cotai Glory (GB) too.
TDN: Did you develop any new interests or hobbies during lockdown?
EL: No new hobbies during lockdown bar eating a lot more as my sister Kate and fiancee Ellen were off work and it was like a bake off every day. I had plenty of help mucking out though so I wasn’t complaining.
TDN: Who’s the most interesting person you know?
EL: The most interesting person I know is Eugene O’ Sullivan. He’s a remarkable man.
TDN: What’s one mistake (if any) you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
EL: I’ve made lots of mistakes but last year I said I wasn’t going to buy anything unless I really loved it. I bought two in particular that I only half-liked as the money was ok and neither worked out great.
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