Strong International Trade At Tattersalls October Book 1
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 concluded with a record turnover setting a new benchmark for what was already the highest grossing sale in European auction history. Trade on the final day saw a total of 124 lots sell for 24,375,000 guineas at an average of 196,573 guineas and a median of 140,000 guineas. This took the three day totals to 372 lots sold for 82,744,500 guineas, an increase of 4% on last year’s figures, at an average of 222,431 guineas and a median of 150,000 guineas. There were six lots that broke the million guineas barrier and 37 that sold for 500,000 guineas or more.
The top price on the final day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale was the STREET CRY sister to the Group 2 Middleton Stakes winner and Oaks runner-up SECRET GESTURE who was knocked down to Charlie Gordon-Watson for 800,000 guineas. Consigned by Newsells Park Stud, the daughter of the DANEHILL mare SHASTYE was secured by Gordon-Watson after a prolonged battle for underbidder John Ferguson.
"She is a beautiful filly, out of an incredible mare," said Gordon-Watson. "And to beat John Ferguson takes some doing!
"I bid on the half-brother Maurus, who has gone to Australia, and I think her three-year-old Galileo brother Sir Isaac Newton will come good. She has been bought for an existing client."
The China Horse Club’s Michael Wallace bought the only WAR FRONT yearling in the catalogue when going to 775,000 guineas to secure the colt consigned from Hugo Lascelles’ Lofts Hall Stud. The son of the Grade 2 winning LAHIB mare RIVER BELLE is a half-brother to the Group/Listed winners STRATHNAVER and SIYAADAH and was knocked down to Wallace after he saw off a plethora of bidders including Charlie-Gordon-Watson, Ed Sackville and finally John Ferguson.
Wallace was delighted with his purchase and commented;
"He is an athletic type and has been moving well all week - he has not put a foot wrong, he will stay in Europe," he said. "War Front's record is there for all to see - his success has been worldwide, especially in Europe."
The progeny of DUBAWI continued to be in demand on the third day and the daughter of the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks second POLLY’S MARK was the third highest price for the day when she was knocked down to John Ferguson for 700,000 guineas. Ferguson secured the filly who was consigned by Bumble Mitchell on behalf of The Kathryn Stud after seeing off the efforts of Cheveley Park Stud’s Chris Richardson, stood alongside the stud’s owner Patricia Thompson.
Following the purchase, Ferguson commented;
"This is a wonderfully athletic filly and she looks like a racehorse - we were keen to get her. She is from a great farm - Bumble Mitchell does a good job.
"We would have loved to have bought the Loveisallyouneed filly yesterday, but we are delighted with her price and thrilled that so many are supporting the sire, who has had a wonderful year."
Early in the evening Shadwell Estates’ Angus Gold went to 700,000 guineas to secure the FRANKEL half-brother to Group 1 Prix Morny winner ARCANO.
"It has been an unbelievably strong market this week," said Gold.
"I think I said the same last year - but is great to see the market like it," he added.
"We are delighted to get this horse by such a wonderful racehorse and I think that the nicest two Frankels I have seen this week is this colt and the colt bought by Juddmonte yesterday - and both were immature horses.
"This is a late May foal, but he has a lovely way of going and a great attitude - Sheikh Hamdan loved him.
"We have two homebreds by him - and both are immature types, but they are going the right way and have done nothing but improve all summer."
Gold secured the colt out of the DAYLAMI mare TARIYSHA after seeing off the efforts of Juddmonte Farms’ Teddy Grimthorpe from the consignment of Corduff Stud.
At the conclusion of Book 1 of the 2015 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;
“This time last year we were reflecting on an extraordinary Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale which had shattered all records and it seems remarkable that we are in a very similar position again. Last year’s wide margin record median has been matched, the average, with a larger catalogue, has been fractionally below the extraordinary 2014 figure, and the turnover in excess of 80 million guineas is a record for the third consecutive year and a clear demonstration of the robust international market which sets Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale apart from all other European yearling sales.
“From start to finish we have witnessed fierce global demand and for the fourth year in a row, Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale has produced the highest priced auction yearling in the world. While the sale - topping 2.1 million guineas DUBAWI filly was an individual highlight, the real feature of the three day sale has been the strength and depth to the demand, in particular at the top of the market. Six yearlings selling for seven figures matches last year’s record, there have been nearly 40 yearlings sell for 500,000 guineas or more, more than 150 breaking the 200,000 guineas mark, and equally importantly, there have been some spectacular pinhooking triumphs.
“In addition to the massive influence of so many of the world’s leading racehorse owners, it has been encouraging to see the number of British and Irish trainers here throughout the week, and equally encouraging to hear so many of them commenting positively on the new £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus. From the moment we announced the new scheme it has been extremely well received and we are looking forward to rewarding Book 1 buyers with unprecedented prize money throughout the British and Irish turf flat seasons next year.
"Every year we pay tribute to our vendors, predominantly from Britain and Ireland, but also from further afield. They consistently send the cream of the European yearling crop to Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale and to see them so richly rewarded year after year is a reflection of their outstanding professionalism, and also the unrivalled reputation of the sale for producing outstanding racehorses on the global stage. The success of this week’s sale augurs well for the sales to come and we look forward to sustaining the momentum at Books 2 and 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale next week."
Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale starts on Monday, October 12th at 10am.