Tattersalls December Sale Brings Record Tattersalls Year To Successful Conclusion

The Tattersalls December Sale concluded with solid final session and a top price of 60,000 guineas to conclude a remarkable autumn at Tattersalls. The final session at Tattersalls for the year saw a total of 145 lots sell for 950,000 guineas at an average of 6,507 guineas and a median of 4,650 guineas. The four-day December Mare Sale saw significant rises across the board with turnover up 43% to 62,985,000 guineas, and the average and median up 52% and 47% to 87,358 guineas and 28,000 guineas respectively. Turnover for the December Sale, including Foals and Yearlings was up 36% to 97,975,500 guineas whilst the annual turnover at Tattersalls rose 18% to a record 248,675,700 guineas.

Emerald Bloodstock’s Peter Kelly secured the day’s top-priced lot when he signed for CAPISTRANO DAY for 60,000 guineas. CAPISTRANO DAY, who at the height of her racing career finished fourth in 1,000 Guineas, is the dam of five winners including the duo of Group 3 runner-ups: Sabbeeh and Dream Day. Her current two-year-old FULL DAY by CHAMPS ELYSEES has been placed twice from two starts and she was offered in foal to BATED BREATH on a February cover by consignor Jamie Railton.

"She is for an Irish stud," said Kelly. "She is a bit older, but she has a good cover, a nice two-year-old and a good foal this year."

At the conclusion of the 2013 Tattersalls December Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

"Tattersalls is a global hub for the bloodstock industry and this year's renewal of the Tattersalls December Sale has reinforced its reputation as probably the most international bloodstock sale in the world. We have been privileged over the years to have sold some true legends of our sport which have attracted huge audiences, but there have been times this week when the ring has been as crowded as we have ever seen. This was a very strong December Mares catalogue, but the sheer number of buyers who have descended on Park Paddocks has been truly overwhelming and a massive tribute not only to the quality of the stock on offer, but also to the enduring reputation of the Tattersalls December Sale as the preeminent sale of its type in Europe. 

"The sales of the two magnificent race mares DANCING RAIN, for 4 million guineas, and IMMORTAL VERSE, for a new European record of 4.7 million guineas, will live long in the memories of the huge crowds which witnessed them. It was an honour for Tattersalls to have two such special mares in the same catalogue and we would like to express our gratitude and admiration for the two teams connected with both DANCING RAIN and IMMORTAL VERSE. That gratitude extends to all who have made the 2013 Tattersalls December Sale such a memorable occasion. Vendors and purchasers alike have combined to produce a December Mares Sale which has achieved huge rises in average, median and turnover, as well as a record 22 lots sold for 500,000 guineas or more. The number of mares and fillies sold for 300,000 guineas or more has risen from 25 last year to 41 this year and the total turnover over the past four days has risen from 44 million guineas to 63 million guineas.

"The extraordinary competition for both foals and breeding stock at this year's Tattersalls December Sale has mirrored the sustained demand for quality bloodstock that we have experienced throughout 2013. Every single Tattersalls sale this year has shown growth and the annual turnover of 249 million guineas has comfortably surpassed the previous record achieved at the height of the market in 2007. That is a remarkable statistic and one that reflects the professionalism and commitment of all involved in the bloodstock industry in Britain, Ireland and further afield.

"As we acknowledge the wider industry I would also like to pay tribute to a much respected individual, Philip Myerscough, who steps down from the rostrum at the end of this sale. Philip has achieved so much in so many different areas of the business and we are fortunate to have had the benefit of his expertise and knowledge at Tattersalls and Tattersalls Ireland. Philip's contribution to the company, both on and off the rostrum, has been immense. We wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him at plenty of sales both here and at Tattersalls Ireland in years to come." 

The next sale at Tattersalls is the Tattersalls February Sale and entries can be made online at www.tattersalls.com.