Tyrrhenian Thunder Headlines Day Three of Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale

Australian connections made their presence felt on day three of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, securing three of the top five lots. Strong demand led to an excellent clearance rate of 92% and turnover was up by 8% from this day last year. 

Ciaron Maher the New Trainer of Tyrrhenian Thunder 

There were hugs all round as TYRRHENIAN THUNDER was sold for 600,000 guineas to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock/JS Bloodstock. Previously trained by Adrian Keatley, he was sold by Harriet Jones’ Consign Ltd. TYRRHENIAN THUNDER made a winning debut over 7f at Ayr in September before finishing second in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes over a mile at Pontefract last Monday, October 19^th. 

The son of NIGHT OF THUNDER was first sold for 165,000 guineas by Newsells Park Stud at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale to Joey Logan, before being purchased as a trading project at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze Up Sale by Keatley and Dan Hussey for €300,000. 

“We really put our necks on the line when we bought him,” said Keatley. “He’s the type of horse we wanted to buy to get the ball rolling. I’ve every reason to believe he’s a proper Group 1 horse. I’ve been lucky enough to have them before, and he looks like one at home.”

Expanding on the evolving direction of his training business, he said: “This is my model going forward. We’re going to buy young horses, produce them, race them on the track, and then bring them here in the autumn to sell as either two or three-year-olds.”

Consign Ltd’s Harriet Jones said: “I’m very thankful for Adrian’s support, and it is great for someone like Will Bourne to purchase from us. It’s hugely exciting and this horse has had all the right people come to the door.”

Ciaron Maher Racing’s Will Bourne said: “He’s very lightly raced but ran a huge figure the other day. It’s not everything, but it’s definitely a big part of it. He’s by Night Of Thunder, so we’re hoping he can progress over a mile once he gets down to Australia.”

Of the price they paid to secure the horse, he commented: “I guess you have to pay when there’s low miles on the clock. Ciaron was on the phone, he’s amazingly across every single horse here, as well as all his own at home. He really liked this horse’s form.”

Alfred Wallace Purchased for the Hays 

Dermot Farrington secured the wildcard entry ALFRED WALLACE for 450,000 guineas. Sold by Ed Walker, he will be returning to Kingsdown Stables for his three-year-old campaign next year. 

“He has been bought for Fitri and Jim Hay,” said Farrington after bidding. “He is one of the best-bred horses in the catalogue, by a brilliant stallion and has shown top-class form throughout the summer. He will go back to Ed Walker.”

By DUBAWI, the two-year-old colt is out of the FRANKEL mare SNOW LANTERN, who won the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes. ALFRED WALLACE finished fourth in the Group 1 Criterium International last weekend and also won the Group 3 Solario Stakes and the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes this season.

BBA Ireland Strike for Blue Courvoisier

BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe went to 425,000 guineas to secure BLUE COURVOISIER. Trained by Clive Cox, the three-year-old son of SEA THE STARS won three races for owners Alan Spence and Ify Madueke, including two £100,000 handicaps, and was most recently second in the Listed Prix le Fabuleux at Chantilly Racecourse.

Donohoe said: “This horse’s career has been well orchestrated by Clive, who is a genius. He really does right by his horses. He was great to buy from, very forthcoming with information and he highly recommended this horse. His last run was very impressive, and he hit the line well. He’s got plenty of speed, but he does seem to stay as well, as his pedigree would suggest.”

Of the horse’s new ownership, he outlined: “He’s bought for the same client as Yordan, who I bought yesterday. He’s going to the Middle East too and will be targeted at those mile to 1m 2f races. We bought a very good horse here last year called Gran Descans from Juddmonte, and he won on Saudi Cup weekend last year.”

Trainer Clive Cox said: “I bought the dam Priceless here for Alan Spence, and she won the Temple Stakes on the same day that Harry Angel won the Sandy Lane. This horse has got a bit further than she did, and it’s great that what he’s shown on the track has culminated in a good sale. He deserved the interest and respect he was given tonight.”

PRICELESS has a two-year-old named ESCALATE due to make a debut shortly. Clive added: 

“While I’m a bit sad to see him leave our yard, I’m really pleased that the family continues to develop all the time. I think it’s one of the only benefits of getting older. Seeing the journey continue even further gives me a huge buzz.”

Cox concluded: “This is the best draft we have brought to this sale. I am really pleased with how results have gone.”

Organ Another Heading Down Under 

Ciaron Maher Racing added another horse to its purchases when going to 375,000 guineas to secure ORGAN in conjunction with Australian Bloodstock and JS Bloodstock. The son of ULYSSES was sold by his previous trainer, Owen Burrows.

“He’s a staying horse but has a sharp turn of foot, which was flagged by our speed data,” said Will Bourne after purchasing the four-year-old. “He goes on firm ground, so he has the perfect profile. He’s just a nice, progressive horse who can step up in distance. He’s going to ship straight to Australia and has been bought for the same owners as Mr Monaco.”

MR MONACO’s owners could be all smiles next week as the son of TERRITORIES will line up in the Melbourne Cup. He was purchased by Astute Bloodstock/Ciaron Maher at this sale in 2024 for 410,000 guineas. 

Day four of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale continues at 9.30am on Thursday, 29th October.