Tattersalls December Sale Concludes

The fourth and final day of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale brought down the curtain on another successful year at Park Paddocks, with turnover of 262 million falling just short of last year’s record. Turnover for the day totaled 647,500 guineas, taking the four-day total for the December Mare Sale to 46,513,500 guineas, and the December Sale as a whole to 84,170,500 guineas. 

It was a low-key final session, but there was plenty of competition to secure lot 2543, the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT mare LAMPS OF HEAVEN who was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock’s Stuart Boman for 32,000 guineas. Offered by Tweenhill Farm & Stud and a winner since the catalogue was printed, she is a half sister to the Group placed ZUMBI and the Listed placed SAY NO NOW, and from the family of Group 1 July Cup winner DREAM AHEAD.

“She is a typical Invincible Spirit,” said Boman, “and from a family, that of Dream Ahead, that Blandford knows well. She will be covered this spring.”

At the conclusion of the 2015 Tattersalls December Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

“Annual turnover in excess of 260 million guineas, second only to last year’s record, and the highest price for a broodmare at public auction anywhere in the world this year brings the Tattersalls sales season to a successful conclusion. The Tattersalls December Sale is an annual focal point for the global bloodstock business, a showcase for the best bloodstock to be found in Europe, and as ever, we have welcomed buyers from every continent in the world to Park Paddocks over the past two weeks. 

“Individual December Sale highlights have included the 2.7 million guineas sale of the outstanding broodmare HANKY PANKY, the 2.1 million guineas paid for European Champion TIGGY WIGGY, and the highest priced foal sold in Europe this year. Looking at the Tattersalls sales season as a whole, we can also reflect on record turnover for yearlings with more than 130 million guineas spent at the October Yearling Sales, and the highest priced auction yearling in the world for the fourth consecutive year. None of these highlights would have been be possible without the wonderful support we have received from the consignors and to see vendors from Britain, Ireland France and America all amongst the top ten lots this week is a tribute to the enduring global reputation of the December Sale.”

“While international demand for quality thoroughbreds remains strong, it would be wrong to gloss over some warning signs at the less commercial end of the market. The number of horses we have offered this year has increased by more than 500 and such a significant rise has resulted in a more selective market, particularly at the lowest levels. Matching supply with demand is always a delicate balance and we will be aiming to manage the numbers carefully in 2016.

“The conclusion of every Tattersalls sales season is a time for us to express our gratitude to all of our clients for their continued support. This year I would also like to pay tribute to David Batten who has been a key member of the Tattersalls bloodstock sales team for more than 45 years and has organised the December Sale for more than two decades. David retires at the end of this year having made a huge contribution to the firm and we wish him well for a long and happy retirement.”