Figures Up Across The Board At Tattersalls December Foal Sale

The Tattersalls December Foal Sale concluded with a strong final session and eleven six figure lots which resulted in increases in turnover, average and median for the four-day fixture. The final session saw 146 lots sold for 4,985,200 guineas, at an average of 34,145 guineas and a median of 20,000 guineas. The four-day sale saw a total of 665 lots sold for 23,860,100 guineas at an average of 35,880 guineas and a median of 21,000 guineas. When compared with the 2010 sale, the 2011 renewal saw turnover increase 36%, the average increase 15% and the median rise 5%.

John Ferguson signed for the top lot on the final day of the Foal Sale when he went to 220,000 guineas to secure the TEOFILO colt out of the KALANISI mare STAIRWAY TO GLORY. The Victor Stud consigned colt is out of a sister to the Group 1 Irish Oaks winner SHAWANDA and was knocked down to Ferguson after he saw off the efforts of London Thoroughbred Services’ James Wigan. Ferguson, acting on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation, was to finish the sale as the leading buyer, having signed for 20 lots for a total of 2,096,000 guineas.

Shadwell Estates’ Angus Gold, acting for Sheikh Mohammed’s brother Sheikh Hamdan was also very active this week, buying a total of 6 lots for 1,007,000 guineas. That included the top priced filly on the final day of 200,000 guineas for the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT daughter of the KING’S BEST mare LISCUNE. The filly, who was consigned from Bryanstown House Stud is a full-sister to the highly regarded Roger Varian-trained EKTIHAAM who races in the Hamdan silks and is as short as 12-1 for next year’s 2,000 Guineas after two impressive wins and an unplaced effort in the Dewurst.

"We still think this filly's brother is a good horse," said Gold. "He disappointed in the Dewhurst, but there were reasons for that - he works at home as a horse with above average ability.

"This filly is very racey, very athletic; she is an April foal so will continue improve. Her Oasis Dream three-year-old sister is a beauty and clearly her mare is a very good breeder."

At the conclusion of the 2011 Tattersalls December Foal Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

“Demand for yearlings drives the foal market and the strength of our October Yearling Sale gave the British and Irish bloodstock industry a real lift and a sense of renewed confidence which has been evident throughout this week’s Tattersalls December Foal Sale. Pinhookers from all over Europe and further afield, combined with many of the world’s leading owners, have been active at all levels of the market and between them have contributed to a highly successful sale.

“The figures for this week are up across the board, mirroring the October Yearling Sale with double digit increases in average, median and turnover as well as significantly more 100,000 and 200,000 guineas transactions and a higher clearance rate than last year.  While the figures are understandably still shy of the 2006/2007 peak they are the third best this century and an amazing tribute to the resilience and professionalism of the bloodstock industry. Breeders have responded to the challenges of the prevailing economic climate by reducing numbers and concentrating on quality. Matching supply with demand is the key for so many industries and this week’s competitive foal trade suggests that real progress has been made in this regard, which can only stand the industry in good stead going forward.

“Looking ahead to next week, we have a quality breeding stock catalogue which looks set to attract the usual cosmopolitan crowd of buyers, and should bring the 2011 Tattersalls sales season to a successful conclusion.”

The Tattersalls December Mare Sale begins at 10am on Monday, November 28.