Qatari Buyers Dominate Second Day of Tattersalls July Sale

The second day of the Tattersalls July Sale saw competition for the choice lots continue unabated with the three six-figure sales all bound for Qatar. The morning and evening sessions saw a total of 163 lots sell for 2,442,000 guineas, taking the turnover for the sale past last year’s total with a day remaining. The average for the day was 14,982 guineas and the median 7,000 guineas whilst the clearance rate was an impressive 92%. 

Whilst there were fewer fireworks than during yesterday’s record-breaking session, there was still plenty of demand for the best lots with the three-year-old colt PERIGEE topping proceeding’s at 115,000 guineas when knocked down to Qatari-trainer Gassim Ghazali. The Juddmonte Farms consigned son of CACIQUE was the subject of an important catalogue update following an impressive four-length maiden victory since the publication of the catalogue. 

Ghazali, who is Qatar’s leading trainer, also secured the second highest priced lot when he went to 110,000 guineas to land the three-year-old ALTARSHEED. The two-time winning son of LILBOURNE LAD was consigned by Shadwell Stud and offered with a ‘Timeform’ rating of 98.

"We are looking for quality," said Ghazali. "This horse has a profile to suit and was priced as we expected - we did not want to go much further!"

Ghazali had been unsuccessful a few lots earlier when his countrymen Faisal Al-Thani and Ibrahim Al-Malki secured the KYLLACHY three-year-old OPEN ‘N SHUT for 100,000 guineas. A winner at his only start and rated 91p with ‘Timeform’, OPEN ‘N SHUT will be trained by Al-Malki on behalf of Faisal Al-Thani who was understandably delighted to secure the horse.

"I watched his race on video - many times!" smiled Al Thani. "I liked what I saw and he looks as though there is more to come."

Earlier in the day US-based agent Justin Casse secured the DREAM AHEAD three-year-old colt BLACKOUT for 90,000 guineas. The progressive colt was offered from East Everleigh Stables with a ‘Timeform’ rating of 99p but Casse indicated that plans for the horse were still to be determined.

"I was always coming over for this sale, but with the changing economy made a few more phone calls. I came primarily to buy mares, but thought I would look at some racehorses too while here. He is one of four that stood out for me, and watching his videos I really like his form.

"I have no plans for him yet - he could go to the East or West coast in the US or even back to France, where he was bred."

The Tattersalls July Sale continues with the third and final day on Friday, July 8 starting at 9.30am.