A Motivator filly sold for 320,000 guineas ($537,465 in United States funds) Oct. 16, the highest price thus far out of Book 2 at the Tattersalls October yearling sale in Newmarket.
Market statistics were strong on day three of the four-day Book 2 sale. There were 196 horses sold at an impressive 90.3% clearance rate that pushed total receipts up 31.3% from the same session last year to 10,009,000 guineas ($16,810,091). The average price of 51,066 guineas ($85,769) increased 27.2%, while the median 40,000 guineas ($67,183) rose 19.4%.
No fewer than 19 horses sold for 100,000 guineas ($167,958) or more on day three, boosting the number of six-figure sales to 50 at the Book 2 sale, two more than last year with one day still remaining.
Standing with trainer Richard Hannon Jr., bloodstock agent Ross Doyle prevailed in the bidding from Hugo Lascelles to purchase the elegant Motivator filly, who went through the ring late in the day. She is out of the unraced Olden Times mare Elegant Beauty, a half sister to three stakes winners, including Grand Lodge, who was Europe's top-rated colt of 1993 and a prominent sire.
A High Chaparral colt sold for 275,000 guineas ($461,778) Oct. 14, opening day of Book 2, which was highest price at the Book 2 sale since 2008 until surpassed by the Motivator filly.
Bumble Mitchell offered the Motivator filly, a British-bred March foal, on behalf of breeder The Kathryn Stud.
"She is a beautiful-looking filly, a very nice filly, I loved her," Doyle said. "She is quite racey and might even be a mid-season 2-year-old. She is very easy on the eye and from a great family."
For most of the day, Mountain View Stud's Dutch Art colt out of Septieme Ciel mare Brooklyn's Sky commanded the session's highest price at 270,000 guineas ($453,487).
Brian Cassidy, a renowned international show jumper, bought the colt, one of two purchases on the day as he sought prospects for his entry into flat racing.
The chestnut colt's extended family includes 2012 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) winner Solemia and multiple French group I winner Silasol.
Book 2 of Tattersalls October yearling sale concludes with the fourth and final session starting at 10:30 a.m. local time Oct. 17. Tattersalls will conduct a single-day Book 3 sale Oct. 18 to wrap up two weeks of trading.
