With a Paco Boy weanling leading the way, the opening day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale Nov. 28 in Newmarket enjoyed across-the-board increases.
When compared to last year's opening day and before conversion rates are considered, the first session of the four-day foal sale saw a 23% increase in sales to 1,754,000 guineas ($2,948,856) as 221 weanlings sold. Average was up 10% to 10,379 guineas ($17,449) and median also increased 10% to 6,500 guineas ($10,928).
A colt from the first crop of multiple group I winner Paco Boy stole the opening day headlines when selling to Rob Speers for 52,000 guineas ($87,423). Consigned by Voute Sales, the son of stakes-placed Dr. Fong mare Tincture will be re-offered as a yearling next year.
"He is a nice colt, and I've liked the Paco Boys that I've seen," said Speers, adding: "They have good shape, move well and he seems to be stamping his stock. They should be popular as yearlings and I am sure they will only get more expensive as the week goes on."
Cheveley Park Stud's Dutch Art has enjoyed a fruitful 2012 with seven individual stakes winners headed by the German Two Thousand Guineas (Ger-II) winner Caspar Netscher and so it was no surprise to see his progeny in demand. All six Dutch Art foals offered on opening day were sold at an average of 28,917 guineas ($48,616) with the top price being the colt out of the Diktat mare Authoritative, who was knocked down to Julie Wood for 46,000 guineas ($77,336).
"I had a Dutch Art colt but unfortunately he couldn't make it to the racecourse and I wanted to replace him," said Wood of the Mill House-offered foal. "The Dutch Arts are popular, and this colt has a bit of scope."
Wood's purchase will go to David Powell's Catridge Farm before eventually going into training with Richard Hannon.
The Tattersalls December Foal Sale continues Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.