(Edited Tattersalls Ireland press release)
Even though the weather did its best to dampen spirits, bloodstock agents and owners, breeze-up buyers, and British and Irish trainers, turned out in force for the opening of the Tattersalls Ireland September yearling sale.
The sale company reported reported that the 210 horses that were sold Sept. 25 in Ireland generated a gross of €2,624,600 ($3,394,710), up 3% from last year. The average price was €12,498 ($16,165), up 9%. The median price was €10,000 ($12,934), up 22%. And the clearance rate for the 244 yearlings that were offered was 86%, remaining level with 2011.
Seven horses brought individual prices of €40,000 ($51,737) or more, one more than on day one of the sale last year. Bertie Butler gave the top price of €64,000 ($82,779) for a Pastoral Pursuits colt out of Right After Moyne.
Sold by Cooneen Stud, the colt was bought by Butler on behalf of a client based in the Middle East.
"He is a lovely, lovely horse, and I thought the nicest horse in the sale," said Butler. "It is likely that he'll start off racing in Ireland or the UK."
