Edited press release
The Tattersalls December Foal Sale concluded with a strong final session and 11 six-figure lots during the four-day sale, which resulted in increases in gross, average, and median.
Day four sold 146 lots for 4,985,200 guineas ($8,096,610 in U.S. funds) at an average of 34,145 guineas ($55,460) and a median of 20,000 guineas ($32,600). Over the four days, a total of 665 sold for 23,860,100 guineas ($38,751,900) at an average of 35,880 guineas (58,270) and a median of 21,000 guineas ($34,110). Compared with the 2010, gross sales increased 36%, the average increased 15% and the median rose 5%.
John Ferguson, bloodstock adviser for Sheikh Mohammed, signed for the top lot on the final day of the when he went to 220,000 guineas ($357,310) to secure a Teofilo colt out of the Kalaniski mare Stairway to Glory. The Victor Stud consigned colt is out of a sister to the group I 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, finished the sale as the leading buyer, having signed for 20 lots for a total of 2,096,000 guineas ($3,404,180).
Tattersalls December Foal Sale Comparison, 2011-2010
|
Cataloged |
Offered |
Sold |
Gross |
Average |
Median |
|
|
2011 |
1,003 |
879 |
665 |
23,860,100 |
35,880 |
21,000 |
|
2010 |
941 |
749 |
560 |
17,491,400 |
31,235 |
20,000 |
Shadwell Estates’ Angus Gold, acting for Sheikh Mohammed’s brother Sheikh Hamdan, was also very active, buying a total of six horses lots for 1,007,000 guineas ($1,635,500). That included the top priced filly on the final day of 200,000 guineas ($324,830) 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 (Eng-I) 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 3-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. 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," Mahony said.
The Tattersalls December Mare Sale at Newmarket begins at 10 a.m. on Nov. 28.