The Tattersalls autumn horses in training sale ended its four-day run Oct. 27 in England with a median price that was the same as a year ago. The number of horses sold fell 2% while the gross declined 5.9%. The average dropped 3.8%.
“A smaller catalog and one that perhaps was a little light on real stars has resulted in a marginal decline on last year’s returns,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony. “But this has been a good, solid sale from start to finish and another reminder of the global demand for British bloodstock. There is nothing quite like the autumn horses in training sale anywhere else in the world and a clearance rate well in excess of 80% and buyers from more than 30 different countries both demonstrate the unique appeal of this fixture.”
The final results included a gross of 16,548,600 guineas ($22,780,480 in U.S. funds) for the 848 horses that were sold. The average was 19,557 guineas ($32,830) and the median was 9,000 guineas ($15,108).
The clearance rate was 83.1% compared to 79.6% in 2010.
“Competition has been fierce at all levels of the market and, in addition to the huge Middle Eastern contingent, a particular feature has been the number of buyers from Australia,” Mahony said. “Recent graduates of the autumn horses in training sale have made a huge impact Down Under and success on the racecourse combined with the weakness of sterling has enticed an unprecedented number of Australian buyers to the sale. Those eyeing the Dubai World Cup Carnival have also made a major contribution and, as ever, the National Hunt fraternity has been active throughout the week.
“Equally encouraging has been the demand for well-bred fillies with decent form. We have an abundance of high class fillies and mares in the forthcoming Tattersalls December sale and this week’s sale has shown that the appetite for quality breeding stock remains as strong as ever.”
Obviously brought the final session’s top price of 130,000 guineas ($218,233). He is a 3-year-old gelded son of Choisir and is out of the Montjeu mare Leala.
Consigned by Peter Fahey’s Roefield Stables on behalf of Clare View Farms, Obviously was knocked down to Jamie Lloyd and Boomer Bloodstock’s Craig Rounsefell.
"He was our top pick of the sale," Lloyd said. "But we couldn't get to see him until Wednesday (Oct. 26)! Thankfully it all worked out well.
"He is for Mike Murphy, and he is just our sort of horse. He is lightly raced, progressive, will get the two turns, is a good-looking horse, and has a great walk. He has also won on both turf and the all-weather."
Obviously has won two of his three career races in Ireland and has earned $20,320.
During the last session, 145 horses were sold for a gross of 1,003,200 guineas ($1,684,095). The average was 6,919 guineas ($11,615) and the median was 3,200 guineas ($5,372).
The clearance rate was 76.3%.
