A resilient book 1 of Tattersalls’ October yearling sale finished with an average price of 121,515 guineas, just 5% down from last year, while the 85,000-guinea median rose 6%. The 49,821,000-guinea aggregate for the 410 horses sold (from 532 offered) Oct. 7-9 in England was down 23%, but the catalog was smaller than the 2007 edition.
"To say that Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale has exceeded our expectations would be something of an understatement,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony Oct. 9. “With turmoil in the financial markets throughout the world, we, along with pretty well everyone else, approached this week with a certain amount of trepidation, and to record an average and median all but matching last year’s figures is a great result for all concerned.
"It would be wrong to suggest that the bloodstock market is immune from harsh economic realities, but at the very least, Book 1 of the 2008 October yearling sale has demonstrated an enduring demand for quality horses. There have been a number of key elements which have contributed to the success of this week’s sale starting with an outstanding catalogue matched by the equally outstanding quality of the individuals. For that we must express enormous gratitude to our vendors. Their support of Book 1 has been rewarded and deservedly so.
“In addition, the four Tattersalls Timeform Millions races have struck a chord with the trainers who have been active throughout the week and we have welcomed a truly international cast of buyers from throughout Europe and further afield.
"Above all, however, we must recognize and pay tribute to the extraordinary contribution of the big buying battalions at all levels of the market. Without doubt there will be turbulent times ahead as the bloodstock market adjusts in response to global economic influences, but the major players have ensured a robust market this week which should have a beneficial impact on Books 2 and 3 next week and the rest of the sales season here at Tattersalls."
ABBA star Benny Andersson, spending through agent Peter Doyle purchased a 650,000-guinea Montjeu colt -- out of group II Lowther Stakes runner-up Danaskaya -- from by Ballylinch Stud. The colt was the most expensive horse sold during Book 1’s third and final session, and he also was the co-sale topper, sharing the honor with a Montjeu – Vanishing Prairie colt purchased by Coolmore Stud’s John Magnier Oct. 8.
During Book 1’s third and final session, Magnier bought a 500,000-guinea Sadler’s Wells colt out of By Charter, sold by Jamie Railton as agent. Will Edmeades, representing breeder Robert Barnett, was the immediate underbidder on the colt, which was a foal share.
Sir Robert Ogden paid 500,000 gunieas for a Danehill Dancer – Briolette colt from David and Diane Nagle’s Barronstown Stud consignment. John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock manager, bought a Tiger Hill – Darara colt for 500,000 guineas from Watership Down Stud.
The 131 yearlings sold (from 181 offered) during Book 1’s final session grossed 17,130,000 guineas and averaged 132,137 guineas. The median price was 90,000 guineas.