The selling action during the first day of Book 3 of the Tattersalls October yearling sale Thursday moved sharply down a gear. The top price of the day was just 70,000 guineas (approximately $150,130) courtesy of a son of Mtoto—Bunting, by Shaadi, who is a full brother to 2001 Kildangen Stud Irish Oaks (Ire-I) runner-up Mot Juste.
Alex Greaves, wife of trainer David Nicholls, fought off trainer John Gosden to get the colt who was bred by Darley and consigned by Highclere Stud, agent.
A half-sister to Ire-III winner Rag Top (by Barathea) by Royal Applause, bred by Robert Cornelius and sold through Whatton Manor Stud, agent, earlier sold for 68,000 guineas ($145,800) when bought by agent Ross Doyle. She will join trainer Richard Hannon stable.
The sale continues with a session starting Friday at 9.30 a.m.
For the day, 203 yearlings of 294 offered (a buy-back rate of 30.9%) sold for 3,708,500 guineas ($7,953,000), good for an average of 18,268 guineas ($39,180) and a median of 15,000 guineas ($32,170).
At last year's comparable session, 181 yearlings sold for 4,249,700 guineas good for an average of 23,479 guineas and a 20,000 guineas median.
