The auction produced a record turnover of 19,652,800 guineas, beating last year's record by 6%. The 21,933gns average was just a new best while the 12,000gns median equaled 2004's record. But Mahony condemned the absentees, many of which had been sold in private sales before the auction began.
"After three consecutive years of record breaking Autumn Horses in Training Sales it seems strange that this week we have been faced with so many withdrawals, some of which have been sold privately shortly before the sale," complained Mahony.
"It is not only a frustration for us as the sales company but also for the huge number of buyers who in many cases have traveled literally half way round the world to attend the sale, and to buy at the top level. We recognize that there can be a multitude of reasons for last minute withdrawals. But the market for high class horses at the Autumn Horses in Training Sale is as strong if not stronger than any other, and private sales can only undermine the sale in the long run, causing frustrated overseas buyers to stay away in the future.
"Despite the withdrawals we have still managed to achieve record figures over the four days which is a tribute to the global reputation of the sale. We have had more six-figure transactions than at last year's Autumn Sale, the 360,000 guineas sale topper Kilworth (Ire) is the second highest price ever for a two year old colt at the sale, and the average price and aggregate have both reached record levels." Thursday was the weakest of the sale's four days with business headed by German group II winner Sweet Wake (GER) (Waky Nao {GB}), who was bought by agent Mags O'Toole for 150,000gns to join Irish champion jumps trainer Noel Meade.
Californian handler Bob Hess did not leave Tattersalls empty-handed. Buying through agent Gordian Troeller, he paid 145,000gns for progressive 2-year-old Right Again (GB) (Lujain).
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Total sale
YR/CAT/OFF/SOLD/AGG/AVG/MED
2005/1,484/1,030/896/19,652,800/21,933/12,000
2004/1,419/989/858/18,617,600/21,698/12,000
Day
YR/CAT/OFF/SOLD/AGG/AVG/MED
2005/381/274/224/2,941,400/13,131/7,000
2004/362/253/205/3,279,400/15,997/9,000