With restrictions surrounding race meetings continuing in Britain, the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale was relocated to Tattersalls HQ at Park Paddocks and it was a famous Newmarket name at the top of the buyers' list.
Cheveley Park Stud, traditionally one of Britain's foremost owner-breeder operations on the Flat, has enjoyed increasing success with a clutch of well-selected jumpers in recent seasons, with the hugely exciting novice chaser Envoi Allen (Fr) (Muhtathir {GB}) at the head of the group. Two new recruits were added to the team on Thursday in the form of the day's top two lots, Grangeclare West (Ire) and Guily Billy (Fr), at £430,000 and £310,000 respectively.
The former (lot 8) is a 4-year-old son of the late Glenview Stud stalwart Presenting (GB) out of a half-sister to the prolific chase winner Gunner Welburn (GB) (Gunner B {GB}). Grangeclare West made his debut in the point-to-point field in the hands of Jamie Codd at Lingstown on Nov. 22 and won by four lengths for trainer Denis Murphy. His next start will be under rules for Gordon Elliott, trainer of Envoi Allen, as well as Cheveley Park Stud's recent Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Ballyadam (Ire) (Fame And Glory {GB}).
The AQPS 4-year-old Guily Billy (lot 15) is a son of the former Haras de Cercy resident Coastal Path (GB) and the winning hurdler Ukie (Fr) (Dom Alco {Fr}). He won his second point-to-point start in mid-November for Donnchadh Doyle, who consigned the grey through his Monbeg Stables.
The same vendor was also responsible for Fameaftertheglory (GB) (Fame And Glory {GB}), who won his maiden point-to-point last weekend at Mainstown. Bred by Will Kinsey, the 4-year-old (lot 43) was sold last year at the Goffs Land Rover Sale for €42,000 and this time around went for £100,000 to Champion Hurdle-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Forty-four lots were offered during the lunchtime sale, with 32 sold for a total of £2,378,000 and an average price of £74,312.
Matthew Prior, Head of Tattersalls Cheltenham Sales, said at the close of the day's business, “As has been the case for so many in the bloodstock and racing industry in 2020, the point-to-point sector has experienced huge disruptions and challenges as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Having been unable to return to Chelteham Racecourse since the Cheltenham Festival, we are incredibly grateful to our loyal vendors and purchasers who have shown great resilience in supporting the necessary fixture changes during the Autumn season.”
He added, “Nonetheless, we are still able to reflect on what has been a phenomenal year for Tattersalls Cheltenham graduates on the raceourse, with no less than seven Grade 1 winners including Festival winners Monkfish, Ferny Hollow, Shishkin and racing's latest superstar Envoi Allen. It has been with great pleasure and pride that today we have welcomed the National Hunt fraternity to Tattersalls in Newmarket for the first ever point-to-point sale to be staged at Park Paddocks, and we were delighted with a top price of £430,000 which was the third-highest price in Tattersalls Cheltenham's history. Naturally our desire is for the Tattersalls Cheltenham sales to return to the home of National Hunt Racing at the earliest opportunity in 2021, but until such time today's healthy trade has demonstrated Park Paddocks' ability to service the sector with distinction.”
Matthew Prior, Head of Tattersalls Cheltenham Sales, said, “As has been the case for so many in the bloodstock and racing industry in 2020, the point to point sector has experienced huge disruptions and challenges as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Having been unable to return to Cheltenham Racecourse since the Cheltenham Festival, we are incredibly grateful to our loyal vendors and purchasers who have shown great resilience in supporting the necessary fixture changes during the autumn season. Nonetheless, we are still able to reflect on what has been a phenomenal year for Tattersalls Cheltenham graduates on the racecourse, with no less than seven Grade 1 winners including Festival winners Monkfish, Ferny Hollow, Shishkin and racing's latest superstar Envoi Allen. Add to that the likes of rising stars Ballyadam and Asterion Forlonge, the lofty reputation of point to point graduates only looks set to rise further.
“It has been with great pleasure and pride that today we have welcomed the National Hunt fraternity to Tattersalls in Newmarket for the first ever point to point sale to be staged at Park Paddocks, and we were delighted with a top price of £430,000 which was the third highest price in Tattersalls Cheltenham's history. Naturally our desire is for the Tattersalls Cheltenham sales to return to the home of National Hunt Racing at the earliest opportunity in 2021, but until such time today's healthy trade has demonstrated Park Paddock's ability to service the sector with distinction.”
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