By Brian Sheerin
A substantial drop in the median, average and overall turnover along with a 72% clearance rate spoke to the struggles facing Irish breeders at Part 2 of the September Yearling Sale at Tattersalls Ireland on Thursday.
Trade was highlighted by the Rockview Stables-consigned New Bay (GB) colt [lot 812], who sold to prominent breeze-up handler Thomond O'Mara for €36,000 on a day where all of the key figures were down on last year.
Despite 27 more horses going through the ring compared to 12 months ago, turnover dropped by 20% to €1,236,400. The median fell by 33% to €4,000 and the average by 19% to €6,647.
Tattersalls Ireland boss Simon Kerins acknowledged the selectivity to the bloodstock market but said he took encouragement from the diverse group of international buyers that stuck around following what was widely accepted as a successful Part 1 session to the September Yearling Sale on Tuesday and Wednesday.
He said, “After a hugely successful September Yearling Sale it was always going to be a challenge to match the momentum of the previous two days, but it was encouraging to see a diverse international buying bench, with many clients visiting for the first time and expressing their intent to return next year.”
He added, “The market at this level, however, does remain selective, as reflected in today's clearance rate of 72%. History does show us that stakes performers can be sourced at this level of the market too with Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Helvic Dream and Group 1 Matron Stakes winner Champers Elysees both being September Yearling Sale Part 2 graduates. I am confident that today's September Yearling Sale Part 2 will yield winners at all levels in the future.”
Despite the dip in the market, there was still room for some nice pinhooking profits. Few are better at turning water into wine than Gerry Burke of Gildawn Stud, who benefited from a nice pedigree update with his Circus Maximus (Ire) filly (lot 772) who was sourced for just €3,000 but sold on Thursday to Mark Johnston for €26,000.
Since Burke bought the filly as a foal, her brother Green Storm (Ire) ran out an impressive winner of a Yarmouth maiden for Charlie Johnston, who is reportedly eyeing a tilt at Group races next.
Burke commented, “Timing is everything and the recent update was very helpful. She has been a good sort all the way through and we are delighted. We wish the new buyer all the best with her.”
The Circus Maximus filly, who was fourth most expensive horse through the ring on Thursday, hails from Banimpire (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), a dual Group 2 winner for Jim Bolger.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
