A Cotai Glory (GB) half-brother to G1 Matron S. winner Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) led the way at the Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale when selling to John Foley of Ballyvolane Stud for €37,000.
Consigned by Railstown Stud, the Cotai Glory foal is out of La Cuvee (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {Ire}), who has produced five-time winner Daddies Girl (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) as well as the high-class Champers Elysees.
Foley commented of lot 147, “He is a fine foal, a half-brother to a Group 1 winner, and we will see what happens. I have had a few by the stallion, he is a good sire and has had a Group 1 winner and is very commercial.”
While the average climbed 13% to €6,748, the going remained tough with a 42% clearance rate, down 22% on last year. The aggregate was also down 11% to €533,100 while the median stayed the same at €4,000.
Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins acknowledged the “market correction” taking place in the middle to lower tiers after the sale.
He said, “Our sincere appreciation goes to every vendor and purchaser for their trust and support of the Sapphire Sale. The notable contributions from purchasers, particularly those from Italy and the UK, played a strong part in today's sale.
“The year's earlier two Tattersalls Ireland Flat sales were headlined by this year's record-breaking and vibrant trade at the Breeze Up Sale, which produced an aggregate that topped €8,500,000 for the first time, and achieved best-ever figures for average and median of €43,033 and €30,000, both numbers hitting new spheres of accomplishment.
“The September Yearling Sale has firmly secured its position as an established choice for yearling buyers. Turnover for this year's renewal reflected this demand stretching over €12 million for the third year in succession with a record median of €28,000, an average over €30,000 for the third year in a row, and with yearlings selling at an 85% clearance rate.”
Kerins added, “However, the trading environment is not straightforward and as the year has come to an end it is evident that there is a market correction in place – buyers are adjusting their spend in light of the current economic headwinds leading to some contraction and a difficult marketplace at the lower levels.
“As the 2023 sales season comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge our vendors and purchasers who have supported Tattersalls Ireland throughout this past year, playing a crucial role in creating plenty of standout moments. Additionally, I would like to extend our appreciation to Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for their consistent support.”
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