By Brian Sheerin
It was a day for the die-hards at Part Two of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale where a filly by first-season sire Soldier's Call (GB) led the way at €45,000 to Joe Foley.
But the story of the sale was the strength of the Italian buyers, with Cristiana Brivio, who operates under the banner of Razza Latina, and Valfredo Valiani, two of the leading purchasers on the day.
Foley, who also stands Soldier's Call at Ballyhane Stud, was repeating the trick from last year after topping this sale 12 months ago.
“I am delighted to have found her, she has a great pedigree-her second dam [Ameerat] won the 1,000 Guineas and there is loads of page here,” said Foley.
He added, “She is a stunningly-beautiful filly, too, and looks a real classy type. She will run in the Clipper Logistics colours.”
Breeder David Laverty enjoyed a fine payday having purchased the filly's dam Ebbraam for just 1,000gns.
“I bought the mare via a Tattersalls Online Sale through Covid,” said the breeder who hails from County Armagh and keeps 10 to 12 mares. “From day one this filly has always been in proportion and is a great walker.
“The team at Ballyknock has done a great job with her prep. My father has been breeding horses for a lifetime and we have had the highs and very lows, it is nice to get a result for all of us.”
The session concluded with a turnover of €1,546,100 and a robust clearance rate of 81 per cent.A vibrant international atmosphere was maintained over both parts of the September Yearling Sale – yearlings have been purchased by representatives from 13 different countries, with over 80 shipping to Italy, the most popular overseas destination for new acquisitions. Horses are also travelling to the Far East with Thailand appearing on the buyers' sheet for the first time.
Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins commented, “The demand witnessed over the last two days has carried through into today's session, resulting in lively trade and a clearance rate comparable to last year given the increased catalogue. The plethora of both international and domestic buyers throughout the week has significantly contributed to these results. We hugely appreciate the support of our loyal vendors who have recognised that Part Two of the sale has established itself as a viable option for selling commercial yearlings.”
He added, “We now turn our attention to preparing the catalogue for the Sapphire Sale with entries closing for foals, yearlings and broodmares on Friday, 20th October and the sale taking place on Friday, 16th November.”
All yearlings catalogued for the September Yearling Sale and Sapphire Sale are eligible for the €250,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes 2024.
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