THE European breeze-up season ended on a high note last Friday evening when the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze Up Sale broke its own records for a sixth successive year.

Following shaky results on the circuit in previous weeks, there were fears that the Fairyhouse sale might also struggle in terms of clearance rate but that was far from the case.

Incredibly the sale saw 90% of horses offered find buyers which was the strongest performance of all the European flat breeze-up sales held this year. Total spending topped €9.5 million for the first time and a new record average price of €43,634 was set.

A total of 21 lots sold for six-figure sums and the six to fetch €200,000 or more also broke new ground for the sale.

Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins commented: “This sale cotinues to exceed expectations, and today’s outstanding results are a testament to its growing reputation. The closing statistics, a record turnover, average, and a barely believable clearance rate of 90% is remarkable and demonstrates the confidence vendors and purchasers have in this sale, which has grown year on year, fuelled by the outstanding achievements of our graduates.

“We had a phenomenal amount of interest from purchasers around the world, and they came in their droves, reflecting the depth of quality through the catalogue. This success demonstrates that when we get the right horses into the catalogue, we spare no effort in attracting buyers. We welcomed purchasers from over 18 different countries including the USA, Scandinavia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Hong Kong, the UK, Poland, Germany, Italy, and, of course, our valued Irish clients.

“I would like to acknowledge the incredible work by Charles O’Neill and the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing team for their vital role in drawing buyers to the sale.

“Additionally, I would like to recognise the tireless work completed by Peter Roe and his team at Fairyhouse Racecourse, who worked day and night to ensure the track was in perfect condition for the breeze. Staging a breeze-up sale is a significant task, requiring careful coordination across two venues. The proximity of the Tattersalls Ireland sales complex to Fairyhouse Racecourse enhances the movement between the two venues, offering a major advantage to our clients.”

Last week’s edition covered most of the top lots. After we went to press a Coulsty colt was bought by trainer Kevin Ryan, Brendan Holland taking instructions over the telephone, at €200,000. The sale represented a fine pinhooking profit for Knockgraffon, the colt having been purchased last year for €21,000.

He is a half-brother to the Italian multiple winner and listed fourth-placed Francisca Pink (by Helmet), and an own-brother to Crystal City, now named High Cloud and shipped to run in Hong Kong after winning his two-year-old maiden on his second career start.

Even later in the session a wildcard entry, an Oasis Dream colt from the Slattery family’s Meadowview Stables was bought by BBA Ireland for €150,000, the colt bought last autumn for just 10,000gns at the Tattersalls October Book 2 Sale.

He is out of the Sea The Stars mare Halfwaytothemoon, a half-sister to Biographer (by Montjeu), winner of Listed Noel Murless Cup and second in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup.

Third dam is the blacktype winner Korveya, dam of the five-time Group 1 winner Hector Protector, the champion Bosra Sham and the French classic winner Shanghai.

Just before the end of trading Willie Browne’s Mocklershill sold a colt by US sire Twirling Candy out of a Grade 1-winning mare for €190,000 but this was a case of breaking even at best as Browne paid $200,000 for him at Keeneland last September. The buyer was Dr Khaled Salami and the underbidders were agents Justin Casse and Mark McStay.