THE Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale celebrates its 50th year with a quality catalogue for which the sale has become known.
406 lots are due to go under the hammer, in comparison to 417 in 2023. Last year’s renewal saw notable drops in turnover (down 14% to €16,075,000), average (down 7.5% to €53,583) and median (down 14% to €43,000).
The sale did, however, produce the highest-priced store of the year as Gordon Elliott went to €265,000 for a Kayf Tara gelding from Castledillon Stud. He was a full-brother to impressive debut winner called Romeo Coolio, who since finished second in the Grade 1 Cheltenham Champion Bumper for Elliott.
Point-to-point power
Romeo Coolio is also a graduate of the Derby Sale, having been bought by Monbeg Stables there for €92,000 and later resold for £420,000. Monbeg Stables were the leading buyer in 2023 with a spend of €1,457,000.
Five of the top ten purchasers were point-to-point handlers, while Olly and Aiden Murphy filled the second position, just €3,000 ahead of Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls in third.
As is to be expected, the 2024 catalogue features enviable pedigrees from an array of respected consignors. Leading sires are well-represented, as are their younger and no less exciting counterparts.
Catalogue highlights
Lot 8 from Upton Court Stables is a Great Pretender half-brother to Grade 1 chaser Hitman
Lot 27 from Sluggara Farm is a half-brother to Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle victor Hermes Allen. He hails from the second crop of Beaumac De Houelle, whose first crop includes Graded performers La Marquise and La Pinsonniere
Lot 188 from Clononeen Stud is a Walk In The Park half-sister to four-time Grade 1 winner Galop Marin
Lot 208 from Castledillon Stud is a full-brother to Galway Festival winner Ifiwerearichman. The son of Affinisea is also half-brother to Grade 1-winning Derby Sale graduate Fiddlerontheroof
Lot 214 from Rathbarry Stud is a Blue Bresil gelding out of Grade 2 winner and Grade 1 runner-up Jessber’s Dream. His full-brother Bridie’s Beau has placed on both his starts in bumpers
Lot 238 from Manister House Stud is Walk In The Park half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Might Bite and dual Grade 1 winner Beat That
Lot 283 from Sluggara Farm is a Doctor Dino half-brother to five Grade 1 performers from five runners. These are led by Brighterdayshead, Caldwell Potter and Mighty Potter
Lot 230 from Newtown Stud is a Walk In The Park gelding out of Grade 3- winning hurdler Our Girl Salley. This makes him a half-brother to Grade 1 heroine Black Tears, herself a Derby Sale graduate
Lot 268 from Coolmara Stables is a son of Walk In The Park out of the Grade 1-placed King’s Theatre mare Lyrical Theatre. The dam was herself bought at the Derby Sale for €26,000
Lot 280 from Ennel Bloodstock is a Getaway half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Monkfish, who sold at the Derby Sale for €36,000
Lot 370 from Belleville is a daughter of Walk In The Park and Grade 1 winner Royale Flag. The dam sold at the same venue as a foal for €52,000
Lot 388 from Railstown Stud is a Marcel half-brother to Grade 2 scorer Hillcrest, who cost €190,000 at the same sale. They are out of Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase second Shop DJ
Lot 397 from Coolruss Stud is a Getaway half-sister to three-time Grade 1 winner Special Tiara and Grade 2 winner Accidental Rebel