DAY three of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale saw a return to steadier trade, following the highs of the Sceptre Sessions on Monday and Tuesday evening at Park Paddocks.

That said, Wednesday's average price of 25,000gns was 29% higher than the corresponding day in 2023, and the median price (16,000gns) was up 14%.

The clearance rate on the day was 85%, also significantly higher than last year's 75%.

Top price on the day was the 280,000gns paid for Bridestones from the Godolphin draft. She was bought by Alex Elliott on behalf of Anthony Ramsden of Valmont.

"She is by Teofilo, out of the Dynaformer mare, which I like," outlined Elliott. "I like that she is a two-year-old winner, and has blacktype, too," said Elliott.

He continued: "We will try to breed her to Lope De Vega, who works very well with Teofilo mares. I think she will suit him well, but Teofilo is a good broodmare sire with numerous crosses, so there are lots of options.

"We were all out to buy her, but we are spending back some of the money collected last night and Anthony is taking a long-term view. It is great when you have got people who want to play at all aspects of the game. This mare is going to Whatton Manor Stud."

Until last night Valmont was part-owner in the Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me, the daughter of Nathaniel selling for a sales-topping 4,800,000gns to fellow Elliott client Amo Racing.

Elliott added: "I am in the very amazing position to be caught up in the middle between two emerging powers with Anthony doing what he does, and he plays in a different way to Kia."

The sale concludes on Thursday.

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