The opening session of the Tattersalls Somerville Sale appeared a testing market for consignors, as figures failed to match the sale’s best returns in 2023.

Last year’s results would always be a hard act to follow, particularly given the company’s decision to extend the sale to two days for the first time. The very first lot in the ring, an Acclamation colt from Loughtown Stud, proved an early highlight when bought by Oliver St Lawrence for 72,000gns, but subdued trade meant that the six-figure mark was not met until Lot 154.

100,000gns was the highest price on Monday, paid by Richard Ryan for Tally-Ho Stud’s half-sister to Group 3 Palace House Stakes victor Seven Question. The February-born filly continued strong demand for the first crop of Starman, whose progeny sold for up to £220,000 at Goffs UK last week.

“She is a lovely filly,” Ryan commented, before revealing his purchase would go into training with Karl Burke. “She is out of a proven mare, is a half-sister to a Palace House winner, she has a great mind and a lot to like with a fabulous walk.”

On Starman, Ryan added: “I like the sire and I quite like them as a bunch and think he has got every chance.”

At the time of writing, 78% of lots offered had sold for an average price of 25,771gns (down 19% on last year). The current median price of 20,000gns marked a 26% drop from last year.

Worth skipping school for

There were some feelgood stories to be found, most notably 16-year-old Ruairi Kilmartin’s incredible pinhook of a Dark Angel filly. Bought for €7,000 last year, she was resold by his father Dermot’s Kildallan Farm to Paul Corrigan for 70,000gns.

“It is unbelievable,” said Kilmartin, who skipped school to see his first pinhook sold. “When I bought her as foal I thought I might be able to double my money, I never thought she would make that today. I am over the moon.”

Clive Cox spent £492,000 on seven yearlings at Doncaster last week, and added a Sands Of Mali colt to his haul on Monday. “I liked him when I saw him and I liked him even more when he came into the ring, he showed himself off really well,” the trainer said of the Barton Stud-consigned bay.

Cox’s following comment hinted at the difficulty faced by Tattersalls when extending the sale to two days, with bigger numbers potentially watering down demand. “There is plenty of stock around, and it is being able to pick and buy the ones you are pleased to take home, and this fella certainly fits the bill.”