THE Mariga family's Coolmara Stables made a first venture into flat breeding when paying a total of 400,000gns for two of the top lots on day one of the Tattersalls July Sale in Newmarket.

Based in Youghal, Co Cork, Coolmara is best known as a leading consignor at National Hunt sales. Just last month Coolmara sold a half-brother to Douvan and Jonbon for €250,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale.