DROPS in the average and median prices may suggest last week’s BBAG Mixed May Sale was a tough environment, but a clearance rate of 84% hinted at a different story.

The 2023 renewal was topped by a €135,000 sale, but the next most expensive lot sold for €38,000. Last week’s trade appeared more solid, with top prices of €70,000, €52,000 and €46,000, whilst three lots fetched €32,000. Some 69 horses were offered on the day, an increase of 23% on last year, and returned a 35% rise in turnover at €688,600.

Top lot honours went to a son of German Derby victor Sea The Moon, who was knocked down to Ghislain Bozo of Meridan International for €70,000. It signalled a return to his native France for the chesnut, who was offered by Ecurie Prevost-Baratte.

Leading vendor Philip Prevost-Baratte also sold a Galiway colt to Richard Venn for €46,000, marking a satisfying return on his yearling price of €17,000. The same consignor’s €7,500 yearling purchase by Jimmy Two Times returned €32,000 from prominent owner Holger Renz.

Stephan Vogt’s Renello Bloodstock began a successful operation at the 2023 renewal, where he resold juveniles he perceived as good value at earlier breeze-up sales in the UK and Ireland. His success continued this year, led by the €52,000 sale of an Earthlight colt to German trainer Fabian Xavier Weißmeier, having been vendored at 30,000gns the previous month. Renello also sold a Ghaiyyath colt to Richard Venn for €22,000, bettering the £9,000 he was previously led out unsold for.

The increases in value may not be headline-worthy, but are notable considering the short period of time between sales. They also support the theory that a number of breeze-up sales have suffered due to Brexit, with European buyers reluctant to pay added duties on low and middle market horses. Buyers at BBAG last week hailed from Eastern Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia and the UK.