TATTERSALLS Ireland is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the May Point-to-Point and Horses in Training Sale on May 29th builds on the success of its initial staging last year.

Established in response to vendor demand, the 2024 sale generated prices of €180,000 and €130,000 for once-raced maiden pointers, bought by Harold Kirk/Willie Mullins and Emmet Mullins.

Entries for this year’s sale have just opened and Ger Hannon of Tattersalls Ireland says that the company is making a major effort to ensure many of the leading buyers are in Fairyhouse on Thursday, May 29th.

“Last year’s sale was put together at short notice but, along with the Andy and Gemma Brown Dispersal, it proved that the venue works for horses-in-training sales. If you have the horses, the buyers will come,” Hannon said.

“We have listened to our clients. Vendors like the idea of not having to travel to sell, and buyers like that they are dealing in euro. We have been sponsoring a lot of point-to-points and we’ve been contacting British trainers, big and small, and we’re getting a very good reaction from them.”

Hannon added that Irish Thoroughbred Marketing is also promoting the sale and their inward buyer scheme will be available.

Demand for horses with form and point-to-pointers remains very strong, says Hannon, pointing to this week’s Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale results (see page 37).

He also feels that the May Sale offers a good opportunity to sell National Hunt racemares who may be ready for breeding.

“For example, a syndicate might be planning to give their filly a final run for the season at Punchestown. They could consider selling her at the May Sale and then reinvesting in new stock over the summer.”