The Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale made a strong start with a wide representation of international buyers and a new record price for the sale when Group 2 winning GALILEO filly ELIZABETH BROWNING made 700,000 guineas.
The record turnover for the opening day of this fixture was also broken as a total of 250 lots were sold for 6,600,900 guineas, at an average of 26,404 guineas and a median of 14,000 guineas.
The headline act on the opening day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale was ELIZABETH BROWNING who became the highest priced horse ever to be sold at this fixture when selling to Alex Elliot for 700,000 guineas.
The three-year-old daughter of GALILEO won the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh in July and is an own sister to the Group 1 Criterium International winner JOHANNES VERMEER, who is among 36 second acceptors for the Melbourne Cup next week.
Consigned by Ballydoyle Racing, the bay filly raced for a partnership of China Horse Club and Mrs John Magnier.
Alex Elliott, who won the battle for a European based client against eventual underbidder Hubie De Burgh, commented:
"What is not to like about her? She is by Galileo, is a Group 2 winner, won as a juvenile, and is an own-sister to a Group 1 winner in Johannes Vermeer. We are delighted to have bought her. She will not run again, she has done her job."
The second highest lot on the first day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale was the Wildcard entry THE STATESMAN. The progressive son of ZOFFANY has won his last three starts, including his most recent over hurdles, and was knocked down to the BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe for 310,000 guineas on behalf Zhang Yuesheng's Yulong Investments.
His most recent outing understandably prompted interest from the National Hunt sector with Anthony Bromley, standing next to Alan King, making a bold bit to secure the three-year-old, but it was Donohoe who won the battle and made clear that a future over fences was not an option:
"He has been bought as a Cup-type horse. He is the most gorgeous horse, he stays, he has some speed and he has size and scope. We have some trainers in mind, but nothing has been decided."
It was Zhang Yuesheng's second visit to Tattersalls, having previously purchased 19 lots at last year's July Sale.
Another highlight on the opening day was WINNING WAYS, the dual winning son of LOPE DE VEGA, who realised 250,000 guineas when knocked down to Dermot Farrington.
Timeform rated 110, the three-year-old colt is a half brother to Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner DICK WHITTINGTON and was victorious over six and seven furlongs whilst in training with Jeremy Noseda whose Shalfleet Stables consigned him.
Farrington commented after the sale:
"He's been bought to go to Hong Kong. He's been bought with Chris McNulty, who identified the horse a while back. His win at Ascot in May was a good performance, and he was on the wrong side in the Jersey Stakes. He is a lovely horse."
The Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale is always a fertile hunting ground for the National Hunt fraternity and agent Harold Kirk, buying on behalf of trainer Willie Mullins, made his presence felt when securing two lots for 280,000 guineas. Leading the way was FAST BUCK who Kirk secured for 150,000 guineas, seeing off the challenge of Tessa Greatrex, Eddie O'Leary and Tom Malone.
Consigned by The Castlebridge Consignment on behalf of owner Khalifa Dasmal, the three-year-old son of KENDARGENT has won twice over 12 furlongs, his most recent success coming since the catalogue was printed.
Kirk said:
"This horse is just drop dead gorgeous. He is big and strong, has size and scope. He will jump hurdles and go onto jump a fence - he reminds me a lot of Djakadam.
"Whatever he might do as a three-year-old, he'll be a better sort going forward. There won't be many by the sire jumping yet, but he is a son of Kendor so it won't be a problem. He is for Willie Mullins, we have not got an owner yet!"
The Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale continues at 9.30am on Tuesday, October 31st.
