CHRISTMAS CRACKER FOR PROLIFIC TATTERSALLS IRELAND GRADUATES OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
The sale that produced the best results was unquestionably the market leading Derby Sale and the outstanding performance of the Festive Season must go to CUE CARD, who put up the best display of his career to win the most high profile race over the Festive period, the Grade 1 King George IV Chase at Kempton. Two other Derby Sale graduates followed closely in CUE CARD’s footsteps in Ireland. PRINCE OF SCARS and NO MORE HEROES, both for leading owners Gigginstown House Stud, stamped their credentials firmly as exciting horses of the future by landing their Grade 1 contests impressively at Leopardstown for trainer Gordon Elliott. The unbeaten Derby Sale graduate BARTERS HILL also made his mark in Grade 1 Novices’ company by landing the Challow Novices’ Hurdle by an impressive twelve lengths and eyeing up the Albert Bartlett as his next target in waiting.
FLEMENSTAR also returned to his very best under the guidance of his new trainer, Anthony Curran. The win was giving the trainers’ father, Stephen, who owns the son of Flemensfirth, his fourth Grade 1 win and the 11th success of his career to date.
Willie Mullins Christmas campaign was certainly enhanced by the performances of his Tattersalls Ireland graduates. FAUGHEEN oozed class when winning the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton endorsing his nickname “The Machine”. In a ruthless performance, FAUGHEEN destroyed his opposition when he accelerated seven lengths clear of his rivals and justified his odds-on status for the Champion Hurdle. YORKHILL got 2016 off to a flying one for the Mullins camp by landing the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle, a career first for Willie Mullins and the start to a Grade 1 winning weekend for owners Graham and Andrea Wylie. The following day at Naas, Willie Mullins and the Wylie’s teamed up again to claim Naas’ biggest race on their calendar, the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Hotel Novice Hurdle with another Tattersalls Ireland graduate, BELLSHILL.
In total, 29 Tattersalls Ireland graduates won or were placed in Grade 1, 2, 3 and Listed races over the Festive period, with 60% of those being Derby Sale graduates which also included OUTLANDER, UP FOR REVIEW and POLLY PEACHUM along with other winning graduates including Ice Cold Soul, Westend Star, Westend Story, If In Doubt, My Liege, Copy That, Premier Bond, Clar Na Mionn, Squouateur, Pleasant Company, Noble Endeavour, Pinnacle Panda, That’s My Rabbit, Singlefarmpayment, Vieux Lille, Stoneford and Theo’s Charm.
Tattersalls Ireland sales season gets underway on Tuesday February 2nd with the February National Hunt Sale. This sale will cater for all elements of the National Hunt sector including foals, yearlings, two-year-olds, mares and horses in and out of training. Nominations for our record-breaking Derby Sale are now being taken and can be made through the Tattersalls Ireland website.