Curtain closes on Tattersalls Ireland 2023 Store sale season
The 2023 Tattersalls Ireland National Hunt Store sale season concluded with the one-day Part II July Store Sale.
The session was topped by a German-bred son of the Group 1 winner Lucky Lion already named Arthur (Lot 358). He was purchased from Liss House by point-to-point jockey Derek O'Connor, who signed for Eoin Barry / Sean Aherne at €32,000.
"Sean wants to build up a nice bunch of young horses," said O'Connor. "This horse will probably go down the bumper route, and hopefully will then make up into a good racehorse further down the line. He is athletic and out of a good mare.”
The gelding’s dam is the Law Society mare Ajesha, a six-time winner in Germany and Italy with three victories in Listed races. She also finished third in a Grade 3 chase in Italy.
Darren O’Dwyer spent €27,000 on a Glen Stables-consigned son of Yeats (Lot 418) bought for trainer Eoin Doyle, while trainer Stuart Crawford of Crawford Bros, always strong supporters of the July Store Sale, went to €24,000 for the Mountain View Stud-consigned son of Getaway (Lot 526). The gelding is the second foal out of a Presenting half-sister to the Dr D J Moriarty Novice Chase (G1) winner Ballycasey.
The one-day sale generated a turnover of €752,500, an average price of €6,020 and a median of €5,000 from 125 horses sold.
The July Store Sale was the final part of the annual series of three Tattersalls Ireland National Hunt Store sales and, as always, June’s Derby Sale proved to be the pinnacle of the whole store horse year.
Commenting on the conclusion of the Store sale season, Simon Kerins CEO of Tattersalls Ireland said:
"What a summer it has been, culminating in a vibrant July Store Sale – the finale of our three successful Store sales in 2023. The journey began with the May Store Sale, where we welcomed an impressive turnout of buyers who eagerly sought out quality individuals. The early timing of this sale has always been readily anticipated by point-to-point handlers, and this year was no exception, with plenty of demand for the choice lots throughout the day.
We proudly presented the market-leading Derby Sale, which lived up to its reputation as the pinnacle of Store sales. Witnessing, yet again, the highest-priced National Hunt store sold anywhere this year at €265,000 was phenomenal, along with 33 horses achieving €100,000 or more, and five horses fetching €200,000 or above – both records for any Store sale this year. Significantly, the average of €53,583 set the highest mark of any Store sale in 2023.
And now, as we conclude the July Store Sale, we reflect on a strong trade which produced a record clearance rate and figures which dropped marginally behind last year’s record-breaking sale. Despite the rain there was a real buzz around the complex and great competition in the ring between bidders from the UK, Ireland and further afield. Again, we saw the select nature of the market, particularly on the second day when those horses not meeting the exacting demands of the market did find it a struggle.
Throughout the summer, one thing remained constant, the unwavering support of our vendors. We are grateful for their commitment to supplying top-class stock, which has been the backbone of our success. Likewise, we extend our thanks to all the purchasers who actively participated, whether they were returning clients or first-time visitors. Their support and enthusiasm have contributed to the bustling atmosphere at Tattersalls Ireland this year and we wish them the very best of luck with their new purchases. We must also acknowledge the work that Charles and the team at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing do to bring purchasers to our Store sales – they play a pivotal part to ensure the success of all our sales.
As we bid farewell to the 2023 Store sale season, we eagerly anticipate the promising careers of our new graduates and the future successes that await them.”