SIGNIFICANT GAINS AT NOVEMBER NATIONAL HUNT FOAL SALE

The star of the sale was the blue blooded Yeats colt out of Scandisk, dam of multiple Champion Hurdle winner; Hurricane Fly from Yellowford Farm who was knocked down for €120,000 on Wednesday to Ben Case.

“He’s a lovely, active, good walking colt and it’s not very often that you get an opportunity to buy such a well related foal. He’s been bought on behalf of Lady Jane Grosvenor and he will be back for resale in a few years,” said Case.

Demand for well bred fillies was strong throughout the sale, providing two of the top three lots.

The second top lot was Ballyclerihan House Stud consigned full sister to Rock On Ruby who was knocked down to Kevin Heaney of Ballinlea Stud for €85,000 after he saw off determined efforts by Swanbridge Bloodstock.

“She’s been bought as a long-term broodmare prospect, but she will hopefully race before then. She’s a lovely filly from a good, active family. We’re just trying to build up a nice band of well-bred fillies and she fitted the bill,” reported Heaney.

John O’Byrne who was visibly active throughout the sale and he purchased the full sister to the ill-fated Gr.1 Christmas Hurdle winner Darlan consigned by Mill House Stud for €78,000.

“She’s a lovely, classy filly and hopefully she’ll have a good future both on the track and when she retires to stud,” commented O’Byrne.

With the Older Horses and Mares section concluding the November National Hunt Sale tomorrow, the turnover is set to rise considerably, already 22% ahead of 2012 with one day remaining.