Strong, solid and consistent edition of the Derby Sale

The strong trade seen on day one of the 2019 Derby Sale continued unabated on day two resulting in an overall aggregate for the two-day sale of €17,093,500.

It is just four per cent off the record-breaking figure achieved last year and is the third-best aggregate ever achieved by the Derby Sale.

The average of €50,572 is the sale's third-best ever, while the median of €42,000 is on a par with 2018. 

Overall, 24 horses sold for six-figure sums and the top two prices of €220,000, given for a Martaline three-year-old gelding named Clerval and sold by Oaks Farm Stables (Lot 271), and €200,000, which was spent on Gemini Cricket, a Blue Bresil gelding from Brown Island Stables (Lot 334), were both day two sales.

"I had to have him," laughed Ronnie O'Leary after buying the Martaline, the buyer's sixth purchase over the two-day sale. "He is my pick of the sale - I couldn't let him go! He's got the walk, the looks - you couldn't knock him."

The three-year-old was pinhooked for €145,000 in France last year by George Mullins on behalf of consignors Mark Dwyer and Willie Browne.

"We loved him last year," said Dwyer, adding: "He has the action and the size and substance - he is athletic and has the right attitude and temperament. He has been at Willie's all winter and prepped there."

Not only has the gelding got the looks, he has a pedigree too. He is out of a dual-winning Saint Des Saints half-sister to Royal Auclair, a 10-time winner and successful in the Cathcart Challenge Chase (G2). It is also the family of Blue Sari, second in the Champion Bumper this year, and the Cheltenham Festival winner Brindisi Breeze. 

Johnny Collins of Brown Island Stables was delighted with the sale of the Blue Bresil gelding to bloodstock agent Tom Malone.

"I bought him privately as a foal," said Collins. "He was always a great mover and a lovely type. The pedigree has had a good update as his half-brother has done well, and he has proved that the mare can get runners. We came here thinking he was our biggest hit, I didn't think he'd go for that much!"

Malone was breathing a sigh of relief after this successful purchase. "I have left some good horses as I was waiting for him," he smiled, adding: "Thank God I managed to buy him! He goes into training with Paul Nicholls.

"He is a beautiful horse, I have had luck with Blue Bresil before and this horse's half-brother Eden Du Houx is the winner of two for David Pipe."  

Lot 415, the sale's top-priced filly, provided the pinhook result of the two days. Purchased as a foal for just €1,800 by Pat Kinsella, the daughter of Getaway was sold by Ballincard Stables to Mags O'Toole for €125,000. 

The pedigree has enjoyed some significant updates since the filly was originally bought in 2016 - her Dubai Destination half-brother Kildisart has won five races, including the Grade 3 Betway Handicap Chase at Aintree, while her four-year-old full-brother The Big Breakaway, trained by Donnchadh Doyle, won a point-to-point on his career debut. She is also from the family of the 2017 Drinmore Chase (G1) runner-up Rathvinden.

At the conclusion of the Derby Sale, Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell said; 

"The strength and depth in the store market which was evident at this year's May Store Sale continued through to the Derby Sale. The very strong demand is demonstrated by the median which is €42,000, and the sale of 142 horses sold between €40,000 - €80,000. Per the Tattersalls ethos the published sales figures accurately reflect the known status in respect to Vendor buy-backs prior to publication of the results. 

We thank our loyal vendors for their continued support, and have no doubt that our purchasers will be rewarded with success on the track."