Tattersalls Ireland Confirms New Date for the Sapphire Sale

Tattersalls Ireland has moved the Sapphire Sale to Tuesday 16th December, positioning it as the final European breeding stock sale for the year. The sale is open to foals, yearlings, fillies and mares will also feature a competitive entry fee for foals of just €295 – less than half that of competing European and domestic foal sales.

The Sapphire Sale will benefit from an increased promotional budget in 2025 with Tattersalls Ireland working closely with the Tattersalls Group and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to attract both international and domestic buyers, a collaberation that has contributed to the substantial growth of other flat sales at Fairyhouse in recent years. The sale, which was previously known as the November Flat Foal, Yearling Breeding Stock Sale, featured a top foal price of €50,000 in 2024 and recent graduates include the Group 1 Matron Stakes winner Champers Elysees.

Commenting on the new date for the Sapphire Sale, Tattersalls Ireland Chief Executive Simon Kerins said:

“Following consultation with breeders and vendors, their feedback indicated that moving the sale from November to a mid-December date would be beneficial for the Sapphire Sale where it has a date not competing with other sales. Reducing costs for Irish breeders was also a key consideration, leading us to lower the foal entry fee. The Sapphire Sale offers an alternative choice to both vendors and purchasers, and we are determined to ensure its success.”

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony continued:

“Tattersalls is committed to providing Irish breeders with a cost-effective and vibrant marketplace to sell their foals in Ireland. With the support and promotion of the Tattersalls Group, along with the reduced €295 foal entry fee, we are confident that the 2025 renewal will follow the strong recent renewals of both the September Yearling Sale and Breeze Up Sale at Tattersalls Ireland.”

ITBA Chairman Cathy Grassick added:

“I would like to commend Tattersalls Ireland on their proactive response to market demands and for thinking outside the box regarding the Sapphire Sale. I hope that these new developments will be of great benefit and will give additional options to both the vendors and breeders in Ireland. A vibrant and healthy marketplace for mares and foals is of the utmost importance to the health of the breeding industry in Ireland and I look forward to seeing how this initiative develops.”

Commenting on the new date, leading consignor Olive O’Connor said:

“This later date offers huge potential to build the profile of the sale as a key market for foals needing extra time. Some may have missed an earlier sale, and this provides a valuable final opportunity for vendors of later-maturing foals.”

For further details or enquiries, please contact Orla McKenna at +353 1 8864300 or email omckenna@tattersalls.ie