AS the penultimate session of the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale came to a close last night the indications were that this year’s edition of the auction would produce a set of returns that would finish down on those from 2014.

The four-day foal section of the catalogue was the pivotal aspect of the sale. Even though end user activity was a good deal more muted than it has been in the past, trade looked as strong as last year at the head of the market. More foals made at least €30,000 than was the case 12 months ago and the top price in this section advanced from €95,000 to €110,000.

However, the clearance rates over the four days of foals would indicate that the market is certainly more selective which is not surprising given that supply is starting to outstrip demand once again.

Supply and demand have been finely balanced for the last few years and even a small increase in the number of foals offered has played its part in making the market more selective. The trade for yearlings remained subdued and this sector actually lost considerable ground on 2014, especially the clearance rate of just 60%. On the whole this looks set to be a solid edition of the sale ahead of today’s concluding session which is given over to older horses and mares.