DUBAWI, Galileo and Frankel. Two world-class stallions and the third an emerging force. Between them they were responsible for all but three of the 17 yearlings to sell for a million guineas or more during three days at Tattersalls that was simply breath-taking at times. Last year a larger catalogue produced a then record nine millionaires.

Sale turnover was an unprecedented 102,290,000gns, an increase of 16% on last year’s record, while the average and median rose 29% and 27% respectively to 293,095gns and 165,000gns, again both establishing new historic highs.

Trade for fillies was especially buoyant and they accounted for seven of the top 10 lots. Stealing the limelight, and becoming the second highest-priced yearling ever sold in Europe and the second highest-priced yearling filly ever sold at public auction, was the daughter of Galileo and the first foal of the outstanding racemare Dank. Rated the champion mare on turf in the USA four years ago, the daughter of Dansili was an obvious mate for the many times champion sire and the resulting produce lacked nothing in terms of quality. The yearling is already named Gloam.

Breeder James Wigan sold her from his West Blagdon Stud and used the services of Norris Bloodstock, the agents who also consigned one of last year’s joint sale toppers. A Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner at Santa Anita and of the Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes at Arlington, Dank is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Eagle Mountain and the European champion juvenile filly and Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Sulk.

While interest in the filly came from all sides of the ring, the battle truly commenced when MV Magnier and John Gosden went head-to-head soon after the two million guineas mark was passed. David Redvers, Kerri Radcliffe and Crispin de Moubray were among those who also made some early running.

Speaking to the press following the sale Gosden said: “She is from a proper owner-breeder and was clearly an obvious one to go for, and obviously lots of people wanted her. Fillies do have both racing and breeding options. She is an outstanding filly and to produce one like her - particularly a first foal – is an incredible achievement; it is not easy to do.”

Wigan commented: “She is a beautiful filly and has been from the start. I am delighted where she has gone. As she was so lovely from the beginning we decided to sell her as a yearling because you are limited to how much they can ever make if you sell as a foal.

“Dank has had another filly by Galileo this spring and we also wanted to make sure that she arrived fit and healthy before selling Gloam. This spring’s foal will not be sold! It is a different matter selling yearlings to foals. Jenny and Liam [Norris] do a wonderful job. They are close by us and have produced her in superb order.” West Blagdon normally sell foals and last year sold the highest-priced foal at the December Sale, a daughter of Dansili, for 600,000gns.