AT the conclusion of the record-setting auction, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony issued a post-sale statement. “It is an extraordinary statistic that for seven consecutive years Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale has produced a record turnover, climbing from just over 50 million guineas in 2011 to this year’s new record of more than 105 million guineas. We genuinely believed that last year’s phenomenal October Book 1 would not be matched for a very long time, but yet again Europe’s top thoroughbred breeders have sent us the most outstanding collection of yearlings, and buyers from throughout the world have responded accordingly. Quality is the key and Book 1 of the 2018 October Yearling Sale is the finest showcase for the best yearlings by the truly exceptional roster of stallions standing in Europe.

“From start to finish there has been fierce international competition for the cream of the European yearling crop, with 14 selling for one million guineas or more, an unprecedented 59 breaking the 500,000gns mark, and the sale producing the world’s highest priced yearling for the seventh year in a row. While the 3,500,000gns sale topping Dubawi colt out of Dar Re Mi and the 3,400,000gns Galileo colt out of Shastye were the highlights of the past three days, a particular feature of the sale has been the consistent demand in all sectors of the market.

“There is no doubt that the £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 bonus brings owners and trainers to the sale who might otherwise look elsewhere, and it is no coincidence that the clearance rate of 86% is the best at October Book 1 for more than a decade. To date there have been 127 winners of more than £3 million in Book 1 bonuses and it is a great endorsement to see pretty well all of the beneficiaries returning to the sale in search of more bonus winners.”