LAST year’s record-breaking session for horses-in-training at the Arqana Autumn Sale was never likely to be challenged this year, and so the final figures revealed. The average was down by 29% and the turnover saw an even steeper decline, almost halving in comparison with 2019.

Represented by Tessa Greatrex and David Powell, Highflyer Bloodstock signed for the top lots of the day at €200,000. The first was Tax For Max, a son of Maxios from Gestüt Ohlerweiherhof. Trained by Henk Grewe, the three-year-old colt is still a maiden after five starts, but he has never finished worse than fourth, including in this year’s Group 2 Union-Rennen. He will now join Willie Mullins and race for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.