THE strong trade at last years’ BBAG mixed sale was a bridge too far this year, and the final returns showed that a 70% clearance rate, a satisfactory figure at German sales, resulted in a 17% drop in turnover to €2,339,500, while the average and median were both back 22%.

Held over two days last week, with a select session on the first day, the anticipated highlight was expected to be the Gleneagles half-brother to the current star runner, dual Group 1 winner Mendocino. Offered from Gestüt Brümmerhof, he was bought back for €190,000, but he still qualifies for the sales races which offer substantial prizemoney.