‘ABSOLUTE lunatics’ is how Con Marnane describes breeze-up consignors, after I share that I consider them some of the bravest in the game. Marnane knows better than anyone the ‘lunacy’ required to invest in unproven yearlings, relying on them not only to be talented, but to produce it over two furlongs on a particular day. It’s something his Bansha House Stables has succeeded in doing time and time again.

Whatever you call the breeze-up brigade, they’re undoubtedly optimistic – Con particularly so, but even he finds it difficult to be upbeat as the first breeze-up sale of the 2026 season approaches, in the midst of conflict in the Middle East and related fuel wars.