SINCE the flat season got underway, there has been talk of fewer deals being done privately, with global economic uncertainty, conflict in the Middle East and the weakness of certain currencies offered as reasons for the dip.

Whether these elements would affect the Tattersalls July Sale this week was up for debate, given that public auctions can offer credit to buyers. A reduced catalogue likely helped the average and median prices, as well as the clearance rate for the three-day sale, where demand for the choicest lots appeared particularly strong.