AMATEUR rider Danny Benson enjoyed his "best day in horses by a mile" today when he and his mother Carol sold a two-year-old colt for £120,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot Breeze-Up Sale.

The Excelebration colt out of a five-time winner had been bought by the Bensons for just €22,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale Part II. He was bought today by agent Alex Elliot on behalf of a syndicate which includes professional footballer Charlie Austin. The horse will go into training with George Scott.

Danny Benson said: "He has always been a very nice horse since day one of buying him at Fairyhouse. The prep went really well and it was smooth sailing this week. It has been my best day so far since starting pinhooking and I hope he is lucky for his new connections."

Thursday's sale generated a median price of £19,250, an average of £25,105 and an aggregate of £1,405,900.

Tom Morley signed for the day's only other six-figure lot, a son of Swiss Spirit for £100,000, consigned by Irish vendor CAJ Stables.

Matt Coleman of Stroud Coleman Bloodstock saw off competition from underbidder Steven Hillen for the son of Kodiac offered by Con Marnane's Bansha House Stables. The colt, who is closely related to Poet's Voice, was knocked down for £88,000.

Tattersalls Ireland director Richard Pugh commented: "I would like to commend vendors, Ascot Racecourse and our own team who, in challenging and inclement conditions earlier in the week, successfully staged a breeze yesterday on ground which was less than suitable ground for this element of the sale.

"The trade today has undoubtedly been selective. While it was pleasing to sell the fourth highest price on record at this breeze-up for £120,000, and to have another six-figure lot, we have to acknowledge that trade today was very challenging and polarised. We will analyse today's trade in full once the breeze up season has concluded and in consultation with our vendors and purchasers, we will respond to that feedback."

READ LEO POWELL'S FULL SALE REPORT AND ALL THE RESULTS IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND