THERE was a feeling of apprehension in the lead-up to the 2026 Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale, one that was felt by the sales company executives rather than expressed by them. How would this edition of the sale pan out, given the phenomenal results posted by the other store sales?

A slimmed-down catalogue read well, the buyers were ready, and now it was a case of the horses turning up and passing muster. All the component parts were in place, but would there be a sales fever like that seen at the Arkle Sale? The answers were all in the affirmative.