A SUPERB edition of the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale drew to a close on Thursday by producing a set of results which were indicative of an especially heartening level of activity throughout what always represents a pivotal week in the National Hunt market.

Last year this auction took place a month later than usual and it was condensed into just three days, so a catalogue that grew in size by some 62% was also going to find it hard to make significant percentage gains in terms of average and median.

However, by any measure this was an excellent week and perhaps a far better guide to what took place would be to consider this auction against any renewal which took place between 2015 and 2019 when numbers were on a similar scale.

The aggregate of just over €15.7 million was the best produced by this sale for 14 years.

An average of €18,388 was down by 3% and the €12,500 median represented a drop of four points but such decreases are rendered fairly meaningless given the increased number of horses on offer and when one considers what took place throughout the five days.

If the sale is considered in its distinct parts, the foal section produced a record level of turnover and an unprecedented 41 foals made at least €50,000.

Landmark sale

The mares’ section of the sale, which was bolstered by the landmark sale of Benie Des Dieux and a powerful draft of mares from Willie Mullins, was better than it has been many years while last Sunday’s yearling sale also took a step in the right direction.

The overall clearance rate dropped by five points but still came in at 73% and this is another factor to be measured against the increased volume of horses on offer.

“What an amazing couple of days we have witnessed at Tattersalls Ireland, as the November Sale reached unprecedented heights with a trade that was simply extraordinary,” remarked Simon Kerins, CEO of the sales company.

“This sale continues to be such a strong hallmark sale for breeders and the 2021 renewal is one that only adds to the story in a hugely positive way.

“Since last weekend, Tattersalls Ireland has been buzzing and it was fantastic to have welcomed huge crowds of buyers from home as well as an increased number of buyers from the UK, France and the Czech Republic, alongside several new faces.

“The sale was a superb representation of the cream of the 2021 foal crop with so many leading breeders continuing to sell their best in November at Tattersalls Ireland.

“The breeding stock sale continued the trend with top prices of €350,000, €185,000, and €165,000 to buyers from France, Ireland and UK illustrating the enduring appeal for the best National Hunt broodmares.”

Kerins concluded: “On behalf of all the team at Tattersalls Ireland, I extend our appreciation to the vendors for giving us the opportunity to promote their top-class yearlings, foals and breeding stock and to each and every one of our buyers.”