“Solid if unspectacular” was a fair summation from Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahoney of trade at the Guineas Breeze Up Sale which was held in conjunction with this year’s July Sale. Successful with three winners at Royal Ascot, Alan King was very active and secured the top lot, a son of Excelebration, one of two to realise a six-figure sum. In all 13 lots sold for 50,000gns or more, down from 22 last year.

In such difficult times, comparative figures are somewhat distorted, but the final sale average was almost equal that of 2019, though the median and aggregate fell due to a smaller offering. The clearance rate of 81% was healthy, though three points down.