THERE were significant increases in the average and median price on the first day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in Newmarket on Wednesday.

The turnover fell narrowly short of last year’s opening session despite offering 18% fewer foals, whilst the average and median rose significantly by 16% and 60% respectively.

Trade on the first day of this sale is always more modest than the other three days and on Wednesday six lots sold for 40,000gns or more.

Topping proceeding was a son of Iffraaj out of the Shamardal mare Soryah. The colt, who was consigned by James Read’s Selwood Bloodstock, was purchased by agent Ross Doyle for 57,000gns.

Doyle commented: "He is a good-looking horse out of a Shamardal mare, and by a top stallion. He is for Pier House Stud and the plan will be to come back to the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale next year."

The Morrin brothers of Pier House Stud will be hoping that history repeats itself after the Night Of Thunder colt that the Doyles bought for them for 52,000gns at last year’s Tattersalls December Foal Sale sold for 250,000gns at last month’s October Yearling Sale, Book 2.

Selwood were celebrating again following the next lot which was knocked down to Ciaran ‘Flash’ Conroy for 50,000gns.

This Oasis Dream colt out of the Royal Applause mare Triple Star was bred by Lady Hardy and hails from the family of five-time Group 1 winner Canford Cliffs.

"He is a nice horse, at the end of the day he is by a proven stallion and he is out of a Royal Applause mare so that is speed," said Conroy. "We will keep him there for the year and we will bring him back hopefully in October for Book 2."

The Tattersalls December Foal Sale continues at 10am on Thursday.

DAY ONE STATISTICS

Current Year Previous Year Change %

Lots Catalogued 228 286 -20%

Lots Withdrawn 27 40 -33%

Lots Offered 201 246 -18%

Lots Unsold 66 78 -15%

Lots Sold 135 168 -20%

Total Value (gns) 1,585,100 1,695,300 -7%

Median Value (gns) 8,000 5,000 +60%

Average Value (gns) 11,741 10,091 +16%

% Offered Lots Sold 67% 68% -1%

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