A damp start to the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale on Wednesday had little effect on action in the sales ring as the appetite for top quality young National Hunt prospects remained strong.

However, despite a top lot of €250,000 and 12 horses making six-figure sums there was drop in the figures from the corresponding session last year. The clearance rate dipped 14 points to 79% while the average of €52,058 and the median of €40,000 were down 5% and 17% respectively.