BOOK 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale is never short of egos, entertainment and eye-watering prices, but things kicked up a notch 12 months ago, when frenzied bidding sent records tumbling. Book 1’s previous highs were set in 2022, when the top of the market was boosted by Richard Knight’s spend on behalf of Saleh Al Homaizi, who later failed to pay his bill.

Last year, Kia Joorabchian brought a taste of the dramatics to Park Paddocks, signalling the approach of a top lot when he took his place in the ring. With the assistance of Alex Elliott and others, Amo Racing racked up a spend of 19,575,000gns on 17 yearlings, with only Godolphin exceeding their outlay at 22,020,000gns.