Disruption to this breeze-up sales season from all directions has failed to alter the appetite for ready-to-run prospects, and the trend continued July 24 as the swing drew to a close in Newmarket.
The Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale tends to be more bread-and-butter than five-star fare, and after deciding to shift an already postponed event across from its usual home at Fairyhouse only a fortnight ago to circumnavigate potential travel disruption for clients, the executive might have harbored hopes for a respectable clearance rate as much as anything.
A top lot of £220,000 (US$280,293) for a daughter of Kitten's Joy comfortably exceeded last year's highest figure, and competition for three other six-figure purchases were further evidence of a market which has cocked a snook at what were admittedly low expectations.
Lot 74 represented a fabulous turnaround for Brendan Holland of Grove Stud, which selected her for just $27,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Her dam, the Chester House mare Desertstormelite, was quite useful in the U.S. and has shown some flair from the paddocks.
It was Jamie Spencer, only just back in the competitive action after a broken hip, who saw off agent Alex Elliott to see the deal, although the jockey confessed he was jobbing on behalf of trainer David Simcock and an undisclosed client.
The combination earlier secured Knockgraffon Stables' impressive-breezing Free Eagle colt for £82,000 ($104,473).
Holland said of the Kitten's Joy: "I bought her off my pals at Hunter Valley. I saw her when I went over last year. Thankfully, they sold her to me. She has done really well. She's a lovely, lovely filly. She has loads of quality. I'm delighted. It's a great result."
The consignor was happy to draw stumps on the show for 2020, although he will soon be back at the crease.
"Personally, we have done fine," he said. "Most consignors are relieved it is all over, and everyone is still in the game, I'd say. I look forward to relaxing and watching Goodwood next week, but we've got yearlings in and are starting to prep them."
Simcock is set to receive another big pinhooking success story as Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock was stood alongside the Newmarket handler when snapping up a £140,000 Dialed In colt ($178,369).
Named Onesmoothoperator, he was bought by Ger and Yvonne Kennedy of Sherbourne Lodge for just $5,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale and left as the day's third-top lot.
Walsh on the Podium
The Kitten's Joy filly was knocking a Night of Thunder colt from Katie Walsh's Greenhills Farm draft off the top of the table.
Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock had been successful with an offer of £160,000 ($203,850) for the first progeny of the unraced Fastnet Rock mare Kymera.
He is rich in heritage further down his page as his third dam, Saganeca, produced the likes of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) hero Sagamix and Newsells Park's blue hen Shastye, but it was the en-vogue Night of Thunder which was the pull.
"The sire speaks for himself. He's doing fantastic things," McStay said. "This horse did an exceptional breeze, he vetted particularly well, and was well presented by Katie. I'm delighted to get a Night of Thunder. They're only going to get more expensive as the year goes on.
"He's for an existing client—goes to Ireland and probably to John Oxx."
Walsh explained that the colt was representing a familiar face.
"Micheal Ryan of Al Eile Stud bred him," she said. "They didn't go to a yearling sale and decided they would go to the breeze-ups. My father (Ted) trains for Michael Ryan, Micheal's father, so there's that association.
"When they asked if I would take this horse to breeze, I said, 'Absolutely. No problem.' The sire is on fire, and he breezed really well."
Walsh received the colt in the middle of January, and the delay of this event since late May had not been a concern.
"He's an April 6 foal, and the breeders wanted to give him every chance. He is tall, scopey, and rangy, and so this Goresbridge sale was always the plan.
"Personally, I was delighted to see the sale moved to here. You need the British clientele and the British-based clients. This is where they are. It is apparent when you go into the sale ring."
Walsh's day was not even done as she also prepared a Lope de Vega colt from the family of classy French performers Corre Caminos and Racinger for £100,000 ($127,406).
He was bought by Peter Nolan on behalf of a new client and is heading to Ireland along with several others from the sale.
"It's not been an ideal year for everyone, but trade has been really good and everyone's getting them sold. That's the main thing," Walsh said. "We can all go back shopping in a couple of weeks now, and that's what it's all about. It's been a short turnaround for everyone."
Prices Hold Up
Final figures were a little like comparing apples with oranges, or pounds and euros, to be precise, at least before conversion.
A total of 125 from 147 lots were sold at a clearance rate of 84%, a little down on the 91% of 14 months earlier, and for an aggregate of €3,800,006.
An average of €30,894 ($35,398) was up 10% from €27,992, and the median of €21,978 ($25,481) was an impressive improvement of 22%.
At the conclusion of the sale, Tattersalls Ireland director Simon Kerins commented: "Firstly, I would like to thank the vendors who have risen to the challenge of today's sale being relocated to Park Paddocks at the 11th hour.
"Like many in the bloodstock industry, the breeze-up consignors have had to deal with difficult circumstances in the run-up to the season, notably with today's sale original dated in May, and they have met the change in date and venue with tremendous positivity. It was pleasing to see several vendors have excellent results.
"The bloodstock industry is truly resilient, and this was evident today by the strong demand for the choice lots."