Tatts Newly-Minted Sapphire Sale Polished to a Sparkle

Tattersalls Ireland stages its final sale of 2022 Nov. 12, with the newly rebranded Sapphire Sale polished up and ready to shine.

The event is a one-of-a-kind, as Chris Farrell of Tattersalls Ireland explained, saying: "It's the only single-day sale in Ireland that offers foals, yearlings, and mares on the flat, and it gives people another outlet."

The position of the Sapphire Sale in the calendar means it is both the final opportunity in Ireland to purchase a yearling at auction and the first chance to buy a foal.

"It's the first opportunity to buy foals in the sales calendar and gives pinhookers a chance to see what's on offer, and as the sales go on they get only more expensive, so the Sapphire Sale provides an early market and one that offers value for money," said Farrell.

"There should be something for everyone at all levels, and I really believe it's a great opportunity for pinhookers to get into the market early."

As part of the sale's overhaul, there is an added incentive to buy and sell a yearling at Fairyhouse on Saturday. From this year, the yearlings sold at the Sapphire Sale are eligible for the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend. The race, worth €300,000 (US$302,211) in total prize money, was won this year by Eve Johnson Houghton with Streets of Gold. 

Additionally, the vendor of the winning horse receives an Outlander horsebox. 

"It really does attract buyers from overseas; our September Sale had a significant number of overseas purchasers, and both big sales races in Ireland this year were won by British trainers," said Farrell. "The prize money is a huge attraction and creates a lot of interest."

The company's flat sales are going from strength to strength, with the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale recording a record top lot of €520,000 ($523,832) this year, and the focus on the Sapphire Sale is part of the strategy to further enhance Tattersalls Ireland's offerings in that sphere.

Farrell said: "We're developing our flat sales and with the September Yearling, Breeze-Up, and now Sapphire Sale, we're really working on improving the quality on offer and on developing our reputation as a venue to sell a high caliber of flat horse. We want to give people options for selling their stock."

Cover star Bellabel  is a prime example of the profile the company is striving for. The 3-year-old Belardo  filly was bred by Fergus Cousins and sold by Ballybin Stud to Patrick Cooper of BBA Ireland as a yearling here for the international syndicate, It's All About The Girls.

Successful at two for Jessica Harrington, she was sold privately to race in the United States. Now trained by Phil D'Amato, her gallop to victory in the San Clemente Stakes (G2T) adorns the front cover of the Sapphire Sale catalog.

Bellabel has since shown herself to be a filly who belongs at the top table, finishing second in the Del Mar Oaks (G1T) and third in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Dixiana (G1T).

Coolmore America Justify Matron Stakes (G1) winner Champers Elysees  is another graduate of the sale, as is Norfolk Stakes (G2) winner The Lir Jet , who was also second in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1).

Farrell said: "The graduates' success speaks for the sale when they come out and win those types of races. Bellabel is performing on an international stage, and The Lir Jet is a grade 2 winner in North America as well—yearlings from here can more than hold their own around the world."

The sale begins at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 12 with the yearling session, followed by foals and concluding with a selection of mares.