Qatar Buyers Active at Tattersalls Day 2

The penultimate session of the Tattersalls July sale concluded July 7 with all three six-figure offerings on the day purchased by Qatar interests.

The Newmarket, England sales company reported 163 horses sold for 2,442,000 guineas ($3,307,689), an average of 14,982 guineas ($20,225).

With one day remaining, the 9,650,629 guineas total paid for 397 horses during the first two days exceeds last year’s total turnover. The sale average stands at 24,309 guineas and the median stands at 10,000 guineas. The clearance rate for the morning and evening sessions was an impressive 92%. 

Three-year-old colt Perigee topped the day at 115,000 guineas ($155,250) when knocked down to Qatari trainer Gassim Ghazali. The Juddmonte Farms-consigned son of Cacique had turned in an impressive four-length maiden victory since the publication of the catalog. 

Ghazali, who is Qatar’s leading trainer, also secured the second highest-priced lot when he went to 110,000 guineas ($148,500) to land the 3-year-old Altarsheed. The two-time winning gelding by Lilbourne Lad was consigned by Shadwell Stud.

"We are looking for quality," said Ghazali. "This horse has a profile to suit and was priced as we expected. We did not want to go much further."

Ghazali had been unsuccessful a few lots earlier when his countrymen Faisal Al-Thani and Ibrahim Al-Malki secured the 3-year-old gelding Open ‘n Shut for 100,000 guineas ($135,000). A winner at his only start, he will be trained by Al-Malki on behalf of Faisal Al-Thani.

"I watched his race on video many times," said Al Thani. "I liked what I saw and he looks as though there is more to come."

Florida-based agent Justin Casse secured the 3-year-old colt Blackout for 90,000 guineas from East Everleigh Stables. Casse indicated that plans for the horse were still to be determined.

"I was always coming over for this sale, but with the changing economy made a few more phone calls. I came primarily to buy mares, but thought I would look at some racehorses too while here. He is one of four that stood out for me, and watching his videos I really like his form.

"I have no plans for him yet. He could go to the East or West coast in the U.S. or even back to France, where he was bred."

The Tattersalls July Sale continues with the third and final day Friday, July 8, starting at 9.30 a.m.