Soldier's Call filly tops buoyant September Yearling Sale Part II
After the record-breaking two-day Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale the week’s impressive level of demand marched on in to Part II and, with the numerous domestic and international buyers still active, the session concluded with a turnover of €1,546,100 and a robust clearance rate of 81 per cent.
A vibrant international atmosphere was maintained over both parts of the September Yearling Sale – yearlings have been purchased by representatives from 13 different countries, with over 80 shipping to Italy, the most popular overseas destination for new acquisitions. Horses are also travelling to the Far East – Thailand appearing on the buyers’ sheet for the first time.
The Part II top lot was a filly by the leading first-season sire Soldier’s Call (Lot 556), bought by Ballyhane Stud's Joe Foley, the stallion man keen to support his exciting young stallion, currently second on the leading first-season sires' list by winners.
"I am delighted to have found her, she has a great pedigree – her second dam [Ameerat] won the 1,000 Guineas and there is loads of ‘page’ here," said Foley, who was repeating last year’s feat when also the buyer of the September Yearling Sale Part II sale topper.
He added: "She is a stunningly beautiful filly, too, and looks a real classy type. She will run in the Clipper Logistics colours."
Breeder David Laverty was enjoying a fine pay day having purchased the filly’s dam Ebbraam for just 1,000gns.
"I bought the mare via a Tattersalls Online Sale through Covid," said the breeder who hails from County Armagh and keeps ten to twelve mares. "From day one this filly has always been in proportion and is a great walker.
“The team at Ballyknock has done a great job with her prep. My father has been breeding horses for a lifetime and we have had the highs and very lows, it is nice to get a result for all of us.”
Trainer Andy Oliver went to €38,000 for a New Bay filly consigned by Baroda Stud (Lot 683).
"I bought six over the last two days and three today and she is the most expensive one," reported Oliver. "She is a lovely looking filly, she stood out, and is very sweet. She is a great mover, she looks an athlete, and I am delighted to get her. I am happy with what I have got and think I have got some value.”
Consignor David Cox of Baroda Stud said: "She is a lovely filly, she looks a runner and I hope she goes on well with Andy. She was bred by Flaxman Holdings, prepped at Coolmore and they did a great job."
Of the trade at this week's September Yearling Sale, he added: "There has been a good international representation, as well as plenty of domestic buyers – it is good to see so many people here, such strong, consistent trade and horses sold."
Young pinhookers also both enjoyed profitable results. Oghill Stud consigned a Blue Point filly (Lot 679) for third-year consignor Hyburcon Bloodstock – she sold for €37,000 having been purchased last autumn for €8,000, while Conor Walsh of Beechlane Stables, just in his second year of trading, sold a Far Above filly for €35,000 (Lot 621). She had been bought as a foal for just €4,500.
At the conclusion of Part II of the September Yearling Sale, Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins commented;
“The demand witnessed over the last two days has carried through into today's session, resulting in lively trade and a clearance rate comparable to last year given the increased catalogue. The plethora of both international and domestic buyers throughout the week has significantly contributed to these results. We hugely appreciate the support of our loyal vendors who have recognised that Part II of the sale has established itself as a viable option for sellings commercial yearlings.”
"We now turn our attention to preparing the catalogue for the Sapphire Sale with entries closing for foals, yearlings and broodmares on Friday, 20th October and the sale taking place on Friday, 16th November."
All yearlings catalogued for the September Yearling Sale and Sapphire Sale are eligible for the €250,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes 2024.