Derby Sale Graduates Justify Strong Reputations

There was further success for Derby Sale graduates across the weekend, with MIFA D’AIRY and LESS SAID adding to the fantastic season being enjoyed by graduates between the flags this Spring.

MIFA D’AIRY provided trainer Sean Doyle with his third four-year-old winner this term. The daughter of Masked Marvel was the subject of lots of positive talk ahead of her debut at Dromahane, and those whispers were justified as she came home 16 lengths clear of her rivals.

She was sold by John Costello’s Fenloe House to Monbeg Stables for €70,000 last June, and is Lot 30 in Thursday’s Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale.

Trainer Doyle commented afterwards: “She was the pick of the fillies in the Derby Sale last year. Everything seems to come so easy to her, and she’s such a natural jumper. She oozes class.”

It continued an excellent week for Doyle, whose Monksgrange winner WORDFROMHOME, whom he purchased for €65,000 at the Derby Sale, was sold to Highflyer Bloodstock and Paul Nicholls recently.

There was competitive racing at Tattersalls Ireland, where the 4yo Geldings Maiden divided, and Derby Sale graduates filled the first two placings in the opening division.

LESS SAID continued trainer Paddy Turley’s good run of form, and the son of Kew Gardens reeled in BEND THE RULES on the stiff uphill climb to the line, providing Turley with his third four-year-old winner of the campaign.

The winner is a half-brother to Humble Glory, who was a Punchestown bumper winner for Gordon Elliott and was Listed placed as a novice hurdler.

He was purchased from Michael Moore’s Ballincurrig House Stud by Turley’s Kingsfield Stud last June. He will now be offered on Thursday as Lot 5 in the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale.

Trainer Turley commented on Less Said: “He’s a lovely big raw horse who showed a lot of ability to win at the first time of asking. He’ll develop even further when he fills into his frame, and he’s got a good attitude to help.”

The runner-up BEND THE RULES, a son of Harzand, lost nothing in defeat, and possesses a strong pedigree, being out of a half-sister to the 2017 Ascot Gold Cup winner Big Orange. The front two pulled 16 lengths clear of the third, and both should have bright futures.

It was a memorable day for Paddy Turley who also won the 4yo Mares Maiden with ALL NOISE, a half-sister to Grade 2 Cheltenham Festival winner White Noise.

Turley was also brimming with praise for the mare: “She has huge potential, a great pedigree and outlook.”

Both of the Downpatrick based handlers winners were partnered by Declan Lavery who purchased ALL NOISE in July 2025.

Entries for the 2026 Derby Sale close over the coming days, which last year saw 38 lots exceeding the €100,000 mark, and 12 lots selling for €150,000 or more.

All horses catalogued are eligible for the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland MSL Mercedes-Benz Sales Bumper, run at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. The vendor of the winning horse will drive away in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC.