Incentives Launched ahead of Sapphire Sale 2026

Tattersalls Ireland have launched a set of new incentives for the Sapphire Sale, with entries now open for the final European flat sale of 2026, which takes place on December 15th.

These incentives have been introduced as Tattersalls Ireland aim to enhance the quality of foals catalogued at the Sapphire Sale. The incentives are targeting buyers, and in particular those that look to trade foals the following year as yearlings.

Vendors that are considering offering their foals at the Sapphire Sale, can now do so in confidence, with the sale sure to attract a larger pool of buyers.

The three incentives will see buyers guaranteed places in yearling sales within the Tattersalls Group once they meet the following criteria.

1. The top five foals that sell for €60,000 or more are guaranteed a place in Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale.
2. Any foal that sells for €30,000 or more is guaranteed a place in Part I of the September Yearling Sale.
3. Every foal that sells is guaranteed a place in Part II of the September Yearling sale.

The Sapphire Sale in 2025 was deemed a success by vendors, with turnover recorded at its highest level since 2017 and the average growing by 50 per cent compared with the corresponding sale in 2024.

Commenting on the introduction of the new incentives, Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins said:

“We are very keen to build on the forward momentum of the Sapphire Sale, and these new buyer incentives are an important step in that process. They are designed to strengthen the buyer base at the sale and, importantly give vendors greater confidence when considering where to sell their foals.

“Those selling yearlings this year are fully aware of the high demand for places at our yearling sales, and these incentives will guarantee much sought-after places at our 2027 yearling sales. For vendors, this means the Sapphire Sale can now offer a genuine and viable alternative when considering where to sell their foals.

“We moved the sale back to mid-December in 2025, and it definitely had a positive impact on both the overall results and footfall. The general consensus is that the later date suits the later-maturing foal, and we are looking forward to seeing more of that type of foal in December.”

Entries for the Sapphire Sale close on Monday 23rd November, with the sale set to take place on Tuesday 15th December.