Review: Tattersalls February Sale
Records Break at the Tattersalls February Sale
Tattersalls February Sale was all about breaking records this time. The first day saw a 145 lots being sold for a total of 3,992,650 guineas at an average of 27,536 guineas and a median of 5,500 guineas. THETIS and SMOULDER had set a new sale record selling for 550,000 guineas apiece. But this record was broken again on the second day.
The second day saw the 2,000 Guineas and Derby prospect WILLIE JOHN became the highest priced colt in training ever sold in Europe at public auction with a selling price of 1,900,000 guineas. The result pushed turnover for the sale into record territory for the fourth year in succession, with the 299 lots sold realising a total of 8,037,150 guineas, up 40% on last year. The average of 26,880 guineas was also a record whilst the median came in at 7,000 guineas.
Thetis came to the ring as the final part of the Ballymacoll Stud Dispersal after missing her December Sale date. The daughter of INVINCIBLE SPIRIT got the attention of many but it was John McCormack who secured the five-year-old for 550,000 guineas. Following his purchase McCormack commented; “She is for an existing client and will remain in Europe to be bred - there are plenty of very good stallions to breed to. She is a lovely mare, very pretty, and the foal is very encouraging. She is from one of the best families at Ballymacoll. That price was matched the very next lot when SMOULDER, the REDOUTE’S CHOICE half-sister to 1000 Guineas winner LEGATISSIMO, was knocked down to Lordship Stud’s Tom Harris for 550,000 guineas
WILLIE JOHN had impressed many with his victory on debut at Yarmouth and with a pedigree to drool over and Classic dreams very alive. It was no surprise to see the Tattersalls ring swell with potential suitors. Trainer Roger Varian secured him at 1,900,000 guineas. "He is for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid," said Varian. "He already has a Dubawi from the family and he identified this colt as one that he would like - we were very happy to do the steering.
At the conclusion of the 2018 Tattersalls February Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “Last year’s Tattersalls February Sale reached unprecedented levels for this fixture with turnover of more than double the record 2016 sale and an average price up 56%, so to surpass those figures is another phenomenal achievement, especially with a smaller catalogue.“
By Apurva Chavan, Racing Writer, apurva.chavan@secretariatsworld.com