Sceptre Session Lot 1891:
Desert Berry (Green Desert), the dam of this year's Epsom Derby winner Desert Crown, is bought by MV Magnier for 1,900,000gns. She was sold by Strawberry Fields Stud
"At the end of the day she has bred a Derby winner and from our point of view the Derby is everything, the most important stallion making race, the Holy Grail of racing.
"She has bred a Derby winner, is carrying a full-sibling to a Derby winner, she is a very good mare. We have no plans as yet, but there are a lot of stallions that we could pick, any of the sons of Galileo. There are plenty of options," said MV Magnier.
"I heard that Desert Crown is in good form and is going to run next year."
Gary Robinson of Strawberry Fields Stud, breeder of Desert Crown, said: "Merry Christmas! We are going to have a good party in a minute, job done! Definitely it is a problem losing one like that, but we have all the family behind – it is like losing a beautiful woman, they leave you but she has left me with her children!
"Everyone has done well from her, she has done well for us and the new owner can go on and create those family lines.
"She is a good mare and she will have a great home and great life, she has gone to proper home. They will look after her."
He laughed: "I did tell everyone that I would breed the Derby winner, and they did not listen. I told John Oxx, and he sent me a message saying that I had said so!"
At home Robinson has Desert Berry's daughter Rose Berry who is in-foal to Nathaniel, who is carrying a filly, and a full-brother yearling colt.
He said: "The full-brother is very similar to Desert Crown, spot on, same character. She is a good mare, she teaches that character, an individual. That is what we all want to see."
(18:22)
Sceptre Session Lot 1887:
La Petite Coco is bought by Wertheimer & Frere for 1 million guineas from Paddy Twomey's Athassel House Stud.
La Petite Coco is a daughter of Ruler Of The World and has won the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (G1), the Blandford Stakes (G2), the Give Thanks Stakes (G3) and finished third in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1) and fourth in the Blandford Stakes (G2)
The filly was bred by Bernd and Ute Schone who sold her to owner Team Valor after she finished fourth in a Naas maiden as a three-year-old.
It proved a good transaction for both sides of the party – next time out the filly won her first maiden before working up the ladder to Group 3 success in the Give Thanks Stakes at Cork.
Progress was then very straightforward – she won the Group 2 Blandford Stakes on her last start at three, beating the dual Classic winner Love, and her 1m2f Group 1 on her four-year-old debut. She went on to collect third in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks. It was one of the best European fillies’ races of the year – she finished third behind the subsequent Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Tuesday
She has a pedigree of the highest order, too, with five champions on the page, dam La Petite Virginia (Konigstiger), a half-sister to the German champion Lavirco, as well as the Group 2 winner Laveron and the Group 3 winner Lyonels Glory.
Her third dam La Dorada was a German champion two-year-old, and dam of the champion La Colrada, dam of Lomitas, a German champion three-year-old in 1991.
(17:17)
Sceptre Session Lot 1878:
the two-time Group 1 winner Saffron Beach is returning to her own stable tonight, she stays in training and goes back to Jane Chapple-Hyam purchased by Najd Stud for 3.6 million with the Saudi Cup her target.
"I am thrilled and very excited," said Chapple-Hyam. "It is a big honour, we have got a good winter to look forward. I think going around the ring she was waiting for the saddle, she was giving a few bops with her backend! She is in good order, she is tough, I believe she will get the 9f in Saudi, never know about the surface but we will give it a go."
The daughter of New Bay does have an entry at the upcoming Hong Kong International meeting, but that looks to be off the radar now.
"I think we will have a little rest and then build her up and get her ready," outlined Chapple-Hyam. "I will have to do a very good racecourse gallop with her, when I sent her to Dubai World Cup meeting, I felt that, although we ran fourth and went well, the ones who finished in front and had had a run, I am aware of that."
Saffron Beach had to be led up by two handlers, so much on a mission around the ring and in front of a packed sale ring. The bidding opened up at 500,000gns, and ended up to a battle between Badgers Bloodstock, who pulled up at 2.9 million, and the Northern Farm representatives and Najd Stud. The Japanese answer every bid very quickly and looked home and hosed at 3.5 million, but Najd Stud threw 3.6 million guineas bid causing Japan to walk away.
The filly has been such a superstar for trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam and her owners the Sangster family and James Wigan.
Wigan said: "She has been wonderful for us. She looked fantastic tonight, Jane always has her looking fantastic and has done a wonderful job with her. We are very sorry to see her go, we have had a lot of fun."
Saad Al Mishriff, representive of Najd Stud, said: "She is for the Saudi Cup, Inshallah she will go to the Saudi Cup, Inshallah she will win it! She has good breeding from the dam's side to act on the Dirt, and we like her physically. We thought she would not make that much. We will see about plans after."
The daughter of New Bay was bred by China Horse Club and the last time she saw a sales ring she was purchased at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 55,000gns by Norris Huntingdon.
Since then she has shown her talents on the racecourse. After winning her maiden on her debut she took the Oh So Sharp Stakes (G3) on her second career start.
At three she ran second to Mother Earth in the 1,000 Guineas beaten a length. After failing to stay the Oaks distance at Epsom and a below-par effort in the Falmouth Stakes she bounced back to winning ways in the Atalanta Stakes (G3) before gaining her revenge on Mother Earth when an impressive 3l winner of the Sun Chariot (G1).
At four, she has won the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (G2) under her Group 1 penalty, collected at the highest level again in the Prix Rothschild and then finished 3l behind Pearls Galore in the Matron Stakes.
Out of the Raven’s Pass mare Falling Petals, she is a grand-daughter of the Listed-placed Infinite Spirit, the dam of the Group 3 Criterion Stakes winner and Middle Park (G1) third-placed Huntdown. She is grand-dam of Cotai Glory, winner of the World Trophy (G3) and placed second in the King’s Stand Stakes (G1) and third in the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).
Third dam Eternal Reve was a Coronation Stakes (G1) runner-up.
(17:05)
Sceptre Session Lot 1874:
Gan Teorainn, by Saxon Warrior, runner-up in the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) and fourth placed in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (G1), is heading to Australi for a racing and breeding partnership, bought by Michael Donohue of BBA Ireland.
"She is a big two-year-old what she did for a big filly was extraordinary," said Donohue. "She vetted very well, and she can have a bit of time to acclimatise and we can decide on a trainer. We will play by ear, Saxon Warrior we feel has the making of a top class Classic-type sire. He has had a lot of backend maiden winners and those maidens are hard to win. She will be a nice miler or 1m2f filly, she has a pedigree to improve as she goes further."
He added: "The Australian market is very strong and it is very important to the industry in England, Ireland and Europe, the racing and prize-money is so strong. Wit the prize-money levels where it is in the UK, the market it important to breeders and sellers"
(17:00)
Sceptre Session Lot 1868:
High Heels joins BBA Ireland's purchase list – the daughter of Galileo bought for 575,000gns.
Sold by The Castlebridge Consignment, the Group 3 Munster Oaks winner is in-foal on a March 10th service to Siyouni.
She is a daughter of the Listed placed Charlotte Bronte (Danehill Dancer) and from the family of the Australian Group 1-placed Whispering Brook, the Group 1 filly Pas De Response and the French star miler. Classic winner and stallion Green Tune.
BBA Ireland also purchased Lot
1860 — Rumbles Of Thunder, the Group 3 winner by Night Of Thunder, a great grand-daughter of the three-time Grade 1 winner White Star Line. She was sold by trainer Paddy Twomey's Athassel House Stud.
(16:04)
Sceptre Session Lot 1864:
James Wigan, who will be involved in the sale of Saffron Beach as part-owner later in this Sceptre Session, buys Waldfabel (Frankel) for 425,000gns.
Sold by Newsells Park Stud, she was a winner at three and is from the very best immediate family – she is a half-sister to the 2011 champion European three-year-old stayer Masked Marvel and to Waldlerche, the dam of Waldgeist, the 2019 European champion older horse and winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Second dam Wurftaube was a champion in Germany in 1996 and 1997.
(15:58)
Sceptre Session Lot 1857:
a first strike today for Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm... the Japanese stud goes to 600,000gns for the Camelot filly King's Harlequin. She is a Group 3 winner of the Prix d'Aumale and placed in the Group 2 Prix du Calvados.
The four-year-old filly was bred by Sir Edmund Loder, who sold her as a yearling, and she is from the long-held family of the champion Marwell (third dam), the dual European champion filly Marling and was sold by ELiTE Sales.
Northern Farm's spokesperson Shingo Hashimoto said: "She is a lovely filly, she looked great, she raced very well since a two-year-old. She goes straight to stud, we don't have a stallion in mind yet. We don't have many by Camelot, I think it is just one so far."
Of the Sceptre Session, he laughed: "It will make the prices go up! But I think it is a good thing in general, will help with marketing and awareness of this business."
(15:43)
Sceptre Session Lot 1855:
the first in for today's Sceptre Session is bought by Jill Lamb Bloodstock for Newsells Park Stud. Maurimo, by Kingman and a half-sister to the Group 1 winner Star Catcher and the Grade 1 winner Cannock Chase, bred and sold by Hascombe and Valiant Studs, cost 560,000gns.
"She is a very nice mare, we loved her physically, she has got a first foal on the ground by Sea The Stars, she is very very nice and there is lots going on in the family, she has three half-sister and there are having good coverings," said Lamb. "She is in-foal to Lope De Vega and carrying a filly. We are really pleased."
(15:35)
Lot 1827:
our first today to fetch over half a millions guineas is Shomooly, a 2019 mare by Frankel and in-foal to No Nay Never. She was sold by The Castlebridge Consignment for 580,000gns.
She is unraced but is a half-sister to the Prix du Petit Couvert (G3) winner Tantheem and to the dam of Facteur Cheval (Ribchester), winner of the Prix Perth (G3) since the catalogue was published.
She was bought by BBA Ireland.
(14:26)
Just 28 lots
to go until today's Sceptre Session.
(13:59)
Lot 1816:
Thar She Blows, the Zoffany sister to this year's Group 1 winner Prosperous Voyage, makes 400,000gns, to a late bid by Plantation Stud.
The pair are half-sisters to Romaneque, who has been Listed placed in Australia, while the two-year-old half-brother Tenerife by No Nay Never is in training at Ballydoyle. He was purchased by Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock for 450,000gns at the Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling sale in 2021.
The unraced Thar She Blows is in-foal to No Nay Never on a February covering date
(13:55)
Lot 1795:
Golden Spell, whose Kameko foal sold last week for 145,000gns (Lot 1077), makes 300,000gns today, Oak Grove Stud adding the daughter of Al Kazeem to the broodmare band at the John Deer's Chepstow farm.
Six-times placed at Listed level, and once in a Group 3 when fourth in the Silver Flash Stakes, Golden Spell is out of a half-sister to the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) winner Bronze Cannon, the King Edward II Stakes (G2) winner Across The Stars and Valiant Girl, who won the Grade 3 My Charmer Handicap.
(13:11)
Lot 1719:
it is also a third purchase this week for Hurworth Bloodstock, Sam Haggas going to 175,000gns for the WH Bloodstock-consigned unraced two-year-old filly Capture The Heart, who is by Sea The Stars.
She is out of Amazone (Adlerflug), the dam of two Listed-winning fillies, and a grand-daughter of Amarette, winner of the Preis der Diane (G1) and grand-dam of Alson, who won the Criterium International (G1).
Amarette is also an own-sister to Arras, who was placed third in the Prix du Jockey-Club (G1).
(12:01)
Lot 1732:
the Tweenhills Farm & Stud-offered Sunstrike, a Yeomanstown Stud-bred 2019 mare by Dark Angel and not in-foal, is bought by John Ferguson on behalf of Natalma for 240,000gns.
Sunstrike won as a two-year-old and was placed third in the Star Stakes (L) and fourth in the Sweet Solera Stakes (G3).
Her dam Extricate has produced a further two black-type Listed winners – Queen Of Love (Kingman) and Dark Liberty, a full-sister to Sunstrike.
Third dam Splice won and was placed in the Abernant Stakes (L) and was third in the King George Stakes (G3). She is dam of the champion two-year-old filly Soar, who win the Lowther Stakes (G2) and the Princess Margaret Stakes (G3).
It is a third purchase so far this week for Natalma.
(11:50)
Today's withdrawals:
1683, 1690, 1693, 1698, 1705, 1708, 1709, 1718, 1722, 1729, 1735, 1737, 1740, 1756, 1757, 1760, 1761, 1763, 1764, 1766, 1767, 1776, 1777, 1783, 1785, 1797, 1799, 1800, 1803, 1808, 1820, 1832, 1835, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1854, 1861, 1865, 1867, 1877, 1894, 1895, 1907, 1913, 1922, 1928, 1930, 1933, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1946, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1968
(09:23)
After superb
day's trade yesterday, producing a turnover of over 22 million guineas and an exciting first-ever Sceptre Session, today's D2 session of the December Mares Sale starts at 9.30am.
Today's Sceptre Session due to start at around 3.00pm
(09:23)
December Mares Sale D1 statistics:
+ / - % compared with 2021
Lots catalogued: 314 (317)
Lots offered: 271 (276)
Lots sold: 221 (232)
Aggregate: 22,090,500gns (+45%)
Median: 55,000gns (+38%)
Average: 99,957gns (+52%)
% sold: 82% (84%)
Leading consignors (by agg, cumulative): 1. The Castlebridge Consignment, 2. New England Stud, 3. Godolphin
Leading purchasers (by agg, cumulative): 1. BBA Ireland, 2. Jill lamb Bloodstock, 3. C Gordon Watson Bloodstock
Leading sires (by agg): 1. Dubawi, 2. Galileo, 3. Frankel
Leading sires (by av, 2+ sold): 1. Gleneagles, 2. Camelot, 3. Holy Roman Emperor
Top five
1. Lot
1622: Archangel Gabriel (USA) 2013 B.M. >> Norris Bloodstock >> Hunscote Stud >> 800,000gns
2. Lot
1618: Crystal Zvezda (GB) 2012 Ch.M. >> New England Stud >> Stroud Coleman Bloodstock >> 775,000gns
3. Lot
1612: Innevera (FR) 2014 B.M. >> Fittocks Stud >> Jill Lamb Bloodstock >> 750,000gns
4. Lot
1617: Waila (GB) 2010 Ch.M. >> New England Stud >> BBA Ireland >> 550,000gns
5. Lot
1615: Ulster Blackwater (IRE) 2018 B.M. >> The Castlebridge Consignment BBA Ireland >> 470,000gns
(21:56)
Sceptre Session Lot 1622:
Archangel Gabriel (Arch), the own sister to the Grade 1 winner Prince Arch and half-sister to the Group 1 winner Kingsfort, makes 800,000gns, The dam of the Group 3 winner Ville De Grace (Le Havre) was consigned by Norris Bloodstock to dissolve a partnership, the mare owned by Hunscote Stud and Chris Humber.
"We were one of the partners so obviously we were paying 50p in the pound," said successful purchaser Andy Lloyd of Hunscote Stud. "She is a gorgeous mare, you don't get many chances and we had one. I think she is decent buy for us on what she has bred. She has got a good cover and the family is very active, very lucky to keep her.
"Her progeny have made multiple times six figures, so we will see what the St Mark's Basilica brings in March. We have no plans as yet for the spring, you don't make plans unless you've got something – now we have got her we can make a plan."
The mare's foals who have sold at Tattersalls as yearlings have fetched 350,000gns (2019 King Of York by Kingman) and 325,000gns (2020 Foederato by Saxon Warrior).
She has a colt by Saxon Warrior this spring.
(19:50)
Sceptre Session Lot 1619:
Crystal Hope (Nathaniel) is bought by Kern/Lillingston Association for 330,000gns and Luke Lillingston was thrilled with the purchase – and he is already well acquainted with the daughter of Nathaniel.
"I know the mare well because she has boarded with us at Mount Coote for three years when she has visited Starspangledbanner," recalled Lillingston. "She is a very nice mare, and her foal I thought was one of the best foals of last week [Lot 1000]. He is a fantastic athlete.
"Nathaniel is very exciting as a broodmare sire, and she is a relatively young mare at only seven. She stays in England."
Of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild Lillingston recalled: "My father was great friends with Sir Evelyn, and both Peter [Stanley] and I have been helping him for a long time. He and his sister Renee Robson were both wonderful.
"He really was great man – a huge enthusiast. It was lovely that he had so much fun with Crystal Ocean latterly, I remember seeing him at Ascot, he must have been 88 years of age, but when the horse was going from the pre-parade ring to the paddock, he was moving as well as anyone! It was lovely."
(19:49)
Sceptre Session Lot 1618:
the Listed winner Crystal Zvezda by Dubawi is bought by Stroud Coleman for 775,000gns. She is dam of the Listed-placed Crystal Caprice and a half-sister to the champion Crystal Ocean, Hillstar, Crystal Capella and Crystal Etoile, the dam of the recent Group 3 placed Crystal Pegasus.
Consignor Peter Stanley of New England Stud said: "They are lovely, lovey mares from Southcourt. I am so sad those lovely ladies leave us, they are gorgeous mares, each one is a queen. It is not often that you see such a beautiful group of mares together, each one athletic, every one with depth and substance and bone, just gorgeous.
"I think the testament was the four foals who sold so well last week, they showed the type of horses that they are breeding. You can't complain at the prices, but it is terribly sad that it is not to be any longer and things coming to an end."
Stanley added: "Evelyn and Renee loved it, they talked about it. They would be both very proud of what has happened. They will look down and smile. The children are not racing fanatics, but they do have a sense of the history for their father and I think they have been very moved by the whole thing.
"Sir Michael Stoute knew those families inside out – and the sky is now the limit for Infinite Cosmos [2020 Sea The Stars daughter of Lot
1617], Crystal Caprice, daughter of this mare is stakes placed, and they both have the capabilities of adding to the Rothschild legacy."
Purchaser Anthony Stroud said: "She is a beautiful mare from a very good breeder. Crystal Caprice is very highly regarded – you will see her tomorrow [Lot 1895]. This mare has been bought for a long established client who is looking for some very good mares, she stays in England.
"It is a fine pedigree developed by Sir Evelyn, but also shows what Sir Michael Stoute has done for the family and the pedigree, too. He has produced all these horses with his patient approach."
(19:48)
Sceptre Session Lot 1615:
the Camelot mare Ulster Blackwater, sold by The Castlebridge Consignment, is bought by BBA Ireland for 470,000gns.
She is in-foal to Siyouni on a last service date of April 14.
The four-year-old mare, won once as a three-year-old, is out of the Listed winner Silver Rain (Rainbow Quest) and is a half-sister to the Liisted winner and Group 3-placed Baahama, dam of two Group 3 winners.
Third dam Gold River was a Group 1 winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Prix Cadran and the Prix Royal-Oak, and dam of a Group 1 winner in Riviere D'Or, grand-dam of the star racemare Goldikova, the winner of 14 Group and Grade 1 races
(19:43)
Sceptre Session Lot 1614:
Waila, by Notnowcato and from the dispersal of Southcourt Stud, sold by New England Stud, sells for 550,000gns, bought by BBA Ireland.
Purchaser Adrian Nichol said: "Her Sea The Stars foal made 400,000gns last week, the two-year-old Infinite Cosmos is supposed to be very good, she is a lovely looking mare, she is a stakes winner – I am very happy!
"She is going to Ireland and for a partnership. We have not decided what we are going to do yet as regards stallions. She is a lovely mare and a great reflection of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild's breeding programme, she is one of the picks of the day."
(19:42)
Sceptre Session Lot 1612:
Innevera goes to Jill Lamb Bloodstock buying with Graham Smith-Bernal for 750,000gns.
The Motivator mare already bred the Listed winner and Group 3 -placed Ottoman Fleet (Sea The Stars), winner of the Listed James Seymour Stakes, since the catalogue was published. She is in-foal to Zarak on a March cover and was sold today by Fittocks Stud.
"We are really pleased to get her, she was our main pick for today, " said Lamb. "She is a lovely individual, her first foal is very highly rated and now on a mark of 115, and I loved her Le Havre yearling who I saw – she was bought here by David Redvers for 350,000gns, she was a beauty. She is going to Ralph Beckett so is in safe hands.
"We liked the Zarak cover, too."
Lamb added: "We have no stallions in mind at the moment, she is a complete outcross."
Innevera is a half-sister to the 2002 champion European older miler Keltos and four further black-type winners.
(19:12)
Lot 1597:
online strikes again... Star Snap (Galileo) from the Juddmonte draft makes 300,000gns to the computer bidder, revealed once again as BBA Ireland.
Star Snap is out of Hot Snap (Pivotal), winner of the Nell Gwyn Stakes (G3), second in the Blandford Stakes (G2) and third placed in the Nassau Stakes (G1).
The pedigree is one of the best in the Juddmonte stud book – second dam Midsummer is dam of the champion older mare Midday, who is now the dam of the dual Group 3 winner Midterm and the Listed winners Mori and Noon Star.
Third dam Modena produced the dual Group 1 winner Elmaamul, the 1996 champion juvenile filly Reams of Verse, as well as three further Group race winners.
(18:19)
Lot 1594:
sold by John Troy, Divine Herald, by Frankel and out of the Cheveley Park Stud's Falmouth and Matron Stakes (G1) runner-up Heaven Sent (Pivotal), makes 380,000gns to an online bid from BBA Ireland.
Divine Herald is an own-sister to Seven Heavens, who was placed in the Listed Surrey Stakes and the King Charles II Stakes, and she was sold in-foal to No Nay Never. She had a colt by Dutch Art in the spring, her first foal.
Heaven Sent is an own-sister to the Yellow Ribbon Stakes (G1), John C Mabee Handicap (G1) winner and multiple graded race winner and placed filly Megahertz.
Divine Herald was bought at the July Sale 2021 for 100,000gns by Cormac McCormack.
(18:06)
Lot 1592:
Sacred Rhyme, offered in foal to New Bay by Ballylinch Stud, makes 160,000gns.
She is in-foal for the first time having collected two Listed third placings in the Beckford Stakes and the Salsabil Stakes for trainer Jessica Harrington through the 2021 season.
She is out of the Singspiel mare Singing Field, bred by Ballyreddin Stud & Lope De Vega Synd, and is a half-sister to the Grade 2 winner Herboriste and the Grade 1-placed Fast And Furious.
(17:59)
Lot 1580:
Plantation Stud / Margaret O'Toole invest 255,000gns in the Galileo mare Roses Are Red, a daughter of the three-time winner Keenes Royale (Red Ransom).
She is a half-sister to Ivawood, winner of the Richmond Stakes (G2) and the July Stakes (G2), runner-up in the Middle Park Stakes (G1) and third in the 2,000 Guineas (G1), the Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1) and the Greenham Stakes (G3).
Second dam is the Prix de l'Opera (G1) winner Kinnaird, the dam of black-type winners Berkshire, Abdon and the Group 3 March Stakes placed Frankel gelding Ben Vrackie.
New England Stud was responsible for consigning the mare, who is in-foal to Wootton Bassett.
(17:32)
Lot 1563:
the Godolphin draft continues to attract the buyers... Sunset Wish (Shamardal) is bought by Yeomanstown Stud for 185,000gns.
She is out of the Unfuwain mare Lailani, winner of seven races, including the Irish Oaks (G1), the Nassau Stakes (G1) and the Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (G1) and dam of three black-type performers.
Sunset Wish was sold with a covering to Masar on February 24.
(17:03)
Lot 1561:
Fireglow from the Godolphin draft is bought by John Warren, signing under the Highclere Stud banner, for 150,000gns.
A winner of four races, including the Montrose Stakes (L), the Star Stakes (L) and placed second in the Musidora Stakes (G3), the Sweet Solera (G3) and the Prestige Stakes (G3), she also collected a fourth spot in the 1,000 Guineas (G1).
She is out of the dual Group 1 winner Fading Light and from the family of the Group 1 winners Wonderful Tonight and Camelot.
Fireglow was sold with a cover to Persian King on February 20.
(16:49)
Lot 1551 :
Kenspeckle (Dubawi) goes to Avenue Bloodstock for 170,000gns.
She is out of the Group 2 winner Khawlah (Cape Cross) and is a half-sister to Masar, Darley stallion and winner of the Epsom Derby (G1) and third placed in the 2,000 Guineas.
Kenspeckle, who is an own-sister to the Group 2 placed Sayyida, was covered by Frankel in the spring but believed not to be in-foal.
Third dam is Mekikah, runner-up in the Irish Oaks (G1), and a daughter of Urban Sea.
(16:40)
Lot 1535:
"She is for Lucky Vega," reported Michael Donohoe after spending 330,000gns on Violante (Kingmambo) from Godolphin. "They don't make Kingmambo mares any more, we bought her half-sister last week – it is a great family and there are not many young Kingmambo mares left."
He added: "I believe the Kingman and the Frankel out of her are nice, the reports are quite good. She should physically suit Lucky Vega and we think the nick of Mr Prospector will work on Lucky Vega."
Lucky Vega, owned by Mr Zhang Yuesheng, won the Phoenix Stakes (G1) and was runner-up in the Middle Park Stakes (G1) and the St James's Palace Stakes (G1), and third in the 2,000 Guineas. He is by Lope De Vega and stands at the Irish National Stud. Next spring will be his second season at stud.
Violante has had eight foals – her 2015 gelding by New Approach is the Group 3 Prix Messidor winner Impulsif. In 2020, she had a filly by Frankel, in 2021 a colt by Kingman and this year a colt by Frankel.
Donohoe's words "it is a great family" is bit of an understatement – Violante is out of the Group 3 winner Allez Les Trois (Riverman), and is the dam of three black-type winners, headed by the Group 1 Prix Jockey Club Anabaa Blue. She is grand-dam of Tamayuz and Santiago.
Second dam is Allegretta, dam of nine winners headlined by the wonderful Urban Sea, the European champion older mare of 1993, winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and dam of Galileo, Sea The Stars, Black Sam Bellamy, My Typhoon, Born Too Sea, Melikah, Cherry Hinton, All Too Beautiful and Urban Ocean.
(15:55)
Lot 1522:
Mumbai, who is out of the Group 3 winner Middle Club (Fantastic Light) and a great-grand-daughter of Anna Paola, a champion two and three-year-old in Germany in 1980 and 1981, is bought by Charlie Gordon-Watson for 210,000gns. She was sold by The Castlebridge Consignment.
The four-year-old by Frankel is unraced, and is carrying her first pregnancy to New Bay on a February cover.
Billesdon Brook, Ave, Anna Monda, Helmet and Epaulette are the five Group 1 winners on the page.
(15:02)
Lot 1518:
Birdie Num Num, the Siyouni daughter of the Listed winner Mischief Making and a half-sister to Horseplay, winner of the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks, and to the Listed winner More Mischief, is bought for 220,000gns. She is believed to be not in-foal.
She is a grand-daughter of Fraulein (Acatenango), winner of the E P Taylor Stakes (G1), and was sold by WH Bloodstock to Jill Lamb Bloodstock.
(14:55)
Lot 1497:
Magical Fire, who boasts Group 2-placed form in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (G2), and is well-related with the multiple Group race winner and Group - placed performer Hawksmoor and Royal Dornach, winner of the Royal Lodge Stakes (G2), as half-siblings, sells for 200,000gns after the bidding opened up at 100,000gns. She was bought by PE Equine Management sold by Baroda Stud.
She is in-foal to Sea The Moon, and has had one runner so far – Hedwig, the winner of two races.
(14:05)
Lot 1453:
John O'Connor of Ballylinch Stud makes a second early purchase today going to 170,000gns for Fiery Sunset (Galileo)/ O'Connor mentioned early today that if he buys an older mare he likes if they have produced more than one stakes performer... he has to slightly break his rules for this mare, as Fiery Sunset is the dam of just one – her second foal Evening Sun (Muhaarar) the winner of four races, including the San Francisco Mile Stakes (G3).
However, by this time next year, Fiery Sunset could be the dam of that second stakes horse – her two-year-old of this year, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Circle Of Fire (Almanzor), an impressive winner on his second start when winning a novice over a mile at Salisbury.
John Warren said after the victory: "He is big and impressive physically and for his size and scope Sir Michael has been seeing something at home. He had a nice introduction, partly because he wasn't so quick out of the stalls when he started. The penny dropped, he got into gear and Ryan was impressed. He's a nice horse for the future, he looks as though he's got exciting potential."
Circle Of Fire, who holds a 2023 Derby entry, was one of The Queen's last winners – he won at Salisbury on September 1, the last winner she had was the Clive Cox-trained Love Affairs who won at Goodwood on Tuesday, September 6.
(13:53)
Lot 1451:
John Ferguson buys for the investment team of Natalma Bloodstock going to 150,000gns for Intelligentsia, a 2019 daughter of Exceed And Excel.
The filly was sold by The Royal Studs, and was the winner of one race as a two-year-old in 2021 over 6f. She is a half-sister to Ideal Beauty (Invincible Spirit), winner of the Group 3 Prix de Saint Georges, and their dam Discernable won the Listed Prix Six Perfections.
The extended family finds its way to the Coronation Cup (G1) winner Lupe, and the champions Loup Sauvage and Loup Solitaire.
(13:07)
Lot 1418:
Royal Ffanci is bought by Ballylinch Stud for 190,000gns.
She is a 2011 mare by Royal Applause, out of Madamoiselle Jones (Emperor Jones), the dam of Dam's Dream, a Cityscape winner of the Fred Darling Stakes (G3), and Caernarfon, also by Cityscape and Listed placed and a Listed winner since the catalogue was published.
Tiriana, second dam of Royal Ffanci, is the dam of Penkenna Princess, another winner of the Fred Darling, and a runner-up in the Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1).
It was another successful sale this morning for Furnace Mill Stud on behalf of Hunscote Stud.
"She has been bought for one of the Ballylinch stallions," said buyer John O'Connor of Ballylinch. "I love a mare who can produce more than one stakes horse, and Caernarfon looked quite impressive in his win in the Montrose Stakes, he looks as though he could on again next season.
"I liked her physically, she is quite a neat mare. The breeder has also retained a couple of fillies out of the mare."
(11:32)
Lot 1404:
Country Carnival by Mayson and out of Rural Celebration (Pastoral Pursuits) is the first Tattersalls purchase signed by Howson & Houldsworth Bloodstock / State Of Rest Partnership, the new Rathbarry stallion by Starspangledbanner and the winner of four Group and Grade 1 races.
Country Carnival, who cost 70,000gns, won twice at two and three and finished third in the Listed Marygate Stakes at York.
(11:15)
Lot 1403:
Soul Queen, the first mare in this week by Galileo, is bought by Sam Haggas of Hurworth Bloodstock for 135,000gns. She was bred by Sir Robert Ogden out of Amazing Maria (Mastercraftsman), winner of the Falmouth Stakes (G1) and the Prix Rothschild (G1)
She was sold by Barton Sales.
(10:43)
Lot 1390:
we have our first six-figure lot this week... Heavenly Holly (Shamardal) sold by Furnace Mill Stud for Hunscote Stud makes 100,000gns. The three-time winner, placed in the Listed Cecil Frail Stakes, is in-foal to Oasis Dream on a June 3 cover.
She had a colt foal by Sottsass this spring and was bought by Suzanne Roberts / Deerpark Stud.
(10:18)
Today's withdrawals:
1385, 1395, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1408, 1419, 1429, 1430, 1432, 1436, 1463, 1464, 1465, 1466, 1469, 1472, 1475, 1491, 1501, 1519, 1520, 1566, 1588, 1601, 1603, 1604, 1621, 1633, 1638, 1641, 1644, 1656, 1657, 1666, 1668, 1670, 1676, 1678, 1682
(08:39)
Good morning
and welcome to Day 1 of the December Mares Sale, featuring the first-ever Sceptre Session later this afternoon Lot
1610 - Lot
1638 Selling starts at 9.30am
(08:37)
Tattersalls December Foal Sale
Chairman's statement:
At the conclusion of the 2022 Tattersalls December Foal Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented:
“Strong yearling sales will always drive demand for foals and the extraordinary strength of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales has been followed by a Tattersalls December Foal Sale, which has achieved significant increases in average and median as well as a record turnover in excess of 35 million guineas.
"The cream of the British and Irish foal crop has been assembled here at Park Paddocks and buyers at every level of the market and from throughout the world have all contributed to yet another record breaking sale in a year of extraordinary sales at Tattersalls.
“To see so many British and Irish breeders rewarded so handsomely this week reflects the quality of the stock which they have brought to the market and we should thank the consignors for their confidence in the Tattersalls December Foal Sale which consistently showcases the finest foals to be found in Europe.
"The buyers, whether looking to race or to pinhook, know that the Tattersalls December Foal Sale will satisfy every possible requirement and the competition for quality foals has been unrelenting. In addition to Whitsbury Manor Stud’s outstanding one million guineas sale-topping KINGMAN filly, the sale has produced the four highest-priced foals in Europe and a record-equalling 27 foals sold for 200,000 guineas or more, all of which has demonstrated the sustained appetite for the best European bloodstock which has been so evident at every Tattersalls sale in 2022.
“While the December Foal Sale is always dominated by the tireless and loyal British and Irish pinhookers, their European counterparts have also made their presence felt, as have a significant number of the world’s leading owners who recognise the December Foal Sale as a consistent source of Classic and Group 1 performers.
"It is no coincidence that the connections of the Group 1-winning two-year-olds BLACKBEARD and CHALDEAN, both bought at the 2020 December Foal Sale, have again targeted this sale and international buyers from America, China, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Switzerland and from throughout the Gulf region have also made significant contributions, particularly at the top of the market.
“The international influence will without doubt be even stronger as we move on to the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, which starts on Monday and features the inaugural Sceptre Sessions for elite fillies and broodmares. We have an exceptional catalogue which includes some of the best race fillies and mares to be offered at public auction for many a year and we look forward to ending the Tattersalls year on a high note."
(18:00)
December Foal Sale statistics:
+ / - % compared with 2021
Lots catalogued: 1,173 (1,072)
Lots offered: 983 (906)
Lots sold: 744 (734)
Aggregate: 35,255,050gns (+13%)**
Median: 26,000gns (+4%)**
Average: 47,386gns (+12%) **
% sold: 76% (83%)
Nos 300,000gns+: 14
Nos 200,000gn+: 27
Leading consignors (by agg, cumulative): 1. Whitsbury Manor Stud, 2. Tweenhills Farm & Stud, 3. New England Stud
Leading purchasers (by agg, cumulative): 1. Juddmonte Farms, 2. Yeomanstown Stud, 3. Shadwell Estate Company
Leading sires (by agg): 1. Frankel, 2. Lope De Vega, 3. Kingman
Leading sires (by av, 2+ sold): 1. Kingman, 2. Frankel, 3. Lope De Vega
The top five
1. Lot
1025: Kingman (GB) / Suelita (GB) B.F. (GB) >> Whitsbury Manor Stud >> Juddmonte Farms >> 1,000,000gns
2. Lot
1063: Frankel (GB) / Sunny Again (GB) B.F. (IRE) >> Mount Coote Stud, Ireland >> Moyglare Stud >> 550,000gns
3. Lot
1041: Frankel (GB) / Awesometank (GB) B.F. (GB) >> Heatherwold Stud >> Juddmonte Farms >> 500,000gns
4. Lot
928: Lope de Vega (IRE) / Poet's Vanity (GB) B.F. (GB) >> Langton Stud >> Juddmonte Farms >> 500,000gns
5. Lot
1056: Frankel (GB) / Mrs Gallagher (GB) B.F. (GB) >> New England Stud >> Sumbe >> 425,000gns
** record
(17:39)
December Foal Sale D4 statistics:
+/- % compared to 2021
Lots catalogued: 254 (223)
Lots offered: 213 (198)
Lots sold: 150 (145)
Aggregate: 2,567,750gns (+7%)
Median: 12,000gns (+20%)
Average: 17,118gns (+3%)
% sold: 70% (73%)
The top five
1. Lot
1222: Mohaather (GB) / Time of Change (IRE) B.C. (GB) >> Barton Stud >> Shadwell Estate Company >> 110,000gns
2. Lot
1250: Masar (IRE) / Hawaafez (GB) B.C. (GB)UPDATE Overbury Stud >> Yeomanstown Stud >> 110,000gns
3. Lot
1182: Sergei Prokofiev (CAN) / Hadeeya (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Kirtlington Stud >> Camas Park Stud >> 70,000gns
4. Lot
1231: Havana Grey (GB) / Highly Dancer (IRE) Ch.F. (GB) >> Houghton Bloodstock >> Drummond Bloodstock >> 70,000gns
5. Lot
1148: Mohaather (GB) / Muaamara (GB) B.F. (GB) UPDATE >> Barton Stud >> Tally-Ho Stud >> 68,000gns
(17:56)
We have a record-breaking
aggregate for the December Foal Sale, the week's turnover of 35,255,050gns bettering the previous best of 34,924,757gns set in 2018. The figure is a 12 per cent improvement on turnover of 2021.
The week has also set a record median of 26,000gns and record average 47,386gns.
(17:43)
Lot 1316:
Hinting ran twice in France and failed to secure even a placing. Her mother Innuendo (Caerleon) was a better racemare – she won a Grade 2 and Grade 3 in the US, finished third in the EP Taylor Stakes (G1) and was placed in Group races in France. She has produced six winners, including Criticism, who is a Grade 2 winner and a multiple graded race performer with a second placing in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl Invitational amongst her achievements. She is dam of Magical Touch
Third dam Infamy won the Grade 1 Rothman's Invitational Stakes at Woodbine, the Group 2 Sun Chariot Stakes and the Gordon Richard Stakes (G3). She is quite the successful broodmare producer of the multiple Group and graded winner Moon Queen, the Group 3 winner Barafamy and Rostropovich, winner of the Saval Beg Stakes (L).
Hinting was bred by Godolphin and was bought by Jill Lamb Bloodstock for 28,000gns at the July Horses in Training Sale 2020. Her first foal is by
Harry Angel, was sold by Stringston Farm to Redgate Bloodstock for 46,000gns.
(17:00)