Doncaster Bloodstock’s St Leger Festival yearling sale returned figures on par with last year on Thursday evening.

The average of 9,966 pounds was down 680 pounds from the 2010 Festival Sale, however, the median (8,000 pounds) and clearance rate (67%) matched those from 12 months ago.

The sale was topped by a Sleeping Indian filly at 35,000 pounds.  Out of the Listed placed Vale Of Belvoir, the filly was consigned by Tweenhills Stud and was purchased by trainer Kevin Ryan.  “I love the sire and I love the filly,” Ryan said.  “She’s strong, correct and did everything right.”

Next on the leader board was the Bahamian Bounty colt from G3 winning mare Lady Dominatrix for 31,000 pounds.  He is a half brother to the Listed winner Janina and will be trained by John Gallagher.

‘The Festival Sale continued where last week’s Premier Sales left off with a solid trade for the good looking yearlings,” DBS Managing Director Henry Beeby said.  “But it’s fair to say this is an unforgiving market of any perceived faults, whether of pedigree or conformation.

“To record an identical clearance rate from a bigger number is an achievement in itself and the median has also held steady following a 33% rise last year.  The average was also quite acceptable when considering it jumped 30% last year.

“There is no doubt that both Doncaster yearling sales have started the Anglo/Irish circuit in a most positive fashion especially as the majority of the buyers have been home based.  In the current climate that must give rise to some very real optimism.”