Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Sale produced the highest price for a yearling in the world this year when the Galileo half-brother to G1 English Derby winner Authorized sold for 2.50 million guineas.

Agent David Redvers, acting on behalf of Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani, bough the colt who is also the third highest-priced yearling colt ever sold in Europe.  Sheikh Fahad, the young member of Qatar’s royal family, has invested heavily in bloodstock in recent years.

The third and final session of Book 1 saw a total of 139 lots sell for 20.06 million guineas, at an average of 144,349 guineas and a median of 85,000 guineas.

The sale topping colt is out of unraced mare Funsie (Saumarez) and he was the talk of the sale prior to his entry into the ring. As bidding rose past a million guineas, Coolmore Stud’s John Magnier and Redvers entered the fray.  They went head-to-head before Magnier finally waved the white flag.

“He’s the complete package and all the best judges were after him,” Redvers said.  “I’m just incredibly lucky to have the best, most enthusiastic but measured client in the business.  I truly believe that in the next five years we can go to some amazing places.”

Mandore International was next best on the leader-board buying a Galileo – Arkadina (Danehill) filly for 700,000 guineas.  The dam is a three-quarter sister to 2009 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Again (Danehill Dancer).

Magnier secured an Oasis Dream colt out of Galaxy Highflyer (Galileo) for 675,000 guineas.  His dam is a three-quarter sister to G1 winners Kayf Tara (Sadler’s Wells) and Opera House (Sadler’s Wells).

With 22 lots making 500,000gns or more in Book 1 compared to 9 last year, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony was quick to praise the vendors who sent the company the cream of the European yearling crop.

“Book 1 of the 2011 October Sale produced a remarkable set of results and it seems extraordinary that we have bettered those figures this week,” Mahony said.  “Tribute really must be paid to the vendors who have been rewarded by a truly cosmopolitan cast of buyers attracted to world-class yearlings and a sale with a reputation second to none for producing European classic and Group 1 winners.

Monday will mark the beginning of five consecutive days of selling at Park Paddocks, with Book 2 of the October Sale running until Thursday and Book 3 taking place on Friday.

Currency converter: 1,000gns = AUD 1,658