The 2011 Tattersalls December foal sale delivered major advances on last year by the time it finished in Newmarket on Friday night.
The foal section of the sale reached 23,86 million guineas and the 35,880 guineas average was up 15%.
“The figures are an amazing tribute to the resilience and professionalism of the bloodstock industry,” Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said. “Breeders have responded to the challenges of the prevailing economic climate by reducing numbers and concentrating on quality.
“Matching supply with demand is the key for so many industries and this week’s competitive foal trade suggests that real progress has been made.”
Trade built up as the four sessions progressed during the week. A Kyllachy colt topped Day 1 with a colt out of the Selkirk mare Fine Lady making 55,000gns.
Top lot on Day 2 was the Acclamation colt out of the Key Of Luck mare Key Girl. He was knocked down to John Ferguson for 150,000gns.
Sea The Stars was expected to provide plenty of highlights on Day 3 and they did not disappoint. The star turn of his draft was the filly out of the Rahy mare Ecoutila who was knocked down to Shadwell Estates for 450,000gns. She is a half-sister to this year’s G3 winner Surfrider as well as the Listed winner Enticement.
Darley agent Ferguson was back in action on Day 4 buying a Teofilo colt out of Stairway to Glory (Kalanisi) for 220,000gns. He is from a half-sister to G1 Irish Oaks winner Shawanda (Sinndar).
“Teofilo has made a great start, and we were delighted to see this colt, because he’s such a good-looking, athletic individual,” Ferguson said. “Sheikh Mohammed owns Shawanda and her two-year-old Encke (Kingmambo) is a really exciting prospect and could be a really important part of the Godolphin barn next season.”
The breeding stock portion of Tattersalls begins on Monday, November 28 and runs through to Thursday.