Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Sale brought Europe’s premier yearling auction to a close on Saturday and, not the for the first time, Darley shuttler Iffraaj finished on top of the day’s trade.

Sheikh Mohammed paid a total of 310,000 guineas for two Iffraaj colts that dominated last Monday’s session of Book 2.  The leading first-season sire was popular again during last Thursday’s session of Book 3 when one of his colts topped proceedings at 82,000 guineas.

Saturday’s final session saw an Iffraaj filly from Rathasker Stud knocked down to BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe for 46,000 guineas.  She is out of the winning Danehill mare Quaich and is a half-sister to recent maiden winner Matula (Halling).

Tattersalls Books 2 and 3 saw 969 lots sell for 24.08 million guineas at an average of 24,855 guineas.  Last year’s combined average was 25,564 guineas.

“Books 2 and 3 accommodated more yearlings than ever before and the numbers have had an adverse impact on the clearance rate,” Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said.  “It remains true, however, that demand for quality, commercial yearlings has been sustained throughout the week and it was encouraging to see leading buyers active to the very end of the sale.

“The huge numbers have been challenging for all concerned, but looking ahead, figures from the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association suggest a drop in the combined 2010 British and Irish foal crops of around 25%.  That will make the task of managing the numbers more straightforward next year.”