Significant increases at the Ascot August Sale

This year's Tattersalls Ireland Ascot August Sale witnessed significant increases and strong demand throughout the entire sale. Rises in the average of 32% to £6,970 and median of 100% to £4,000 resulted in an increased aggregate of £585,500 (+30%) and a healthy clearance rate of 84% (+17%).

The highlight of the sale was offered by the day’s leading consignor Godolphin. Hersigh, a filly by Poet’s Voice with two wins on her CV and boasting a black-type pedigree being a half-sister to Listed winner ENNAADD and out of Listed winner ZAYN ZEN, fetched the top price when knocked down to Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland for £52,000. The Godolphin consignments are a popular addition to the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot Sales, and today’s draft accumulated £232,800 for the 19 strong lots offered.

Agent Aidan ‘Mouse’ O’Ryan and trainer Gordon Elliott teamed up to buy four lots at the Ascot August Sale. £32,000 was the price for Lot 103, Rakhine State, an Arakan four-year-old who was placed 3^rd in a bumper on his only start under the guidance of trainer Ross O’Sullivan. Earlier in the day, O’Ryan and Elliott secured Lot 55, Commentariolus, a well-bred colt by Frankel consigned by Ecurie. P.Bary for £30,000. The career path intended for Commentariolus is Juvenile Hurdling, possibly making him the first of Frankel’s offspring to be seen in the National Hunt ranks.

The third highest price was paid for the Presenting gelding Arizona Bound who ran out the clear cut 18 length winner of a bumper at Uttoxeter last month. Boasting a strong National Hunt pedigree featuring Rhinestone Cowboy and Wichita Lineman, the five-year-old was purchased by Jim Goldie for £32,000.

At the conclusion of the Ascot August Sale, Director of Horses in Training at Tattersalls Ireland, Richard Pugh commented;

“The sale today has attracted a wide selection of purchasers with varying demands which has resulted in considerable increases across the board. The Godolphin and Shadwell drafts are a huge addition to the sale but we have also seen demand from clients for both Flat and National Hunt horses across the board, and we would like to extend a thank you to all our vendors for supporting the sale. Our next focus at Tattersalls Ireland Ascot Sale in the new and exciting Yearling Sale which takes place on Tuesday 12 September.”