THE Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 saw a total of 339 lots sold for 70,343,000 guineas, a new record turnover for the sale and 3% higher than last year’s total despite 12% fewer lots being offered.

The turnover at the Sale held near Dublin, Ireland, also represents a record for a European auction. The average for the three days rose 27% to 207,501 guineas whilst the median rose 30% to 130,000 guineas, both new records for the sale.

In addition the World record for a yearling filly at auction was smashed on the second day when Qatar’s Sheikh Joaan bought the Galileo sister to the Oaks winner “Was” for 5,000,000 guineas.

The record-breaking Galileo filly in the sales ring.

Jehan Malherbe, representing South Africa’s internationally prominent Form Bloodstock, was active in the bidding ring and secured a number of yearlings for Mike de Kock’s yard, including Lot 446, a grey filly by Galileo from Hotelgenie Dot Com (by Selkirk), for 350,000 guineas. She will be raced by Coolmore Stud in partnership with Mary Slack.

Slack also purchased Lot 278, a filly by Invincible Spirit from Attasliyah (by Marju), for 280,000 guineas. This filly’s dam has already produced a Gr 3 winner from five previous runners.

Michael Javett partnered with Slack to put up 140,000 guineas for Lot 392, a filly by boom sire Fastnet Rock from the Miswaki mare, Fig Tree Drive. This one hails from a family of several Group-placed performers.

Paul Shanahan of Coolmore  (left) –  showing where his support lies –  and horseman Fozzy Stack. (Jessica Slack).

Malherbe went to 280,000 for Lot  210, is a bay colt by High Chaparral from Wanna, by Danehill Dancer, selected for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.  Late on Thursday, the Sheik’s team managed to win the knockdown for a Galileo colt from Kentucky Warbler (Spinning World), for 340,000 guineas.

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented: “The bloodstock industry, like all others, has endured challenging times in recent years, but it has also shown remarkable resilience and the intense competition at the top of the market has demonstrated the enduring global demand for quality bloodstock.