Average and median rise despite fall in total sales at December Mare Sale

As the curtain came down on the Tattersalls December Mare Sale in a low-profile final session on Thursday, figures showed that this year's renewal could not quite match the previous two editions.

However, with the company's annual calendar of sales now at an end, it can boast that overall turnover at Park Paddocks in 2019 surpassed the 300 million-guinea mark for the third year in a row.

Of the 812 mares offered this week, 668 found new homes for an 82 per cent clearance rate and total receipts of 57,790,900gns, at an average spend of 86,500gns and median price of 27,000gns.

With 60 fewer lots offered than the previous renewal, the aggregate fell by five per cent year on year. But the average climbed by four per cent and the median showed a significant 32 per cent increase.

Those figures, combined with the foal and yearling sessions, revealed that a total of 1,462 lots were traded at this year's December Sale, for combined sales of 91,278,700gns at an average spend of 62,500gns and median price of 25,000gns.

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: "Vibrant international demand is the hallmark of so many sales at Tattersalls and this year's December Mare Sale has yet again demonstrated the enduring appeal, not only of this historic fixture, but also of quality European bloodstock.

"The Tattersalls December Sale is an extraordinary magnet for thoroughbred breeders from throughout the world and this year's sale has more than lived up to its reputation as probably the most international bloodstock sale in the world.

"We've been fortunate to have had some outstanding December catalogues in recent years and it may be fair to say that this year's renewal lacked a little of the usual depth, but buyers from throughout the world have competed fiercely for the best fillies and mares all week, and we can reflect on a very positive end to the Tattersalls sales season.

"A record-breaking 27 lots sold for 500,000gns or more and the unprecedented 81 lots which made 200,000gns or more are a very clear indication of the sustained demand for the best European breeding stock and for the enduring appeal of the Tattersalls December Sale."

View Tattersalls December Mare Sale results

The Tattersalls sales ring was lit up on Tuesday when the dam of Classic heroine Billesdon Brook was led into the ring.

"The obvious highlight of the week was the 2,100,000gns sale of Jeanette McCreery's outstanding broodmare Coplow," said Mahony.

"Jeanette and her late husband Bob have achieved so much success over the years and the sale of Coplow was a magnificent tribute to their years of commitment to our industry. While the McCreery legacy is a wonderful British success story, the December Sale's unique status is derived from its truly global appeal."

Mahony went on to describe the key role played by the international buying bench at this week's sale.

He noted: "Buyers from every continent in the world have all made a significant contribution, with the 30 highest priced lots attracting new domestic investment as well as buyers from America, Australia, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Spain.

"In other sectors of the market we have seen equally diverse participation, notably from Argentina, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, Turkey as well as from throughout Europe.

"For the third consecutive year our annual turnover has reached more than 300,000,000gns and as ever we extend our thanks to each and every vendor and purchaser whose consistent support is the crucial element in any successful year at Tattersalls."

Santa Claus dropped by the December Mare Sale on ThursdayCredit: Laura Green

A daughter of exciting young sire Kingman topped the fourth and final session of the December Mare Sale when finding favour with Tom Pritchard-Gordon of Badgers Bloodstock at 22,000gns.

The three-year-old Winterkoenigin was a close second to Arranmore on her second start in a Cork maiden and benefited from a recent update, with her year-younger Kodiac half-sister Reducta having placed in a Del Mar maiden since her transfer to the US.

"She's the sort to breed a good one," noted auctioneer John O'Kelly as Winterkoenigin was led into the ring.

"She'll go to Ireland," said Pritchard-Gordon, who signalled the winning bid from his secluded position in the far stairwell.

"Reducta placed at Del Mar just the other day and hopefully she gains a bit of black type. There's some nice blood in the pedigree and hopefully it fills out a bit more."

Winterkoenigin was bred by Newsells Park Stud out of the Listed-placed Shamardal mare Wittgenstein and shares her granddam with Lennox Stakes scorer Dutch Connection.

Thursday's session comprised a significantly smaller catalogue than the final day of last year's sale with 47 fewer mares on offer.

Of the 107 lots consigned on Thursday, 74 changed hands for total sales of 277,300gns - a 55 per cent decrease compared with 12 months ago - while the average was down 31 per cent to 3,750gns and the median dipped by 17 per cent to 2,500gns.

Reports from the Tattersalls December Mare Sale:

Juddmonte jewels shine as Demi O'Byrne lands Time Saver for 750,000gns

Coolmore secure 2,100,000gns sale-topper but Mabs Cross fails to fire

End of an era as Thistle Bird leads Rothschild dispersal at 750,000gns