September Sale concludes on quiet note as market reality bites at Part Two

After the highs of a new record price during Wednesday's session, with Shadwell signing for a €275,000 Kodiac colt, yesterday's Part Two of the Tattersalls Ireland September Sale was in stark contrast, with many vendors simply considering empty head collars a good result.

At the close of play in Fairyhouse, the median price stood at €5,000 - down from €8,000 in 2017, while the average price was just €7,217 - an almost 30 per cent decrease on the corresponding figure 12 months ago.

The clearance rate of 66 per cent represents a dramatic drop from 86 per cent at last year's Part Two.

The session was headed by a Camacho filly offered by Nicola Kent, with Luke Lillingston of Kern Lillingston signing the ticket at €32,000.

"She'll race for Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds," said Lillingston, who runs the syndicate alongside Sam Hoskins. "I've been a fan of Camacho for a long time and this year he's really come of age. She's a filly with some scope and substance and a great back end."

The filly is out of the unraced Barathea mare Pashmina, who has produced one winner from two runners. Pashmina is a half-sister to French Group 3 winner Monsieur Joe, while the family goes back to Pass The Peace, who landed the Cheveley Park Stakes some 20 years ago.

"The Kents have had the family going right back to Pass The Peace in the 1980s," continued Lillingston. "Nicola Kent is a very smart breeder, so that lent confidence. The mare can breed a pretty useful one as she has an Arcano that's rated 89 [Arcavallo]."

When asked who would be taking charge of the filly Lillingston said: "We have a pool of trainers at Kennet Valley but we didn't have one here today that I was able to ask to come and look at the filly. Although I don't think too many people would be unhappy if she turned up at their yard!"

The top price at the 2017 edition of Part Two of the September Sale was €60,000, paid by E P Horse for a Rock Of Gibraltar colt, while seven lots made €30,000 or more.

The only other lot to reach €30,000 yesterday was the No Nay Never filly offered by Glenard Stables. Joe Foley signed the docket on behalf of Clipper Logistics.

"She's a great example of the sire, who is doing very well, and we know the family well," said Foley.

The filly, a €15,000 purchase by the Winners Enclosure Syndicate at the Goffs November Foal Sale, is from the family of Dream Ahead and Fairyland.

Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell gave a realistic assessment of the state of the market at the conclusion of the sale.

"Today's trade was not forgiving," he said. "Reflecting the polarised nature of the market, the trend remains that there is demand for individuals that satisfy strict criteria.

"Unfortunately, for breeders in particular, limited demand exists at the lower levels."

Tattersalls Ireland September Sale Part Two results