Tattersalls exploring all options for forthcoming December Sales

Tattersalls will consider possible options including different dates with its round of December sales due to fall within the government's period of national lockdown.

The December Yearling Sale is scheduled for November 23, the Foal Sale between November 25 and 28 and the Mare Sale from November 30 to December 3 - the day after the restrictions are due to end.

It was confirmed by cabinet minister Michael Gove that the lockdown could be extended further should Covid-19 infection rates not have fallen sufficiently and this leaves Tattersalls in a tricky position, with discussions ongoing between other sales companies and officialdom.

Chairman Edmond Mahony said: "As has so often been the case this year, we are having to respond to events and decisions entirely outside our control, but we would like to assure vendors and purchasers alike that our overriding priority is to stage the 2020 Tattersalls December Sales prior to Christmas.

"Naturally our preferred option is to stage the December Sales on the existing scheduled dates and we are currently seeking clarity from the Government as to whether bloodstock auctions are allowed to take place during the lockdown period.

"In the meantime in consultation with both Goffs and Arqana we will be looking to establish viable alternative dates with the joint aim of providing the industry with workable solutions to the challenges we all face.

"We will endeavour to provide the industry with definitive answers as soon as possible and while we regret the uncertainty and disruption caused by the new lockdown, we will continue to do everything in our power to stage sales at Tattersalls as safely as possible and at all times in full compliance with prevailing regulations."

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