Most of the sires that shuttle to Australia are not only world class racehorses but quite a few are established as leading northern hemisphere sources of quality performers. The latter quality is underlined by perusal of the North American statistics for 2006 compiled through to December 17. Eight of the leading 16 most successful sires on American dollar earnings in those statistics, figures which are for northern hemisphere raced progeny of sires who have been used in North America, have been visitors to Australian studs. They are Royal Academy (by Nijinsky; second, $9,017,633)), Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat; fourth, $7,924,410), Distorted Humor (Forty Niner; fifth, $7,769,869), Langfuhr (Danzig; sixth $7,507,389), Hennessy (Storm Cat; seventh, $7,469,829),Thunder Gulch (Gulch; 11th, $6,826,490),Tale of the Cat (Storm Cat; 14th, $6,493) and Unbridled's Song (Unbridled; 16th, $6,212,254). All told 29 of the sires in the American statistics have had earnings for the year in excess of $5,000,000. Four others in this list who have been used also in Australia are Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr. Prospector; $5,797,737), More Than Ready (Southern Halo; $5,701,651), Mr. Greeley (Gone West; $5,406,591) and Honour and Glory (Relaunch; $5,242,988). Daughters of these sires in Australia probably exceed 2,000 and should be very valuable in the production overall of a higher quality class of horse with breeding that can attract world-wide respect. The second most successful sire with earnings about $700,000 behind the year's champion sire, A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew; $9,724,552), Royal Academy is already entrenched as a valuable broodmare sire in both hemispheres. A visitor again to Coolmore in the Hunter Valley in the past season, Royal Academy is the paternal grandsire for instance of Fastnet Rock, a Danehill champion Australian 3YO sprinter now at the same stud. Also used at Coolmore in the Hunter Valley have been Giant's Causeway, Hennessy, Tale of the Cat, Thunder Gulch, Fusaichi Pegasus and Honour and Glory. More Than Ready has been current shuttle sire to the Vinery Stud near Scone, the former host for Langfuhr. Hennessy was not at Coolmore for 2006, but his world champion 2YO son of 2001, Johannesburg, made the trip again. He got off to a grand start with his first American sired foals making him the leading first season sire for the past year with 31 winners (6 SWs) and earners of $1,900,148. He is in third place on the main juvenile list behind Stormy Atlantic (Storm Cat; 23 winners - 4 SWs - $2,090,036) and Rahy (Blushing Groom; 14 winners - 1 SW - $1,987,179). Fourth leading juvenile sire and second first season sire is Darley shuttle sire Street Cry (Machiavellian; 17 winners - 4 SWs - $1,806,582). Another former visitor to Coolmore, Woodman, was in second place in the American broodmare statistics at the cut off date by money and the leader by winners, his score being 273 winners and earners of $15,654,330. He was headed in earnings by his sire Mr. Prospector with 219 winners and $19,005,106. Third, fourth and fifth leading broodmare sires are the Northern Dancer products Nureyev (162 winners, $15,408,528), Danzig (182 winners, $13,891,380) and Dixieland Band (229 winners, $13,465,354). Dixieland Band is the sire of the dam of Delta Blues, the Japanese horse who won this year's Melbourne Cup.

(This article courtesy of Brian’s Russell’s Racing & Breeding News)

Caspar Fownes continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 30 wins, 19 second placings, 25 third placings, 17 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from 197 starters. David Hall is in 7^th position with 13 winners, 11 second placings, 8 third placings, 12 fourth placings and 4 fifth placings from his 111 starters. John Moore is in 11^th position with 10 winners, 10 second placings, 12 third placings, 12 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 182 starters. John Size is in 13^th position with 8 winners, 9 second placings, 9 third placings, 10 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 154 starters.

Douglas Whyte maintains his 8 win advantage in the Jockey’s rankings having recorded 36 wins, 34 second placings, 17 third placings, 27 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 231 rides. Brett Prebble is in fifth position with 21 winners, 20 second placings, 15 third placings, 13 fourth placings and 12 fifth placings from his 159 rides. Shane Dye is in 14^th position with 8 winners, 5 second placings, 10 third placings, 5 fourth placings and 11 fifth placings from his 121 rides. Danny Nikolic is in 15^th position with 7 winners, 9 second placings, 13 third placings, 7 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from his 127 rides.

Current to 20 December 2006.

A wonderful result for TBNSW members providing the quinella in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint on International Race Day at Sha Tin on 10 December 2006. Congratulations to TBNSW member J W Kelly Suffolk Vale & Co, the breeder of the winner of the event Absolute Champion and to TBNSW member Mr I K Smith, the breeder of the runner-up Silent Witness. Absolute Champion (AUS) (Marauding(NZ)-Beauty Belle) (who formally raced in Australia as Genius and Evil) was successful from Silent Witness (AUS) (El Moxie(USA)-Jade Tiara) with Benbaun (IRE) (Stravinsky(USA)-Escape to Victory) in third place. Absolute Champion has recorded HK$10,947,000 in stakes from his 16 Hong Kong race starts comprising 4 wins, a second placing and a third placing.

  Major Race Results – Hong Kong

a quinella for TBNSW members

1. Absolute Champion (AUS) (MaraudingNZ)-Beauty Belle) bred in NSW by J W Kelly Suffolk 

     Vale & Co

2. Silent Witness (AUS) (El Moxie(USA)-Jade Tiara) bred in NSW by Mr I K Smith

3. Benbaun (IRE) (Stravinsky(USA)-Escape to Victory)

The Group 1 Hong Kong Vase 2400 metres

1. Collier Hill (GB) (Dr Devious-Polar Queen)

2. Kastoria (IRE) (Selkirk-Kassana)

3. Shamdala (IRE) (Grand Lodge-Shamdara)

The Group 1 Hong Kong Mile 1600 metres

1. The Duke (AUS) (Danehill(USA)-Mer Du Sud(IRE)) bred in NSW

2. Armada (NZ) (Towkay-Dance In Time)

3. Ramonti (FR) (Martino Alonso-Fosca)

The Group 1 Hong Kong Cup 2000 metres

1. Pride (FR) (Peintre Celebre(USA)-Specificity)

2. Admire Moon (JPN) (End Sweep(USA)-My Katies)

3. Vengeance of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel(NZ)-Danelagh)

The supporting races which featured Australian bred horses:

Race 4 the Canberra Handicap 1400 metres

1. Happee Owner (NZ) (Towkay-Make Up)

2. Royal Delight (AUS) (Commands-Conquered(NZ)) bred in QLD

3. All’s Well (NZ) (City On A Hill-Alot of Music)

Race 6 the London Handicap 1200 metres

a winner for TBNSW members

1. Northern Hero (AUS) (Anabaa(USA)-Novinka) bred in NSW by Gooree Park Stud

2. Joy and Fun (NZ) (Cullen-Gin Player)

3. Inspiration (AUS) (Flying Spur-La Bamba) bred in NSW

Race 9 the Dublin Handicap 1600 metres

1. Good Nature (NZ) (Danske-Heaps)

2. Bullish Cash (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit-La Mafia)

3. Clean Sweep (AUS) (End Sweep(USA)-Reigning Belle) bred in SA

  Absolute Champion and The Duke are the Pride of Hong Kong

Hong Kong unearthed it's new champion in a changing of the guard on Cathay Pacific International raceday which featured three nail-biting finishes, a track record run and the retirement of three of the world's great thoroughbred race mares. The ambitiously (but now aptly) named Absolute Champion lived up to his moniker with a dazzling performance in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, winning by a lengthening four lengths plus, and smashing the track record he held - running a blistering 1 minute 7.8 sec. Champion French mare Pride headed the list of retirees and left the racing scene with a typically gritty win in the CX HK Cup when she held out a late thrust from Japanese contender Admire Moon. Alexander Goldrun, unplaced behind Pride, and Ouija Board, scratched due to injury, have also been retired. Pride's winning margin was just a short head. Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile winner The Duke, a HK$1.6 million Hong Kong International Sale purchase and now HK$34 million winner, similarly scraped home by a head. It was even closer in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase with Collier Hill holding on by a nose from the desperately unlucky Kastoria. In start contrast to the 'nail-biters' was the extraordinary performance of Absolute Champion which many would argue was the highlight of the day. He looms as the new superstar of Hong Kong racing and he had far in his wake the former pin-up horse - Silent Witness, a brave but distant second. Ironically, Absolute Champion's trainer David Hall was the man who trained Silent Witness before he came to Hong Kong. Again it was an Australian bred winner of the Sprint and Hall, in his third HK season, said the victory was "sweet". Perhaps made sweeter by the fact that Absolute Champion was not included in the original sprint field. Pride, the Arc runner-up and now nine times winner, was described as a "special filly" by her trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre while jockey Christophe Lemaire lauded her "wonderful fighting spirit". Collier Hill, prepared by Alan Swinbank and ridden by Dean McKeown, won the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase to add to his victories in Ireland, Sweden and Canada in the past 15 months. No one could begrudge the eight-year-old the spoils but there's little doubt that Kastoria - with a clearer run - would have won. Similarly the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile success of The Duke was deserved and greeted warmly as the seven-year-old had been 'so close, so often'. The Duke, ridden by Olivier Doleuze and prepared by Caspar Fownes, held out the more fancied local Armada with the Italian Ramonti a courageous front-running third. The day saw great competitive racing at the top level which saw a positive response at the turnstiles and at the betting windows according to HKJC Executive Director of Racing, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "It's the best international race meeting we have staged in eight and a half years. Fantastic racing and the figures were very good with an increase of 27 percent in attendance on last year and a 9.6 per cent turnover increase. "Even without Takeover Target and Ouija Board, we have had a terrific day...lots of exciting finishes and the fact that The Duke came from our sale gives me particular satisfaction," said Engelbrecht-Bresges.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club Media release)

  Hong Kong Update

Caspar Fownes continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 29 wins, 18 second placings, 24 third placings, 14 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from 184 starters. David Hall is in 7^th position with 11 winners, 10 second placings, 7 third placings, 11 fourth placings and 3 fifth placings from his 98 starters. John Moore is in 11^th position with 9 winners, 10 second placings, 11 third placings, 12 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from 173 starters. John Size is in 12^th position with 8 winners, 9 second placings, 7 third placings, 9 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from his 146 starters.

Douglas Whyte has an 8 win advantage in the Jockey’s rankings having recorded 35 wins, 29 second placings, 17 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from 216 rides. Brett Prebble is in fifth position with 17 winners, 19 second placings, 14 third placings, 12 fourth placings and 10 fifth placings from his 141 rides. Shane Dye is in 11^th position with 8 winners, 5 second placings, 8 third placings, 5 fourth placings and 11 fifth placings from his 113 rides.

Current to 13 December 2006.

  Record Results from Tattersalls Ireland December Flat Sale

A much improved catalogue and two standout lots led to record prices at the one-day December Flat Sale. Early in the day Lot 26, GEMS OF ARABY, a Zafonic filly, whose half-sister Passage of Time became a Group 1 winner since the publication of the catalogue set a new sale record at €250,000 and was knocked down to Lisbunny Bloodstock, a new breeding partnership. Group 3 winner LATINO MAGIC, lot 247, was the other star of the show and was the subject of an extended bidding duel, until eventually falling to the bid of agent Bobby O’Ryan for €240,000. A colt foal by Choisir from Gems Of Araby’s vendor, Springfort Park Stud, fetched €50,000, the same amount that English trainer Alan Berry paid for a strong Noverre yearling colt from Derek Veitch’s Ringfort Stud. The huge boost in the purchases led to extensive gains all round: the average shot up to €9,327 (up 79%) while the sale aggregate increased a staggering 194% to €1,510,950, compared to last year’s €513,800. In the last two years, three horses made €20,000 or over in each sale, compared to this year’s total of fourteen. Tattersalls Ireland Chairman Edmond Mahony was of the opinion that the marked increase in the sale’s results was due to the current strong demand in the breeding industry alongside the improvement of the catalogue. "Vendors responded really well to our sale incentive and their combined forces gave us a better catalogue to promote to purchasers. There were plenty of people here, local and from overseas, buying all kinds of horses. The top two lots aside, there were some really good and commercial pedigrees on offer with the types to match in what is generally accepted as an industry sale. Consignors have been delighted with their results and we are certainly more than pleased with trade. This sale has now definitely found its place in the sales calendar."

(Tattersalls Ireland Media Release)

OLIVIER PESLIER won his second Cathay Pacific International Jockeys Championship and HK$200,000 in a sensational finish at Happy Valley on 6 December 2006. The four-time French champion won the very first championship in 1998 and has been a regular star in this event. He scored 14 points with Australian Glenn Boss, Melbourne Cup hero on Makybe Diva, and Andreas Suborics, recent winner of the Japan Jockeys' Championship, sharing second place with 12 points after their victories on Harry Harry and Fortune Warrior in the first and last races respectively. They collected HK$50,000 each. Former winner, Yutaka Take, filled fourth spot. Incredibly, Peslier, 33, was left without a ride in the final leg of the three race contest when his mount had to be scratched on veterinary advice but his closest pursuers failed to get enough points to overhaul Peslier's winning score. Peslier finished only fifth in the first race but his two points proved vital after he rode a masterful race on Classa Supreme to lead from start to finish in the second leg. The Frenchman, who has won three Arc de Triomphes and two Japan Cups, set a strong gallop on Peter L Ho's charge before slowing the pace in the back straight. Peslier didn't panic when his mount turned wide into the straight and he had left enough in reserve to win with authority. A thrilled Peslier said: "It was hard to sit out the last race without a ride but luckily the jockeys behind didn't do well. Hey...it's great to have my name on this trophy again and for sure I will be back to defend this title." Suborics's win in the last leg was marred by a terrible fall for Eddy Lai from Carrizo Creek. The local star lay motionless on the turf at the Clubhouse Bend but later news revealed that he was conscious and hopefully just battered and bruised.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club Media release)

  Hong Kong Update

Caspar Fownes continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 27 wins, 18 second placings, 23 third placings, 13 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from 173 starters. John Moore is in 10^th position with 9 winners, 10 second placings, 9 third placings, 11 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from 158 starters. David Hall is in 11^th position with 9 winners, 9 second placings, 7 third placings, 10 fourth placings and 3 fifth placings from his 91 starters. John Size is in 12^th position with 8 winners, 8 second placings, 6 third placings, 8 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from his 140 starters.

Douglas Whyte has increased his lead again in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 10 win advantage having recorded 34 wins, 28 second placings, 13 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 202 rides. Brett Prebble is in fifth position with 15 winners, 17 second placings, 13 third placings, 11 fourth placings and 9 fifth placings from his 130 rides. Shane Dye is in 11^th position with 8 winners, 3 second placings, 8 third placings, 5 fourth placings and 10 fifth placings from his 104 rides.

Current to 6 December 2006.

  Major Race Results – New Zealand

1. Sharvasti (NZ) (Montjeu(IRE)-Vedodara(NZ))

2. D/H Aftershock (NZ) (Tabasco-Delph)

2. D/H Upstaged (AUS) (In the Wings(GB)-Tambara(USA)) bred in NSW

The Group 1 Levin Classic 1600 metres

1. Portotene Gem (NZ) (Pins-Rubyfoo(USA))

2. Jokers Wild (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe(USA)-Miss Rory)

3. Figueres (NZ) (Star Way(GB)-Figurante(NZ))

The December Flat Sale catalogue is now available online on at www.tattersalls.ie. This year’s December Flat Sale, due to take place at the Fairyhouse sales complex on the 12th December, sees the biggest and best catalogue ever for the December Sale. There are over 50 foals on offer by such proven stallions as INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, REDBACK, DR FONG, INTIKHAB, SPINNING WORLD, SOVIET STAR as well as up and coming sires like ELUSIVE CITY, CHOISIR, CAPTAIN RIO and KHELEYF. There are over 160 well-bred yearlings on offer which should suit trainers and owners as well as pinhookers looking to target the breeze-up market. Proven Sires represented include DANETIME, VERGLAS, CADEAUX GENEREUX, INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, SPINNING WORLD, CAPE CROSS, NOVERRE and SOVIET STAR and there are yearlings by exciting newcomers like DUBAI DESTINATION, CHOISIR, ACCLAMATION and CAPTAIN RIO. Among the notable lots in the sale is LATINO MAGIC, an entire horse from the family of Most Welcome and Teenoso. Latino Magic won 6 races and nearly €300,000 including the Group 3 Meld Stakes. For anyone looking for a broodmare there are plenty of tempting mares to be bought, black type winners and black type producers in foal to the likes of INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, ONE COOL CAT, MONSIEUR BOND, ELUSIVE CITY, REDBACK and BACHELOR DUKE. There are also fillies off the track by such established broodmare sires as RAINBOW QUEST, MACHIAVELLIAN, MARJU, INCHINOR and ZAFONIC. Among the notable lots on offer are yearling half-brothers and sisters to ONEROUS, Gr.2 placed in 2006, Multiple Group 1 winner JANET, Group 1 placed GRAND, and black type horses CAVIAR ROYALE, THAT’S HOT, VALE OF BELVOIR, GREEN SONG etc, as well as the produce of half-sisters to Group 1 horses ALWAYS ALOOF, BANDARI, GLOROSIA, MON ALEXANDRINO, AQUABA etc. Black type mares with foals or yearlings in the sale include Group 3 placed SERENITY and ROUNDTREE; GRAND MORNING, DANCING PRIZE and THE POACHERS LADY, all of which are also Black type producers. Broodmares likely to attract significant interest are black type winner and producer TAIBHSEACH (lot 192) and black type producer BARNABAS (lot 14) both in foal to INVINCIBLE SPIRIT; Lot 84 is a half-sister to Gr.1 winning 2yo Seattle Rhyme in foal to ONE COOL CAT, lot 200, a half-sister to Gr.1 placed Speedfit Two in foal to exciting first crop sire MONSIEUR BOND, and black type producer SPARROWHAWK lot 231. Covering Sires include INVINCIBLE SPIRIT (3), ANTONIUS PIUS (2), DESERT STYLE, REDBACK, ELUSIVE CITY, KHELEYF etc. For further information, please contact Sophie Hayley, Marketing Manager, Tattersalls Ireland by Email: shayley@tattersalls.ie.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Sun Classique (AUS) (Fuji Kiseki-Elfenjer) bred in NSW

2. Festive Occasion (Casey Tibbs-Noble Feast)

3. Lantana (Model Man-Jessica’s Melody)

The Tattersalls December Mare Sale finished with a flourish on the fourth and final day, with turnover up 67% to 2,882,800 guineas and the average and median up 63% to 12,426 guineas and 55% to 8,500 guineas respectively. The highlight of the day was VIRGINIA ROSE, the three-year-old half-sister to Group 2 winner HIGHDOWN who was knocked down to Irish bloodstock agent Brian Grassick for 95,000 guineas whilst Barry Walters purchased the four-year-old mare TIDIE FRANCE, in foal to DUBAI DESTINATION, for 75,000 guineas. Turnover for the December Mare Sale rose a remarkable 42% to a record 66,235,800 guineas with the average rising 47% to a record 76,133 guineas and the median rising 36% to 30,000 guineas, also a record. This took the December Sales turnover to a staggering 100,630,900 guineas, up 36%. The record breaking turnover for the December Sales took Tattersalls annual turnover past last year's record breaking level to 233,367,900 guineas, a rise of 26%. At the conclusion of the 2006 Tattersalls December Sales, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "What a great way to round off a marvellous year. We knew that we had a special catalogue for the Mares' Sale and the foal sale last week was spectacular, but we could never have predicted the extraordinary level of trade this week. The Tattersalls December Sales record books have been completely rewritten over the last four days and the huge number of buyers from literally all corners of the globe reflects the massive international reputation of the sale. "Last year the December Sales turnover went up 40% to 74,000,000 guineas which was uncharted territory for a European bloodstock sale, but this year's sale has exploded. The turnover has exceeded 100,000,000 guineas which is a jump of a further 35% and almost double the turnover of two years ago. In addition we have had a world record price for a broodmare, a European record price for a filly in training, seven seven figure transactions, and wide margin record averages for both foals and breeding stock. It has been truly breathtaking from start to finish and the 'Racing UK' live coverage of Tuesday's mammoth session which was broadcast in Britain, Ireland and America made for compulsive viewing. "The obvious highlights of this extraordinary sale have been the world record 4,600,000 guineas for Con Wilson's MAGICAL ROMANCE, the European record 3,000,000 guineas for the Group 1 winner SPINNING QUEEN and the Britton House Stud dispersal, but the real feature has been the huge contribution made by people new to the thoroughbred business. New Enterprise Investment Schemes, countless new faces from throughout the world and the great tradition of Irish breeders at the December Sales have all played a major part, but above all we are currently experiencing an unprecedented global demand for quality bloodstock and this has never been more apparent than at the 2006 Tattersalls December Sales.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

SPECIFICALLY, the dam of this year's 1,000 Guineas winner SPECIOSA topped proceeding's at 1,850,000 guineas on the third day of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale as trade continued in record-breaking fashion. A total of 210 lots were sold for 13,848,000 guineas at an average of 65,943 guineas and a median of 36,000 guineas, rises of 14%, 26% and 18% on the corresponding session last year. John Warren has been busy during the December Sales buying top class fillies and mares on behalf of Klaus Jacobs' Newsells Park Stud and he needed to go to 1,850,000 guineas to secure the twelve-year-old mare SPECIFICALLY. Consigned from Michael Collins' Lisieux Stud in Co Kildare, the daughter of SKY CLASSIC out of the ALLEGED mare SPECIFICITY is a half sister to the recent Group 1 Champion Stakes winner PRIDE as well as being the dam of the Grade 3 winner MAJOR RHYTHM and was offered in foal to DANEHILL DANCER. Warren was made to work hard to withstand the efforts of Kern/Lillingston's Luke Lillingston, standing alongside New England Stud's Peter Stanley, to secure the mare and provide her owner with a windfall, having been purchased by McKeever St Lawrence for ?50,000 in 2004 on their behalf. The partnership headed by Trickledown Stud's Paul Thorman have been cheering the efforts of the dual Group 1 winner DUTCH ART all year following their purchase of his dam HALLAND PARK LASS at the 2005 Tattersalls December Mare Sale for 12,000 guineas. The group were initially rewarded for their astute purchase when the KYLLACHY foal she was carrying in utero at the time of her purchase realised 280,000 guineas at the December Foal Sale last week. The seven-year-old mare, a daughter of SPECTRUM out of the Group winning DRUMALIS mare PALACEGATE EPISODE, was offered in foal to Darley Stud's Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner TOBOUGG by Thorman's Trickledown Stud. Northern Farms' Shunsuke Yoshida made much of the running but was unable to match London based bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson who secured the mare for 710,000 guineas on behalf of a commercial breeder who intends to send her to this year's 2,000 Guineas winner and 2004 Tattersalls October 1 sale-topper GEORGE WASHINGTON. Earlier in the day Hugo Lascelles had to go to 650,000 guineas to secure the ten-year-old Listed placed DARSHAAN mare MAID OF KILLEEN. Consigned from Paddy Carroll's Killeen Castle Stud in Co Meath, the daughter of SOVEREIGN TOUCH received a massive pedigree update in the Autumn when her two-year-old daughter INDIAN INK won the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Lascelles purchased MAID OF KILLEEN, who was offered in foal to the four-time Group 1 winner AZAMOUR, on behalf of an English breeder and indicated that she was likely to visit the dual Derby winner GALILEO who has been represented by the Classic winners SIXTIES ICON and NIGHTIME, the Breeders' Cup Turf winner RED ROCKS and the Champion two-year-old elect TEOFILO on the racecourse this year.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

MAGICAL ROMANCE broke the world record for a broodmare when she was sold for 4,600,000 guineas ($9.4m) on the second day of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale on the highest grossing day in European auction history. No fewer than four fillies or mares sold for 1 million guineas or more, with turnover for the day reaching a staggering 29,936,500 guineas for the 221 lots sold, 42% up on the previous auction record, set on this day last year. Amazingly, the turnover after two days now stands at 49,505,000 guineas, just under 3 million guineas ahead of last year's record breaking sale with 2 days remaining. The average for the day was up 41% to 135,459 guineas whilst the median rose 23% to 58,000 guineas. It was standing room only as the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner MAGICAL ROMANCE entered the Tattersalls sales ring, consigned by Stephen and Louise Kemble's Elms Stud on behalf of Con Wilson. The daughter of BARATHEA out of the SHIRLEY HEIGHTS mare SHOUK is a half-sister to the English, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks winner ALEXANDROVA and was offered in foal to Cheveley Park Stud's outstanding stallion PIVOTAL. Lodge Park Stud's Seamus Burns made the early running along with locally based bloodstock agent Anthony Stroud as the price breezed past 1 million guineas. Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold soon took up the running along with London Thoroughbred Services' James Wigan, purchaser of yesterday's 3 million guineas filly SPINNING QUEEN. Wigan looked to have secured MAGICAL ROMANCE as the price rose above 3 million guineas, but no sooner had Gold waved the white flag than Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson entered the fray, advancing the price beyond the previous 3.4 million guineas record for a thoroughbred at auction in Europe. Ferguson and Wigan traded bids as the price rose into unchartered territory, with Wigan finally successful at 4,600,000 guineas, a world record for a mare at auction and a European record for a thoroughbred at auction. Wigan purchased MAGICAL ROMANCE on behalf of Lady Serena Rothschild and she will be joining SPINNING QUEEN at the Rothschild's Waddesdon Stud in Buckinghamshire. The dispersal from Roger Baines' Britton House Stud promised to be one of the highlights of the Tattersalls December Sale and the consignment of eight fillies and mares did not disappoint with the Grade 3 winner and Grade 1 placed MACKIE, who was offered in foal to UNBRIDLED'S SONG, leading the way. The half-sister to the Kentucky Derby winner SEA HERO and dual Grade 1 winner HERO'S HONOR is the dam of Grade 2 winner MR MELLON and Grade 3 winner SEEKING THE BEST as well as the Group placed two-year-old DANEBURY HILL and the Listed placed BEAUCETTE. De Burgh/Farrington's Hubie De Burgh made a bold bid to secure the daughter of SUMMER SQUALL out of GLOWING TRIBUTE, along with Kern Lillingston's Lincoln Collins, but neither was able to match John Ferguson who purchased the mare for 1,600,000 guineas on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed. Four lots later Richard Frisby went to 1,000,000 guineas to secure the four-year-old DUBAI MILLENIUM filly CARISOLO. The daughter of SOLO DE LUNE, who was knocked down to the BBA Ireland's Adrian Nicoll for 775,000 guineas two lots earlier, is a half-sister to the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary winner CERULEAN SKY and the 2003 European Champion three-year-old filly L'ANCRESSE as well as to the DALAKHANI filly who topped the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale last week at 700,000 guineas. Frisby beat off the challenges of locally based agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon and John Warren to secure the filly on behalf of an International client. In total the Baines dispersal of eight mares, five foals and 1 yearling realised a total of 6,175,000 guineas. Earlier in the day HIGH CHAPARRAL's own-sister HELENA MOLONY, by SADLER'S WELLS out of the DARSHAAN mare KASORA, became the first of four fillies or mares who broke the million guineas barrier when she was knocked down to John Warren for 1,100,000 guineas. The winner and twice Listed placed four-year-old filly was bred by HIGH CHAPARRAL's breeder Sean Coughlan and raced for his wife Anne, and was consigned on their behalf by Rory Mahon's Mountain View Stud. Kern Lillingston's Luke Lillingston, standing alongside New England Stud's Peter Stanley made the early running along with Anthony Stroud, but neither was able to deny Warren who purchased the filly on behalf of Klaus Jacob's Newsells Park Stud.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  World stars of the Turf to grace Cathay Pacific HKIR 2006

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races 2006 will draw several of the biggest names in world racing to Sha Tin on December 10. Hong Kong's premier sporting event numbers 33 international entries, including 18 individual international Gr.1 winners of a combined 39 Gr.1 races from nine countries outside Hong Kong. This year the four international Gr.1 races are worth a record HK$62m (approx. US$8m) in stakes. "We are very much looking forward to our most important meeting, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races. We feel that the quality and global diversity of the fields is such that Sha Tin will stage the Turf World Championships on the second Sunday in December and we guarantee a unique day of world class racing entertainment that just cannot be missed," said Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing. The major players at HKIR 2006 are:-

* Ouija Board - The first dual winner of both the Cartier European Horse of the Year award and Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Hong Kong race fans will witness the final start of a brilliant career that has yielded seven Gr.1 successes.

* Pride - The world's top-ranked mare having easily won the Champion Stakes after an unlucky second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She too will retire after her second CXHK Cup attempt.

* Takeover Target (AUS) - The world's top-ranked sprinter on turf is already successful in the Global Sprint Challenge and chases a US$1m bonus with victory in the CXHK Sprint.

* Mandesha - Europe's Champion 3yo Filly this season after an impressive trio of consecutive Gr.1 victories.

* Bullish Luck - Hong Kong's Horse of the Year and champion miler in the Asian Racing Federation having won two legs of the Asian Mile Challenge last term.

* Vengeance Of Rain - Defending Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup champion and winner of the 2005 World Racing Championship.

* Alexander Goldrun - Five-time Gr.1 scorer whose finest hour came with a narrow win in the Cup two years ago.

* Song Of Wind - Classic winner in Japan this season - his St Leger triumph last month denied Meisho Samson the Triple Crown.

Declarations for The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races are on Thursday, December 7, the same day as the barrier draw in the Sha Tin parade ring.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club Media Release)

  Hong Kong Update

Caspar Fownes continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 25 wins, 18 second placings, 22 third placings, 12 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from 158 starters. David Hall is in 8^th position with 9 winners, 7 second placings, 7 third placings, 10 fourth placings and 3 fifth placings from his 80 starters. John Moore is in 11^th position with 8 winners, 8 second placings, 9 third placings, 10 fourth placings and 12 fifth placings from 143 starters. John Size is in 12^th position with 7 winners, 8 second placings, 5 third placings, 8 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from his 135 starters.

Douglas Whyte maintains his nine win advantage in the Jockey’s rankings having recorded 31 wins, 25 second placings, 11 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from 185 rides. Brett Prebble is in fifth position with 15 winners, 17 second placings, 13 third placings, 11 fourth placings and 9 fifth placings from his 129 rides.

Current to 29 November 2006.

The Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes winner SPINNING QUEEN set a new European record for a filly when she sold for 3,000,000 guineas on a stunning opening day to the Tattersalls December Mare Sale. A total of 207 lots were sold for a staggering 19,568,500 guineas, up 69% on last year's opening session whilst the average and median rose 82% and 41% to 94,534 guineas and 45,000 guineas respectively. Expectations were high for SPINNING QUEEN who had won the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes by an easy seven lengths at Newmarket on her last racecourse appearance but few could have anticipated that she would set both a December Sales record as well as a European record for a filly sold at public auction when selling for 3,000,000 guineas and bettering the 2,500,000 guineas that DANCE DESIGN realised at the 1997 Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Bids on the SPINNING WORLD filly, who was consigned from Barry Hills' Faringdon Place Stables, came thick and fast with agents Charlie Gordon-Watson and Jamie McAlmont and Shadai Farms' Atsushi Kato all active as the price raced towards one million guineas. London Thoroughbred Services' James Wigan had also been making much of the running and he was soon joined by Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson. The battle to secure the filly, whose dam OUR QUEEN OF KINGS is a half-sister to the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby winner LABEEB, soon settled down to a head-to-head duel between Wigan and Ferguson. As the price raced past 2,500,000 guineas the record held by DANCE DESIGN was soon consigned to history, and when Wigan bid 3,000,000 guineas, Ferguson turned away and left the auditorium. Wigan did not indicate who he purchased the filly on behalf of, but indicated that she would board at Waddesdon Stud in Buckinghamshire. The other filly who carried high expectations prior to her appearance in the Tattersalls sales ring was John Greetham's Group winning filly SHORT SKIRT.

The daughter of DIKTAT out of the BUSTINO mare MUCH TOO RISKY has several high profile siblings, with LITTLE ROCK and WHITEWATER AFFAIR both registering Group 2 victories, the latter also being the dam of Group 1 Yasuda Kinen victor ASAKUSA DEN'EN. SHORT SKIRT's own sister SHORTHAND also registered an impressive debut win earlier this season before an eye-catching fourth in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket at her next start. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, SHORT SKIRT first came under notice when she defeated ALEXANDROVA in the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York before finishing third to that filly in the Oaks at Epsom and second in the Yorkshire Oaks later in the season. Interest in the filly came initially from bloodstock agent John Warren and Kern Lillingston's Luke Lillingston, who was stood alongside New England Stud principal Peter Stanley, along with Shadai Farms' veterinarian Atsushi Kato and Japanese bloodstock agent Nobutaka Tada. Lillingston remained as the price raced towards seven figures, but he was not able to match Tada, who in turn was found wanting when John Ferguson entered proceeding's, buying the filly for 1,400,000 guineas on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed.

Earlier in the evening, Tasman Bloodstock's Kieran Moore had to go to 580,000 guineas to secure the Listed placed SINGSPIEL filly PARK ESTEEM who was consigned from Jeremy Noseda's Shalfleet Stables. The filly, who is a three-parts sister to Group 1 Dubai World Cup winner MOON BALLAD, is also a half-sister to that horses dam, the Group 2 Lowther Stakes winner VELVET MOON as well as to the dual Group 1 winner CENTRAL PARK and the Group 3 Lancashire Oaks winner MELLOW PARK. Moore secured the filly at the expense of London based agent Charlie Gordon-Watson and South African agent Robin Bruss and indicated that she was purchased on behalf of Cressfield Stud, located in the Hunter Valley in Scone, Australia. Other horses to realise half a million guineas or more included the Group 1 winning fillies LA CUCARACHA and DONNA BLINI. The Nunthorpe Stakes winner LA CUCARACHA was knocked down to bloodstock agent James Delahooke for 525,000 guineas on behalf of American based owners Barry Weisborg and Richard Santulli whilst the Cheveley Park Stakes winner DONNA BLINI was knocked down Shunsuke Yoshida, son of Northern Farms' Katsumi Yoshida. Earlier, Tokyo based agent Hiroyasu Takeuchi purchased the DARSHAAN mare SHOWDOWN for 500,000 guineas. The daughter of LAST SECOND hails from one of the best families in the Stud book and is a half-sister to this year's Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner AUSSIE RULES.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Deep Impact (Sunday Silence-Wind In Her Hair)

2. Dream Passport (Fuji Kiseki-Grace Land)

3. Ouija Board (Cape Cross-Selection Board)

The Tattersalls December Foal Sale concluded with another record breaking day taking the five day trade to new levels with records across the board. The fifth day saw 126 lots sold for 6,347,000 guineas, at an average of 50,373 guineas and a median of 35,000 guineas. Turnover was up marginally on the corresponding session last year albeit with 83 fewer lots on offer today whilst the average and median rose 42% and 59% respectively. Turnover for the five days was a record 28,861,600 guineas, a rise of 24% on last year's record breaking sale. The average rose 34% to a record 38,688 guineas whilst the median rose 22% to 22,000 guineas, also a record. The KYLLACHY three parts sister to this season's unbeaten dual Group 1 winning two-year-old DUTCH ART looked one of the standouts of the foal catalogue and so it proved as she topped proceeding's on the fifth day when knocked down to locally based bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington for 280,000 guineas. Chris Richardson, representing Cheveley Park Stud who stand KYLLACHY and will stand DUTCH ART when he retires, opened the bidding at 100,000 guineas, and with Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold and Lodge Park Stud's Seamus Burns both signalling their interest, the price raced past 200,000 guineas. Burns saw off Gold and Richardson for the filly consigned from Paul and Sara Thorman's Trickledown Stud, but had no answer when Skiffington staked her claim, buying the filly on behalf of an undisclosed client. The sale represented a great result for the partnership headed by Thorman who purchased HALLAND PARK LASS at last year's Tattersalls December Mare Sale for 12,000 guineas and will re-offer her next week in foal to TOBOUGG. The progeny of dual Derby winner GALILEO were in great demand during the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales and the Tattersalls December Foal Sale following the exploits of his progeny on the racecourse in 2006 headed by the Breeders' Cup Turf winner RED ROCKS, the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner NIGHTIME, the St Leger winner SIXTIES ICON and the Dewhurst Stakes winner and Champion two-year-old elect TEOFILO. Two of his colts hit the headlines on the final day with the half-brother to the Listed winner and Group placed BERK THE JERK realising 260,000 guineas to the bid of London Thoroughbred Services' James Wigan. Wigan secured the Parkway Farm consigned colt who is out of the REFERENCE POINT mare POCKET BOOK, after he saw off Croom House Stud's Denis Brosnan, and indicated that the foal would stay in England and was purchased on behalf of an undisclosed client. The other GALILEO to hit the headlines on the final day of the foal sale was the colt out of the GRAND LODGE mare TREE TOPS. Consigned from Tom Gaffney's Churchtown House Stud, the colt was knocked down to Ashtown House Stud's Paul Shanahan for 210,000 guineas. The progeny of MONTJEU, like GALILEO a son of SADLER'S WELLS and resident at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, have also been in great demand and the filly out of the GREEN DESERT mare GAMRA was the third highest priced lot for the day at 220,000 guineas. Consigned from Joe Hernan's Castletown Stud, the half-sister to the Listed winner ROXAN was knocked down to Irish bloodstock agent Brian Grassick on behalf of an undisclosed client after he saw off German bloodstock agent Ronald Rauscher. At the conclusion of the 2006 Tattersalls December Foal Sale Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "This has been a truly phenomenal December Foal Sale from start to finish. New records for average, median and turnover barely do justice to the extraordinary trade we have experienced this week and it bodes well for the four days of breeding stock to come. "The statistics say it all. Last year's foal sale achieved records for turnover and median and an average that had been bettered only once. This week the median has gone up a staggering 22%, the average has shot up 34% from 28,796 guineas to 38,688 guineas and with nearly 200 less foals offered, the turnover has gone up 24% to nearly 29,000,000 guineas. Equally telling has been the number of six figure foals which has gone from 32 in 2005 to 67 in 2006. "We have an outstanding catalogue for the mares' sale which begins on Monday and the trade this week has meant that everyone can look forward to next week with considerable optimism.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Magic Cape (NZ) (Magic Albert-Cape City(NZ))

2. Jokers Wild (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe(USA)-Miss Rory)

3. Princess Coup (AUS) (Encosta de Lago-Stoneyfell Road)

Trade at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale launched into orbit on a phenomenal fourth day with turnover passing 12 million guineas which represented a record for a single day at the foal sale and 32% greater than last year's previous record day. A total of 154 lots were sold on the fourth day for 12,064,000 guineas, at an average of 78,338 guineas and a median of 55,000 guineas, representing rises of 32%, 60% and 53% compared with last year's corresponding session. There was a staggering 42 lots which sold for six figure values whilst no fewer than 9 realised 200,000 guineas or more. Late in the evening the SADLER'S WELLS half-brother to the Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner LANDSEER and Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes third IKHTYAR entered an expectant sale ring. Yorkshire based bloodstock agent Jeremy Brummitt made much of the early running for the colt along with Irish bloodstock agent Denis Sheehy, but as the price approached 400,000 guineas, Irish veterinarian Demi O'Byrne signalled his intent, finally seeing off Sheehy and signing for the Genesis Green Stud consigned foal for 420,000 guineas. The dispersal from Roger Baines' Britton House Stud looked a highlight of the foal sale and resulted in two of the top three prices for the day with colts by ELUSIVE QUALITY and SADLER'S WELLS both topping the 300,000 guineas mark. Lot 1145, the colt by ELUSIVE QUALITY out of the SUMMER SQUALL mare MACKIE entered a busy sale ring and the BBA Ireland's John Tyrell and agent Denis Sheehy were soon in a head to head duel to secure him. Just when Sheehy looked to have secured the colt, Darley Stud's John Ferguson staked his claim and after a short battle landed the colt for 325,000 guineas. MACKIE, who is a Grade 3 winner and a half-sister to the Kentucky Derby winner SEA HERO, has been represented by the Grade 2 winner MR MELLON and the Stakes horses DANEBURY HILL and BEAUCETTE whilst SEEKING THE BEST provided a timely catalogue update by winning a Grade 3 in Japan recently. Two lots later the SADLER'S WELLS colt out of the LAW SOCIETY mare SOLO DE LUNE realised the highest price for the day when knocked down to Camas Park Stud's Timmy Hyde for 370,000 guineas. London Thoroughbred Services' James Wigan made the early running and Denis Sheehy again made a bold to secure the colt, but neither could match Hyde's efforts. SOLO DE LUNE, who has been represented by the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary winner CERULEAN SKY and the Irish Oaks and Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf runner-up L'ANCRESSE, was in the headlines earlier in the week when her DALAKHANI colt topped the December Yearling Sale at 700,000 guineas. Earlier on Timmy Hyde had also signed for the MONTJEU colt out of the GREEN DESERT mare ALABASTRINE for 285,000 guineas after he saw off Kerr & Co's Bert Kerr and Irish pinhooker Paddy Twomey. The colt, who was bred by Kirsten Rausing and Sonia Rogers, was consigned from Rogers' Airlie Stud and hails from a classic family of Rausing's with ALABASTRINE a half-sister to numerous luminaries including LAST SECOND, dam of Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner AUSSIE RULES, ALOUETTE, dam of multiple Group 1 winners ALBANOVA and ALBORADA and JUDE, dam of Irish 1,000 Guineas winner YESTERDAY and Group 1 Moyglare Stakes winner QUARTER MOON. Hyde indicated that both his high priced purchases were possibles to return to the Tattersalls sales ring at the October Yearling Sales next year.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Trade stepped up massively on the third day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale with colts by OASIS DREAM and DANSILI both making more than 200,000 guineas and a further 7 lots breaking the 100,000 guineas mark. A total of 169 lots were sold for 6,137,500 guineas, an increase of 8% on the corresponding session last year, albeit with 98 fewer lots on offer. The average and median both rose sharply, with the average up 45% to 36,317 guineas whilst the median rose 32% to 27,000 guineas. Foals by Juddmonte Farms' triple Group 1 winning sprinter OASIS DREAM were one of the highlights of last year's December Foal Sale and that trend has continued this year with the top priced lot on the third day being a colt by the aforementioned sire out of the Group 3 winning ANABAA mare MISS ANABAA. Round Hill Stud's Bobby Donworth and Croom House Stud's manager Paul McCarten both made bold bids to secure the foal consigned from Trickledown Stud, but neither could match Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold who secured the racy looking colt on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The action had begun briskly earlier as the second lot into the ring, the bay colt by HIGH CHAPARRAL out of the SALSE mare SITARA realised 165,000 guineas to the bid of locally based bloodstock agent Margaret O'Toole. The colt's yearling half-sister provided one of the pinhooking highlights of Part 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales recently when she realised 340,000 guineas for a syndicate headed by the BBA Ireland's Patrick Cooper, having been purchased at this sale last year for a mere 26,000 guineas. It was therefore no surprise to see Cooper open the bidding for the colt whose dam SITARA is a half-sister to SHOUK, dam of this year's English and Irish Oaks winner ALEXANDROVA and Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner MAGICAL ROMANCE. Cooper made much of the early running for the colt along with Irish pinhooker Willie Browne and Grove Stud's Brendan Holland, but none were able to match O'Toole who secured the Stringston Farm consigned colt on behalf of an existing Irish client. Only seven lots later the DANSILI colt out of the SADLER'S WELLS mare REFLECTIONS attracted plenty of attention with bids coming thick and fast for the Jamie Railton consigned foal. The colt is from a typically outstanding Juddmonte Farms family, with his dam REFLECTIONS a half-sister to the Group winners VORTEX, PROVE and DANEFAIR, herself the dam of Group winner and sire TRADE FAIR, as well as to SANPALA, dam of the exciting three-year-old filly SILVER TOUCH. Paul McCarten and Angus Gold were again to the fore and the pair went head to head for the colt as the price raced past 200,000 guineas but they were to be usurped by Blandford Bloodstock's Richard Brown who landed the colt for 240,000 guineas on behalf of an existing client.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Son of Kyllachy Tops Second Day of Tattersalls December Foal Sale

The Tattersalls December Foal Sale continued in robust fashion on the second day headed by a son of KYLLACHY as 173 lots were sold for 3,286,100 guineas, a rise of 56% on last year's Wednesday session with the clearance rate at a hugely impressive 86%. The average of 18,995 guineas was up 94% whilst the median rose 131% to 15,000 guineas. The progeny of Cheveley Park Stud's KYLLACHY were in great demand on the second day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale following the racetrack performances of his exciting first crop led by the Listed winners BLUE ECHO and SADEEK. Leading the way was the colt out of the HALLING mare HASTE who was consigned from Stephen and Louise Kemble's Elms Stud and who realised 72,000 guineas to the bid of Irish pinhooker Ger Hourigan. Dublin based bloodstock agent Peter Doyle and the BBA Ireland's Eamonn Reilly both made bold bids to secure the great walking colt, but neither was willing to up the ante against Hourigan who landed the colt and indicated that he would be reoffered at the 2007 Tattersalls October Yearling Sales. PIVOTAL's son KYLLACHY was also responsible for the second highest price for the day when the colt out of the PIPS PRIDE mare SELKIRK ROSE was knocked down to Yeomanstown Stud's David O'Callaghan for 62,000 guineas. The three parts brother to the Listed Hilary Needler Trophy winner MISS MEGGY was consigned from Peter Balding's Throckmorton Court Stud and also looks destined to make a reappearance at the yearling sales next year. Another foal to realise 62,000 guineas was the colt by XAAR out of the ROYAL ACADEMY mare VEILED BEAUTY who was knocked down to Paul McCartan, Stud Manager at Denis Brosnan's Croom House Stud. McCartan had to withstand the efforts of Yeomanstown Stud's Gay O'Callaghan to secure the Beechgrove Stud consigned colt who hails from an outstanding Juddmonte family that includes the Classic winners ZAFONIC and REAMS OF VERSE. The son of XAAR will be reoffered as a yearling next year.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Solid Start to Tattersalls December Foal Sale

The Tattersalls December Foal Sale started in solid fashion on the first of five days with a son of DANSILI topping proceeding's at 58,000 guineas as 124 lots were sold for 1,077,000 guineas at an average of 8,685 guineas and a median of 5,000 guineas. It is the first time the December Foal Sale has been held over five days and a clearance rate of 70% represented a healthy start to Europe's premier foal sale. The top lot for the day was the DANSILI colt out of the MIDYAN mare MYLANIA who realised 58,000 guineas to the bid of Irish agent John O'Byrne. O'Byrne, who was standing alongside Glenvale Stud's 'Flash' Conroy had to withstand determined efforts from Tally-Ho Stud's Tony O'Callaghan and locally based bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington to secure the easy moving colt who was consigned from Paul and Sara Thorman's Trickledown Stud. The colt was the first of 17 foals to be offered this week by DANSILI whose progeny look set to be in great demand following the Group 1 successes of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner RAIL LINK and Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner PASSAGE OF TIME. Conroy indicated that the colt would be re-offered at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales in 2007. The second highest price for the day went to a son of DANEHILL DANCER's first-season sire MONSIEUR BOND who was knocked down to McKeever St Lawrence's Oliver Gaisford-St. Lawrence for 40,000 guineas. The Whitsbury Manor Stud consigned foal, out of the MIDYAN mare MAY LIGHT, had received a significant catalogue update courtesy of his DESERT KING half-brother BYGONE DAYS who won the Group 3 Bentinck Stakes at Newmarket for Godolphin at his last start. Gaisford-St. Lawrence indicated that the colt would also be re-offered as a yearling next year.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Records Abound At Tattersalls December Yearling Sale

Records came thick and fast on the opening day of the Tattersalls December Sale, with the solitary day of yearlings resulting in new benchmarks for turnover and average. A beautifully bred daughter of DALAKHANI led the way realising a record 700,000 guineas as 183 lots were sold for