The latest publication of this years the World's Leading Horses covering the racing period from 1st April to 17th October 2006 sees a change at the top as four horses BERNARDINI (USA), GEORGE WASHINGTON (IRE), LAVA MAN (USA) and RAIL LINK (GB) all rated at 127, top the rankings for the first time. The three-year-old generation is well represented with three of the top four ranked horses from that age group. BERNARDINI (USA) has now won five from five this year and defeated the older horses when easily winning the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup over 2000m (10f) in early October. Already a Classic winner, GEORGE WASHINGTON (IRE) also beat the older horses and four previous Group One winners when successful in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over 1600m (8f) in emphatic style. Another US trained horse with an unblemished record this year is LAVA MAN (USA) with six straight wins including four G1 successes, three on Dirt and one on Turf. He joins the top after giving 11 lbs and 2-¼ lengths defeat to dual G1 winner Brother Derek in G2 Goodwood H'cap over 1800m (9f). The third 3yo to share the top ranking is RAIL LINK (GB) who moved up from 43rd position to share the top after his victory in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere, his first start against the older generation and his second G1 victory this year. In winning the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe he defeated the top three ranked Turf performers in the previous edition of the World's Leading Horses. The Breeders' Cup Classic on 4th November at Churchill Downs could well see three of the top four ranked horses, Bernardini (USA) and Lava Man (USA) from the US and George Washington (IRE) from Europe compete and could well determine the top ranked horse of the year. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner HURRICANE RUN (IRE) (rated 126) has dropped to 5th place after topping the World's Leading Horses in each edition for which he was eligible since October 2005. There is a new top ranked Filly & Mare in PRIDE (FR) (123) after her close up second to Rail Link in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere over 2400m (12f) and sparkling success in the G1 Emirates Champion Stakes over 2000m (10f) two weeks later, overtaking OUIJA BOARD (GB) (121) who was narrowly beaten by the 3yo DYLAN THOMAS (IRE) (125) in the G1 Baileys Irish Champion Stakes over 2000m (10f) in September. PRIDE (FR) is now the second highest Filly or Mare to appear in the World's Leading Horses just one point behind the Australian trained mare MAKYBE DIVA (GB) who earned a rating of 124 by winning the 2005 Emirates Melbourne Cup. TAKEOVER TARGET (AUS) (121), now the top ranked Australian trained horse, maintains his position as the top ranked Turf sprinter moving up in the overall rankings from 26th position to 17th. He recently won the G1 Sprinters Stakes over 1200m (6f) in Japan and in doing so won the 2006 Global Sprint Challenge having previously won in Australia and Great Britain. He is now in line to win the US $1 million bonus if he can win his third Group One race in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint in December. In the US, HENNY HUGHES (USA) (121) made it three from three when winning the G1 Vosburgh Stakes over 1200m (6f) and heads the Dirt sprint category. ARAGORN (IRE) (122) and LAVA MAN (USA) (122) are the leading Turf performers in the US and DEEP IMPACT (JPN) (125) following his close up third in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere continues to be the top ranking Japanese trained horse in the rankings. In the stayers category the leader is DEEP IMPACT (JPN) (123) achieved by winning the JPN G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200m in April. Following up on his Ascot Gold Cup victory, YEATS (IRE) (121) gained success in the G2 ABN Amro Goodwood Cup to position himself as the top European ranked stayer and is on target to run in the Emirates Melbourne Cup early next month. The World's Leading Horses are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The next World's Leading Horses listing will be released in November. The full list and further information on the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings are available on the IFHA web site www.IFHAonline.org

(International Federation of Horseracing Authorities Media Release)

(Footnote: Takeover Target (AUS) was bred by TBNSW member Meringo Stud Farm)

  New Eight Carat descendants ready to run in New Zealand

Seven stakes winning performers descending from Eight Carat, one of Australasia's greatest modern broodmares, have immediate racing prospects among the 333 lots catalogued for New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run sale of 2YOs set down to be conducted on November 21 and 22. Three of these sires are the Hunter Valley located Viscount, Commands (both at Woodlands) and Danewin (Emirates Park), another is Dangerous (Greta West, Victoria), while the others are the New Zealand based Don Eduardo, Kaapstad and Viking Ruler. Commands and Danewin are brothers resulting from the mating of Danehill with Cotehele House, an England bred daughter of Eight Carat, while Dangerous is a half-brother by Danehill to Viscount, both of them being from Antwerp, stakes winning daughter of Sir Tristram and the Sticks and Stones mare Diamond Lover.The latter mare is one of five Group1 winners from Eight Carat, the others including Australian Horse of the Year Octagonal (a Zabeel sire at Woodlands) and Kaapstad (by Sir Tristram). Tristalove, a sister to Antwerp, went to Danehill to produce AJC Spring Champion Stakes winner Viking Ruler, a young sire who is at Patrick Hogan's Cambridge Stud. In addition they are three-quarter sisters to Don Eduardo, a son of Danehill and Diamond Lover located at Fayette Park. The only one of the seven descendants of Eight Carat represented in the catalogue who has not had runners, his first crop being two-year-olds, Don Eduardo has the potential to be a great New Zealand sire. Racing in Australia in 2001-02, a year he had nine starts, he won five races, including the AJC Australian Derby and Sandown Classic, and finished second in the Rosehill Guineas. Commands, Danewin, Dangerous and Viscount, a triple Group 1 winning son of English Derby winner Quest for Fame, are but four of 43 sires who got their catalogued lots from use in Australia. Among the others are Redoute's Choice, Catbird, Royal Academy, Testa Ross, Blevic, Choisir, Fantastic Light, Flying Spur, Honours List, Galileo, Flying Spur, Rock of Gibraltar, Secret Savings and Magic Albert. A new sire in Australia this year who has ten lots available from use in New Zealand is Minardi, the Danzig grandson who was the champion European two-year-old of 2000. He has been purchased for Palmaday, a new quality stud at Beaudesert in Queensland. Owners and trainers looking for already broken in and trained juveniles could do well to study the footage of the pre-sale breeze ups which will be available on DVD of CD-Rom from October 31.

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

  Major Race Result – United Kingdom

1. Authorized (Montjeu-Funsie)

2. Charlie Farnsbarns (Cape Cross-Lafleur)

3. Medicine Path (Danehill Dancer-Indian Mystery)

  Major Race Result – France

1. Montare (Montjeu-Contare)

2. Bellamy Cat (Kris-Trellis Bay)

3. Sergeant Cecil (King’s Signet-Jadidh)

1. Song of Wind (El Condor Pasa-Memorial Summer)

2. Dream Passport (Fuji Kiseki-Grace Land)

3. Admire Main (Sunday Silence-Promotion)

  Tusculum and Purple Moon Head Third Day of Tattersalls Autumn Sale

The Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale exploded into action on the third day with a staggering thirteen lots selling for 200,000 guineas or more and the three-year-old colts TUSCULUM and PURPLE MOON both realising 440,000 guineas. Turnover on the 240 lots sold was up 58% to 9,910,300 guineas, with the average and median rising 45% and 58% to 41,293 guineas and 20,500 guineas respectively. Turnover for the three days now stands at 21,111,600 guineas, already surpassing last year's record turnover with a day to go. The three-year-old SADLER'S WELLS colt TUSCULUM was consigned from Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle Stables in Ireland and carried a 'Timeform' rating of 115+. Raced in partnership by Mrs John Magnier and Karin Baronin von Ullmann, TUSCULUM recorded his second win in the Listed Ballycullen Stakes at the Curragh before finishing a close-up fifth in the Group 1 St Leger behind SIXTIES ICON. TUSCULUM is out of the Listed placed TREMPOLINO mare TURBAINE, dam of the Group 3 winners TERTULLIAN and TEREK, and a half-sister to the legendary Arc winner URBAN SEA, dam of Derby winner GALILEO. Interest in the colt came from all corners of the ring and included Haverfordwest handler Peter Bowen, BBA Ireland's Eamonn Reilly, Havana Horse's Andy Smith and Andrew Stringer, assistant to trainer Barney Curley. Only Smith and Stringer remained as the price passed 400,000 guineas and when it came to rest at 440,000 guineas, it was Stringer who had prevailed on behalf of an overseas based client. Four lots later the Sir Michael Stoute trained and Coolmore owned PURPLE MOON entered the ring and realised the same 440,000 guineas price tag. The three-year-old son of GALILEO out of the ALYSHEBA mare VANISHING PRAIRIE was rated 105 by 'Timeform' on the back of a second in the Listed Newmarket Stakes and progressive runs in handicaps at his last two starts. A plethora of National Hunt trainers and agents staked their claim for the half-brother to the multiple Group 1 winner VESPONE including locally based agent Margaret O'Toole, Oxfordshire based trainer and agent Paul Webber, Durham based trainer Howard Johnson and Camas Park Stud's Timmy Hyde. Irish agent Gerry Griffin and Tweenhills Stud principal David Redvers also made bold plays for PURPLE MOON with the former triumphing at 440,000 guineas. Griffin indicated that PURPLE MOON was purchased for an existing owner and would join Cumbrian based trainer Nicky Richards at his Penrith base and Irish bookmaker Cashmans have given him a 20-1 quote for next year's Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Earlier in the day former trainer David Loder secured another high class individual to campaign at the Dubai International Racing Carnival when he signed for the Listed winning and Group 1 placed three-year-old colt GOLDEN ARROW. The son of DANEHILL out of the DR DEVIOUS mare CHEAL ROSE was consigned from Dermot Weld's Rosewell House Stables in Ireland and was knocked down to Loder for 260,000 guineas after he withstood the efforts of agent Gordian Troeller, who was stood alongside Californian trainer Bob Hess. GOLDEN ARROW was second to subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner GEORGE WASHINGTON in the Group 1 National Stakes as a two-year-old and has run admirably this season, finishing fifth in the Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas and fifth in the Grade 2 American Derby before scoring easily at Cork at his last start.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Janiak reflects on his rollercoaster year with Takeover Target

Trainer Joe Janiak is experiencing the most incredible year of his life and it could turn even more surreal in just over six weeks. Takeover Target, his Aussie sprint phenomenon, has begun work at Sha Tin in preparation for a multi-million dollar reward in the HK$12m Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (Gr.1-1200m). "We've gone from Queanbeyan to Royal Ascot to Tokyo and we've won everywhere. Now we're hoping to top it all off here," Janiak says. Takeover Target is miles clear in the Global Sprint Challenge points table and will net a US$1m bonus with victory on December 10. Not that the potential of further riches preoccupies a philosophical Janiak. "I'm just hoping he can be competitive, that he does himself justice. If the bonus happens, then that's great. But the horse owes us nothing. It's just fantastic to be in Hong Kong with a chance to win such an important race." Racing is littered with far-fetched rises from obscurity. Even still, the tale of Takeover Target takes some beating. For 30 years Janiak trained a few horses as a hobby and in 2003 he bought an unwanted, unraced, knock-kneed four-year-old he nicknamed 'Archie' for the price of an air ticket. It changed his life. Janiak had never trained a metropolitan winner before he found Takeover Target. This year alone his champion has won four major sprints in three countries. "It's been pretty hectic, for sure," he says of his run in 2006. "It's been a big learning experience since we left home in May and the horse has definitely coped better than me. We have had a real adventure. I can't really say it's been a dream-come-true because I couldn't have dreamt this." More like winning the lottery, then? "Yeah, something like that. The money Archie has won has helped buy a new training set-up at Coffs Harbour and we'll start there from the beginning of next year. Even off the track, Janiak has been on a roll. He won a putting competition at the K Club in Ireland, venue of the Ryder Cup last month. And he says he's no golfer either. "When they saw me winning they had to get Tiger Woods in to get the place back to normal," he laughs. While in Europe, he also paid a first vist to Poland and the city of Krakow, home of his parents who emigrated to Australia some 60 years ago. Joe hasn't been home for three months. The last time he was back it was to collect an award for Takeover Target being named Country Horse of the Year for the third time. Next week he returns home for a few days to sort out some affairs and take in the Melbourne Cup while he's there. His son and Takeover Target's co-owner, Ben, will look after the world's fastest horse in the trainer's absence. Takeover Target has travelled well to Sha Tin. "He lost about 10 kilos on the flight but that will come back. He's been working like a champ in the morning and he's one cool dude in his stable." Janaik says the track at Sha Tin will pose his son of Celtic Swing few problems. "It will suit him just the same as Nakayama - he found the European tracks tougher. I was surprised how easy he got to the front in Japan from a wide gate and the faster ground you'd expect at this meeting will also help." So everything is in place for the horse with dodgy legs for whom a racing career was once considered improbable. Now he is on the verge of accomplishing a feat of Everest-like proportions. "The way the Global Sprint Challenge is set up, it's very difficult for a horse to win the million-dollar bonus," Janiak explains. "I mean, to race in Australia, England, Japan and Hong Kong and to win three Group One races in three countries - they don't make it easy for you. "But I'm just happy and proud that we're here in one piece and in with a chance of winning another big race."

(Hong Kong Jockey Club Media release)

  Hong Kong Update

Caspar Fownes maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 13 wins, 13 second placings, 15 third placings, 6 fourth placings and 7 fifth placings from 91 starters. John Moore is the best of the Australians in 12^th position with 4 winners, 5 second placings, 3 third placings, 5 fourth placings and 9 fifth placings from his 68 starters.

G Mosse has increased his lead in the Jockey’s rankings and now holds a three win advantage having recorded 15 wins, 7 second placings, 15 third placings, 10 fourth placings and 4 fifth placings from 81 rides. Brett Prebble is in fourth position with 8 winners, 10 second placings, 5 third placings, 4 fourth placings and 4 fifth placings from his 62 rides.

Current to 25 October 2006.

  Rockall Blizzard Tops Second Day of Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale

ROCKALL BLIZZARD sold for 425,000 guineas on the second day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale to register the third highest ever price at the sale on a day when 225 lots were sold for 6,199,300 guineas at an average of 27,552 guineas and a median of 15,000 guineas. A packed sales ring greeted the Listed winning three-year-old COZZENE colt ROCKALL BLIZZARD as his turn in the spotlight arrived. The two-time winning son of the Stakes winning DYNAFORMER mare KENTUCKY STORM was consigned from Noel Meade's Tu Va Stables in Ireland on behalf of owner Pat Garvey and interest in the colt came thick and fast. It soon settled down to a head-to-head battle between David Loder and Saudi Arabian agent Saad Al Kahtani with the latter prevailing at 425,000 guineas when Loder relented for the first time this week. Al Kahtani indicated that ROCKALL BLIZZARD would follow the same path as yesterday's 190,000 guineas purchase LENINGRAD, targeting the King's Cup in Riyadh in February for owner Prince Faisal and trainer Fahat Rzek. Earlier in the day Loder had continued his buying spree when going to 220,000 guineas to secure the three-year-old filly MISSISIPI STAR. The daughter of MUJAHID out the SHIRLEY HEIGHTS mare KICKA broke her maiden at Nottingham in May before being placed in the Listed Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle in June and the Listed Dance Design Stakes at the Curragh in August. Loder secured the filly after a prolonged bidding dual with Saudi Arabian agent Mohammad Bin Aeyesh Altayyar who was looking to purchase on behalf of Prince Adbul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Mecca. Loder indicated that MISSISIPI STAR would join yesterday's purchase FAIRMILE in campaigning at the Dubai Racing Carnival next year. The draft from Sir Mark Prescott's Heath House Stables is invariably a highlight of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale with an array of stamina-laden National Hunt prospects usually scattered amongst the consignment. The pick of this year's selection was the three-year-old gelding WARSAW PACT who carried a 'Timeform' rating of 97 courtesy of four victories, three of them this year and the son of POLISH PRECEDENT attracted interest from Camas Park Stud's Timmy Hyde, Durham-based trainer Howard Johnson and Irish agent Aiden Murphy. Hyde was the first to wave the white flag, refusing to advance his bid of 160,000 guineas, and Howard Johnson looked to have done the same when exiting the ring when Murphy gained the advantage again with his bid of 180,000 guineas. However Johnson made one last attempt for glory when making his final bid of 190,000 guineas, but was to be denied when Murphy upped the ante and secured WARSAW PACT with his 200,000 guineas bid. Murphy indicated that WARSAW PACT would go jumping but wasn't sure who he would go into training with.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Loder Buys Top Two on Opening Day of Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale

On the eve of the world's largest horses in training sale, the evergreen stayer COLLIER HILL, a 97,000 guineas graduate of the sale last year scored a timely win in the Grade 1 Canadian International at Woodbine. It has been a stellar year for graduates of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training with Tim Pitt's dual Group 1 winning sprinter LES ARCS a 32,000 guineas graduate of the sale as was the Prix l'Abbaye winner DESERT LORD who cost a mere 10,000 guineas in 2004. In was no surprise then that buyers from around the globe arrived at Park Paddocks in large numbers for the start of the four day sale. Trade was brisk for the 264 lots offered, with 222 sold for 5,002,000 guineas, at an average of 22,532 guineas and a median of 11,000 guineas. The turnover for the day was up 27% on the opening session in 2005 whilst the average rose 21%. Former trainer David Loder headed the buyers list on the opening day when signing for FAIRMILE and ZURBARAN for 280,000 guineas and 210,000 guineas respectively. The progressive and lightly raced four-year-old gelding FAIRMILE looked one of the standout lots on the first day and fine efforts in valuable handicaps including victory in the John Smith's Cup had earned him a 'Timeform' rating of 110. The Walter Swinburn Racing Stables consigned son of SPECTRUM, out of the DANEHILL mare JUNE MARLOWE also saw interest from BBA Germany's Dirk Eisele, seated alongside Norwegian trainer Rune Haugen, but the pair proved no match for Loder who indicated that FAIRMILE would head to the Middle East for the Dubai Racing Carnival in 2007. The ALHAARTH three-year-old ZURBARAN was rated 108 by 'Timeform' following an impressive efforts when second in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes and fourth in the Group 3 Jockey Club Cup on Champions Day. Consigned from Brian Meehan's Manton House Stables on behalf Mrs Regaldo-Gonzales, the half-brother to the Listed winners LITTLE ITALY and ROMANTIC AFFAIR, out of the ELA-MANA-MOU mare BROKEN ROMANCE, was purchased by Loder for 210,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of former trainer David Wilson, now assistant to Gary Moore. Loder indicated that ZURBARAN would stay in training in England and would pursue a 'Cups' campaign next year. Berkshire based bloodstock agent Gordion Troeller specialises in buying horses in training for the Californian market and his successes from this sale include the dual Grade 1 winner TICKER TAPE, who he purchased in 2003 for 100,000 guineas. Troeller was active on the opening day of the sale, purchasing five lots for 385,000 guineas, with the highest of these being BODES GALAXY at 140,000 guineas. The two-year-old son of MARJU recorded victories at Bath and Pontefract and followed them with an impressive second in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes behind HAMOODY and a third in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York behind CONQUEST. Consigned from trainer Nick Littmoden's Southgate Stables in Newmarket, BODES GALAXY was purchased by Troeller on behalf of Californian trainer Vladimir Cerin after he saw off the efforts of Dublin-based bloodstock agent John McCormack. Late in the evening the MONTJEU three-year-old LENINGRAD was the subject of a three-way bidding duel that ended with Saudi Arabian agent Saad Al Qahtani securing the colt for 190,000 guineas at the expence of the Dubai-based trainer Satish Seemar. Consigned from Michael Bell's Fitzroy House Stables, LENINGRAD was considered a Derby prospect earlier in the season and on the back of promising efforts in handicaps at his three previous starts was offered with a 'Timeform' rating of 102. Al Qahtani purchased LENINGRAD on behalf of Prince Faisal and indicated that he would target the King's Cup in Riyadh in late February.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Following on from the success of the 2006 September Yearling Sale, Edmond Mahony, Chairman of Tattersalls Ireland, has confirmed that the 2007 sale will take place on 4th, 5th and 6th of September 2007. "We found that the early September dates suited a lot of the purchasers better than our original slot later in the month in that we did not clash with either Listowel or any other sales." A sale record price of €225,000 was paid by for a High Chaparral colt during the New Sires Showcase Session by Willie MacKay, while vendors profited from the strong buying bench at all levels of the sale. The Premier Session, including the New Sires Showcase, showed a record average of just under €30,000 and a clearance rate of 90%, while the average in Part Two rose to €16,654 an increase of 49%. For any further information visit the website at www.tattersalls.ie.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Snitzel a tasty Aussie morsel for Japan breeders

In the 2007 northern hemisphere season, Japanese breeders are to have the opportunity to use Australian sprint star Snitzel, the horse that beat Takeover Target when they clashed in the Group1 Oakleigh Plate last February. Since then Takeover Target has travelled overseas and is line for the title of world champion sprinter of 2006 following wins in the prestigious King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and in October in the Japanese international sprint. Before he went overseas, the six-year-old Takeover Target wound up his Australian campaign by reversing the decision over Snitzel with a half length win in what is arguably Australia's toughest sprint, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. In finishing second Snitzel turned in a grand performance for a three-year-old, adding to the suggestion that he was one of the best young sprinters of recent years. The Newmarket effort was followed by three more starts, including a win in the Challenge Stakes at Warwick Farm and a third in the T.J. Smith at Randwick, before Snitzel was retired to stand at the John Messara guided Arrowfield Stud, Scone on a fee of $33,000.Through his career he ran 15 times for seven sprint wins, including six stakes, and six other stakes cheques. As one of the first top liners anywhere in the world to have four doses of Northern Dancer in his five generation pedigree, Snitzel could prove very valuable for Japanese breeding as an outcross for their hugely dominant Sunday Silence dynasty. John Messara, a stud owner who has played a huge role in placing Australia to the forefront in world breeding and racing, has arranged for Snitzel to shuttle to Japan at the end of this year for use at Katsumi Yoshida's giant Shadai Stallion Station operation. Messara in the1990s pioneered Australian association with Shadai, including shuttling their Sunday Silence sire Fuji Kiseki for the southern hemisphere seasons. Also the two studs are currently sharing the use of the world class Fairy King performer Falbrav, one who is now in his third southern hemisphere season at Arrowfield. Messara was also the first breeder to send mares to Japan for matings to southern hemisphere time with the mighty Sunday Silence.Yoshida is to now follow this practice in reverse, planning to put a number of mares to Snitzel's sire Redoute's Choice at Arrowfield in the coming northern hemisphere season. It won’t be surprising if the Japanese buyers are among the big spenders on Redoute's Choice yearlings at the 2007 sales at the Gold Coast in January and in Sydney at Easter. Many consider him the best young sire in the world at this time.

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

  Major Race Result – Singapore

1. Recast (AUS) (Thunder Gulch(USA)-Abonnement) bred by TBNSW member Swettenham Stud

2. King and King (AUS) (Celestial Dancer(IRE)-Merriang Road) bred in NSW

3. World Airlines (AUS) (Umatilla(NZ)-Euchre)

The final day of Part 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale finished with a flourish with a 38,000 guineas MEDICEAN filly one of 56 lots sold on the day, for a total of 639,500 guineas at an average of 11,420 guineas and a median of 10,000 guineas. Over the five days of the sale 861 lots were sold for 27,700,200 guineas, a rise of 63% on last year's record-breaking sale, with the average up 20% to 32,172 guineas and the median up 28% to 23,000 guineas, to new record levels. Lot 1789, a MEDICEAN filly out of the winning DANEHILL mare JAZAN was purchased by Tom Goff of Blandford Bloodstock for 38,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of David Redvers. Goff indicated that the Providence Stud consigned filly would go into training with John Gosden in Newmarket. Group 1 wins in 2006 by DUTCH ART and NANNINA have boosted the demand for the progeny of the Cheveley Park Stud's MEDICEAN with 20 lots sold for 1,849,000 guineas, at an average of 92,450 guineas over the two weeks of Part 1 and 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Three lots earlier, Lambourn based trainer Peter Makin went to 36,000 guineas to secure the CHOISIR colt out of the NOMINATION mare IMPULSIVE DECISION. Makin secured the colt despite the efforts of underbidder Pat Eddery, and indicated that he was purchased for an existing Russian-based client. The yearling was consigned by Charlock Farm Stud on behalf of David Brocklehurst. At the conclusion of Part 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "Quite simply, this has been a very, very good sale. Part 2 of the October Yearling Sale has produced an outstanding set of figures with records across the board. We have seen buyers in abundance at all levels of the market and, despite over 300 more yearlings than last year, the sale has achieved major increases not only in turnover, which one would expect, but also in average and median which one could not have expected after such a strong Part 2 last year. "In 2005 the average price at this sale leapt 75% and it has just gone up another 20%, second only in Britain to Part 1 of the October Yearling Sale. The turnover has gone up a staggering 63% and equally impressive has been the rise in the median and the number of six figure lots sold this week which has gone from 19 in 2005 to 38 this year. "I don't mind admitting that the size of this week's catalogue had caused us a degree of apprehension, but it has been hugely encouraging to see the number and diversity of buyers here from start to finish. The depth to the trade has been phenomenal and is a tribute to the quality of the catalogue and the reputation of the October Yearling Sales for producing outstanding performers at every level of the market. A 16,000 guineas Derby winner is a great advertisement for racing and an even better one for a yearling sale. The achievements of the likes of SIR PERCY do not go unnoticed and we have had buyers from all over the world who have kept the momentum of the Sale going throughout the week. "We have three more sales to go this year and the last five days will have engendered considerable optimism in British and Irish breeders who continue to produce some of the best thoroughbreds to be found anywhere in the world." For further information visit the website at www.tattersalls.com.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Formidable Fownes dominates the Sha Tin Trophy

Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Day 2006 will be principally remembered for two outcomes: Caspar Fownes' sensational training of the first four past the post in the Sha Tin Trophy and the thrilling victory by Hello Pretty in a stirring renewal to Hong Kong oldest race, the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse. Before more than 70,000 race fans, the season's leading trainer, Fownes saddled five of the 14-runner field in the Gr.3 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m), one of the key lead-up races for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races - and he wasn't far off watching them come home in a perfect first five. As it was, Green Treasure benefited from a cool Shane Dye ride to get the better of stable companion The Duke by a half-length with Bowman's Crossing third and Saturn in fourth. Making his seasonal reappearance, Viva Pataca prevented the Fownes quintet by ousting Hail The Storm in the shadows of the post. "I am thrilled and very proud of the stable for this achievement. I knew my runners were in good form but you could never have predicted anything like this in such a strong race. It's really very satisfying," Fownes said. Green Treasure is adept from 1600m to 2000m, but his trainer has yet to decide whether he should target the CXHK Mile or CXHK Cup on December 10. "I'm just happy that the horse is settling better in his races. When it came to a battle between him and The Duke I felt that he might finish the stronger. And what a run also by Bowman's Crossing in his first run of the season? His fitness will come on plenty for that," Fownes added. Forty minutes earlier the heavily backed Hello Pretty, trained by Tony Cruz, advertised his own international race claims as he prevailed in a thrilling climax to the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse. This was a well-executed plan as Hello Pretty carried the silks of Mr & Mrs Simon Kwok Siu-ming, sponsors of the feature race on the most glamorous event in Hong Kong racing. Later Mr Kwok most graciously said he would donate his entire share of prize-money to charity with the China Aids Initiative and Po Leung Kuk the beneficiaries. Hello Pretty assumed the lead with over 200m to race before Good Ba Ba dashed past to establish a break of a neck. But Hello Pretty, galvanised by Brett Prebble, refused to surrender and clawed back to the front to lead in the shadows of the post. "He waits in front and when Good Ba Ba went past inside the 200m it gave my horse something to fight back against and I always felt I would get back up. But he's got some guts, he's pretty special," Prebble remarked.

(Hong Kong Jockey Club Media release)

Caspar Fownes continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 11 wins, 13 second placings, 13 third placings, 6 fourth placings and 7 fifth placings from 82 starters. John Moore is the best of the Australians in 18^th position with 2 winners, 4 second placings, 2 third placings, 5 fourth placings and 9 fifth placings from his 57 starters.

G Mosse has moved to the lead in the Jockey’s rankings with a one win advantage having recorded 12 wins, 5 second placings, 10 third placings, 9 fourth placings and 3 fifth placings from 66 rides. Brett Prebble is in fourth position with 7 winners, 8 second placings, 5 third placings, 2 fourth placings and 4 fifth placings from his 55 rides.

Current to 18 October 2006.

The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Part 2 continued it's record-breaking march on the fourth day with turnover up 83% to 2,503,000 guineas and yearlings by BEAT HOLLOW and INVINCIBLE SPIRIT realising 75,000 guineas and 65,000 guineas respectively. The average for the day was up 32% to 15,547 guineas and the median up 20% to 12,000 guineas. Lot 1616, the BEAT HOLLOW colt out of the CATRAIL mare LONDONNET topped proceeding's during the morning session of the opening day when knocked down to Juddmonte Farms' Lord Grimthorpe. Grimthorpe saw off the determined efforts of Kingsclere trainer Andrew Balding to secure a rare Juddmonte Farms yearling purchase. The colt, consigned from David Powell's Catridge Farm Stud, is from a top Juddmonte family that includes ZAFONIC and REAMS OF VERSE and by that stud's very promising first season sire BEAT HOLLOW whose two-year-olds include the Group winner CHARLOTTE O FRAISE and Listed winner STREETS AHEAD. Six lots earlier, Newmarket trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam purchased Lot 1610, the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT colt out of the LAKE CONISTON mare LAKE NYASA for 65,000 guineas. The colt, who is out of a half-sister to Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup winner MR DINOS, was consigned from Dermot O'Rourke's Plantation Stud and knocked down to Chapple-Hyam after he outlasted Irish bloodstock agent Peter Doyle. The progeny of INVINCIBLE SPIRIT have been in great demand during Parts 1 and 2 of the October Yearling Sale following the success of his two-year-olds which have included Group 2 Gimcrack winner CONQUEST and Listed winners BAHAMA MAMA and STEVIE GEE.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Strong Increases on Third Day of Tattersalls October 2

The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Part 2 continued in robust fashion on the third day with a brace of yearlings selling for 100,000 guineas, impressive increases in turnover, average and median comparable to the opening two days and a clearance rate of 84%. A total of 181 yearlings were sold for 4,249,700 guineas, a rise of 58% compared with the third day last year whilst the average and median rose 15% and 25% to 23,479 guineas and 20,000 guineas respectively. The first of the two 100,000 guinea lots was lot 1377, the MONTJEU colt out of MACHIAVELLIAN mare MARCIALA who was consigned by The National Stud on behalf of their popular breeding enterprise, The National Stud Never Say Die Club. London based bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson signed for the colt at 100,000 guineas after seeing off the determined efforts of agent Tim Corby and indicated that he would go into training with Michael Jarvis at his Kremlin House Stables. The sale represented a great return for the club, who purchased MARCIALA, carrying the MONTJEU colt in utero, for 46,000 guineas at the 2004 Tattersalls December Mare Sale. The second six figure lot for the day was lot 1407, the COMPTON PLACE filly out of the LOMOND mare NOBLE PEREGRINE who was knocked down to bloodstock agent Geoffrey Howson for 100,000 guineas after he outbid BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe. The filly, consigned from Caherass Stud in Ireland, is a half-sister to this year's Listed Washington Singer Stakes winner and twice Group 2 placed DUBAI'S TOUCH as well as to the Group horses NOBELIST and WANNABE AROUND. Howson indicated that the filly was purchased on behalf of a North American based client and would go into training in Ireland. Lambourn trainer Marcus Tregoning received an unexpected pedigree update following his purchase of lot 1312 when the colt's three parts sister FIRENZE won the Listed Boadicea Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket a few hours later. Tregoning purchased the EFISIO colt out of the BE MY CHIEF mare DONNA ANNA for 80,000 guineas from the Swinburn family's Genesis Green Stud, who consigned the yearling on behalf of Lady Juliet Tadgell. The colt, who is also a three parts brother to the Group 1 July Cup winner FRIZZANTE, is out of a half-sister to the dual Grade 1 winner DONNA VIOLA.
(Tattersalls Media Release)

In terms of both quantity and quality, this year's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races have attracted a terrific range of entries from all over the world. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has received 322 first nominations, including 79 individual Gr.1 winners, for the December 10 extravaganza at Sha Tin. Twenty-six of the world's top 40 turf horses are present in the initial entries and they incorporate the world's top-ranked miler and sprinter (George Washington, Takeover Target) and the best females (Ouija Board, Pride). "The list of nominations for this year's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races is exceptional and very much worthy of the Turf World Championships," said Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Executive Director of Racing. "We have significantly raised prize-money levels and increased the distance of the Sprint to lure the best in the world to Hong Kong and the response has been very positive. We believe these changes have resulted in a better balance to the nominations and we are really looking forward to presenting to the world a special race meeting that promises to be our best ever." Highlight nominations for CXHKIR 2006:

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (HK$12m - US$1.6m - Gr.1 - 1200m)

Increasing the Sprint's distance to 1200m from 1000m has had the desired effect with much stronger international entries - 17 Gr.1 winners in total and Takeover Target tops the bill. The Aussie phenomenon will earn a US$1m bonus should he prove successful at Sha Tin having already won the Lightning, King's Stand and Sprinters Stakes in Australia, England and Japan respectively this year. Takeover Target can expect to face Silent Witness, winner of this event in 2003 and 2004, last year's victor Natural Blitz,Les Arcs, winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes and July Cup and the Centaur Stakes winner from Japan, She Is Tosho.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (HK$14m - US$1.8m - Gr.1 -2400m)

Ouija Board, also entered in the Cup, has the Vase as her preferred option. This is the race she won last year in such devastating fashion. This will be the hugely popular British mare's third run in Hong Kong and the final race of a brilliant career. The Club has received entries for 24 Gr.1 victors, amongst them Better Talk Now, a Breeders' Cup Turf winner, Kastoria, recently successful in the Irish St Leger and Europe's best three-year-old fillies in Mandesha and Alexandrova.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile (HK$16m - US$2.1m -Gr.1 - 1600m)

The world's richest event over the classic turf mile features 2000 Guineas and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner George Washington - he is also the highest-rated of the nominations for the four races. There are a total 21 Gr.1 winners nominated for the Mile, including Godolphin's Librettist, Sussex Stakes winner Court Masterpiece, Racing To Win, a four-time Gr.1 scorer in Sydney, and New Zealand's excellent duo, Darci Brahma and Seachange. But these stars will need to be at their brilliant best to master Bullish Luck, Hong Kong's Horse of the Year and winner of two legs of the Asian Mile Challenge this year.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (HK$20m - US$2.6m - Gr.1 - 2000m)

The world's richest turf event over 2000m has entries from 27 Gr.1 winners, including Dylan Thomas,the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes hero. Aragorn and Lava Man have won their last ten races between them (six at Gr.1 level) and are the highest-rated turf horses in the US. Also present are Notnowcato who won the Juddmonte International, El Segundo who recently took the Underwood Stakes in Melbourne and Pride, runner-up both in this race last year to local champion Vengeance Of Rain and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last week. Irridescence, successful in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup in April, is also being primed for a return to Hong Kong where many believe Viva Pataca can keep the prize at home for a second year.

"We are delighted to have so many terrific nominations from all over the world and now the challenge is to have them participating in the Turf World Championships in December," Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges summed up. "It is also very satisfying that where 12 months ago the Sprint drew entries from just five Gr.1 winners, this year we have 17."

(Hong Kong Jockey Club Media release)

There can have been few days as momentous for Irish consignor Michael Downey whose only two colts, by CAPTAIN RIO and INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, realised 300,000 guineas each to share a new price record for Part 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The sale continued on the second day in record breaking fashion with turnover after two days standing at 20,286,000 guineas, already 2.3m guineas ahead of last year's record turnover with 580 lots still to pass through the ring. The second day saw 242 lots sold for 10,055,500 guineas, up 54% on last year's corresponding session, whilst the average and median rose 29% and 28% to 41,552 guineas and 32,000 guineas respectively. Lot 1209, the colt by first season sire CAPTAIN RIO out of the FORMIDABLE mare SLIDING, the half-sister to the Group winning brothers SUGGESTIVE and RASHBAG, was consigned from agent Michael Downey and a packed auditorium set the stage for the fireworks that were to follow. Bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington made a bold bid to secure the stunning looking colt, but was unable to match Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold who bid 300,000 guineas, a record price for Part 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. A little more than 90 minutes later lot 1253, the INVINCIBLE SPIRIT colt out of the DEHERE mare YOU RANG HERE, provided Downey with another windfall when knocked down to bloodstock agent Angie Sykes for a record equalling 300,000 guineas. Interest came thick and fast for the colt, which Downey had secured as a foal for ¬23,000, with Amanda Skiffington, Ed Dunlop and Charlie Gordon-Watson all staking claims as the price rose skywards. Gordon-Watson looked to have secured the colt when Sykes entered the fray with a bid of 270,000 guineas and whilst Gordon-Watson countered, it was Sykes who silenced her opposition with her bid of 300,000 guineas. Colts were the flavour of the day and sons of JOHANNESBURG and MEDICEAN both realised 200,000 guineas, when knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock's Richard Brown and Cheveley Park Stud's Chris Richardson respectively. The first of these was lot 1111, the JOHANNESBURG colt out of the Group placed mare LISKA, the BIGSTONE half-sister to the Listed winning Group 1 placed LIVADIYA and to LIDAKIYA, dam of the Group 2 winner LINNGARI. The colt, consigned from Timmy Hyde's Camas Park Stud, was purchased by Brown on behalf of the Eqyptian born businessman Ahmed Zayat. The second of the two 200,000 guinea colts was lot 1177, the MEDICEAN colt out of the BLUSHING GROOM mare RADIANT BRIDE who was consigned from James and Celia Miller's Freedom Farm Stud on behalf of Mr Ercan Dogan. Agents Charlie Gordon-Watson and Richard O'Gorman both made bold bids for the racy looking colt but were usurped by Cheveley Park Stud's Chris Richardson who indicated that the colt would go into training with Peter Chapple-Hyam at his St Gatien Stables.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Major Race Result – New Zealand

1. Legs (NZ) (Pins(AUS)-River Century(NZ))

2. Kerry O’Reilly (NZ) (O’Reilly(NZ)-Pegarah(NZ))

3. Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross(IRE)-Just Cruising(AUS))

  Spectacular Start to Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Part 2

Part 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale got underway in spectacular fashion with turnover up 59% on last year's corresponding figures and average and median also posting strong rises as 220 lots sold for 10,230,500 guineas. The average of 46,502 guineas represented a 35% rise on the corresponding 2005 figures whilst the median of 36,500 guineas represented a 40% rise. A total of 20 lots sold for 100,000 guineas or more on the opening day, one more than last year's four day total. Demand for well bred fillies continued unabated on the opening day of Part 2 of the October Yearling Sale with a top price of 250,000 guineas for lot 906, the daughter of the triple Group 1 winning first season sire OASIS DREAM and the MARK OF ESTEEM mare TOP FLIGHT QUEEN. The filly hails from a top Cheveley Park family that includes Group 1 winner CHORIST and that stud's manager Chris Richardson made a valiant attempt to secure the granddaughter of the Yorkshire Oaks second BLESSED EVENT, but was to finish as underbidder to Newmarket based trainer John Gosden. The sale provided a great result for Saleh Fustok's Deerfield Farm who consigned the colt, having purchased TOP FLIGHT QUEEN via agent Richard O'Gorman for 23,000 guineas at the 2001 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale. Lot 904, the bay colt by HALLING out of the Listed winning DANZIG mare TIME CHANGES was the second highest priced lot for the day, being knocked down to the Irish based bloodstock agent Hugo Merry for 200,000 guineas. Consigned from the Tarry family's Islanmore Stud in Ireland, the colt is a grandson of the multiple Grade 1 placed Listed winner MAKE CHANGE, herself the granddam of the Grade 1 horses ANDROMEDA'S HERO and SUPERFLY. Merry secured the colt after seeing off the efforts of underbidder Richard O'Gorman and indicated that he would go into training with Brian Meehan at Manton House Stables. The progeny of former champion sprinter and successful sire CADEAUX GENEREUX were in great demand during Part 1 of the October Yearling Sale and the trend continued on the opening day of Part 2 with a colt and a filly both realising six figure sums. Lot 694, the colt out of the TINA'S PET mare ELLEBANNA was the highest of the pair and third highest price for the day when knocked down to Darley's John Ferguson for 195,000 guineas. Consigned from David and Trish Brown's Furnace Mill Stud on behalf of Courtleigh Stud, the half-brother to the history-making triple Bunbury Cup winner MINE saw interest from his trainer James Bethell as well as agents Amanda Skiffington and McKeever St Lawrence's Johnny McKeever, stood alongside trainer Brian Meehan. Ferguson soon entered the fray and just as he looked to have secured the colt, bloodstock agent Angie Sykes made a late bid for glory, but was to end up the underbidder as Ferguson prevailed. Earlier London-based bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson went to 125,000 guineas to secure a CADEAUX GENEREUX half-sister to Group 3 winner APPLAUD and the Listed winner SAUTERNE. Gordon-Watson secured the daughter of the NORTHERN DANCER mare BAND, who was consigned from Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber's Watership Down Stud, after seeing off the efforts of locally based bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon. Lot 779, the chesnut colt by INDIAN RIDGE out of the DARSHAAN mare MAID OF KILLEEN received a massive catalogue update when his own-sister INDIAN INK won the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket 11 days ago. Consigned from Killeen Castle Stud in Ireland, the colt was knocked down to McKeever St Lawrence's Johnny McKeever for 180,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of Lambourn based trainer Sylvester Kirk. McKeever indicated that the colt would be another to go into training at Manton House with trainer Brian Meehan.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  Top Two-Year-Olds Head Outstanding Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Catalogue

The top two-year-olds EXCELLENT ART, CALDRA and DOCTOR BROWN are amongst 1470 lots catalogued for the forthcoming Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale which takes place from Monday 23rd - Thursday 26th October. Both EXCELLENT ART, trained by Neville Callaghan, and DOCTOR BROWN, trained by Brian Meehan, who were separated by a short head in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes, are currently rated 114 by 'Timeform', as is the Sylvester Kirk trained CALDRA who boasts a rating of 114+ after his effortless 5 lengths win in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. The trio are the joint second highest rated two-year-olds in Britain with only the undefeated dual Group 1 winner DUTCH ART currently rated higher. Other high class two-year-olds catalogued include the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes winner GILDED, trained by Richard Hannon, the multiple Group 2 placed BODES GALAXY, trained by Nick Littmoden and the Listed winning colts DRAYTON, NOT FOR ME and SADEEK, trained by Tommy Stack, Tim Pitt and Kevin Ryan respectively. Recent top class graduates of the sale have included the Group 1 July Cup and Golden Jubliee Stakes winner LES ARCS as well as recent Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye winner DESERT LORD and last year's Group 1 Japan Cup winner ALKAASED, and all of the major trainers and owners in Britain and Ireland are well represented as ever. The largest single consignment comes from Richard Hannon's East Everleigh Stables and numbers 69 lots, while the largest consignment from Ireland comes from Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle Stables. Amongst the potential highlights from Ballydoyle are the well regarded Group 3 and Listed winning three-year-old colts ART MUSEUM, PUERTO RICO and TUSCULUM as well as the Group and Listed placed ALTIUS, ARABIAN PRINCE, and PURPLE MOON. Other eyecatching lots include the highly rated Listed winning SINGSPIEL colt MOSAIC who is one of 20 from Darley, Shadwell Estates' Listed winner and Group 2 placed four-year-old MUNSEF, the Andre Fabre trained Listed winner RUNAWAY, who is one of 47 catalogued from Juddmonte Farms, the smart Listed winning three-year-old gelding DEGAS ART, who is trained by David Elsworth and currently rated 114 by 'Timeform' and Mark Tompkins' Group 2 winning sprinter STEENBERG, currently rated 121. The four day Autumn Horses in Training Sale is followed immediately by the two day Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Part 3 which numbers 319 lots including the CHOISIR half-sister to recent Group 2 winning two-year-old VITAL EQUINE and yearlings by proven Group 1 sires AVERTI, BAHAMIAN BOUNTY, BERTOLINI, CADEAUX GENEREUX, CELTIC SWING, DANSILI, DESERT STYLE, DIKTAT, DR FONG, FASLIYEV, LOMITAS, MARK OF ESTEEM, and MEDICEAN. Catalogues for both sales are available from Tattersalls and from all Tattersalls overseas representatives and can be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com.
(Tattersalls Media Release)

Caspar Fownes maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 9 wins, 9 second placings, 11 third placings, 4 fourth placings and 5 fifth placings from 63 starters. John Moore is the best of the Australians in 19^th position with a winner, 4 second placings, 2 third placings, 2 fourth placings and 6 fifth placings from his 45 starters.

Douglas Whyte continues to lead in the Jockey’s rankings with a three win advantage having recorded 11 wins, 3 second placings, 5 third placings, 8 fourth placings and 6 fifth placings from 68 rides. Brett Prebble is in fourth position with 5 winners, 7 second placings, 5 third placings, a fourth placing and 4 fifth placings from his 50 rides.

Current to 7 October 2006.

1. Bernardini (A P Indy-Cara Rafaela)

2. Wanderin Boy (Seeking The Gold-Vid Kid)

3. Andromeda’s Hero (Fusaichi Pegasus-Marozia)

The Group 1 Shadwell Turf Mile 8 Furlongs

1. Aussie Rules (Danehill-Last Second)

2. Remarkable News (Chayim-Unreachable)

3. Old Dodge (Dodge-Ojeada Fighter)

The Group 1 Beldame Stakes 9 Furlongs

1. Fleet Indian (Indian Charlie-Hustleeta)

2. Balletto (Timber Country-Destiny Dance)

3. Round Pound (Awesome Again-Gift of Dance)

The Group 1 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes 10 Furlongs

1. Honey Ryder (Lasting Approval-Cuando Quiere)

2. Film Maker (Dynaformer-Miss Du Bois)

3. Jade Queen (Giant’s Causeway-Jade Flush)

Fillies by SADLER'S WELLS and KEY OF LUCK provided the highlights on the final day of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Part 1 realising 1,200,000 guineas and 900,000 guineas repsectively, as 100 lots sold for 14,332,000 guineas, at an average of 143,320 guineas and a median of 87,500 guineas. The four day sale saw 432 lots sold for 55,035,000 guineas, the second highest turnover for a yearling sale in Europe, at an average of 127,396 guineas and a median of 82,000 guineas. Well bred fillies have been in great demand throughout the week, and lot 543, a bay filly by SADLER'S WELLS out of the DARSHAAN mare TIME AWAY proved no exception. The daughter of the Group 3 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes winner is an own-sister to this year's Group 2 Prix de Malleret winner TIME ON and is a great-granddaughter of the Champion mare TIME CHARTER. Consigned from agent Jamie Railton, the filly saw interest from agent John Warren and Coolmore supremo John Magnier, but neither could match the efforts of London-based agent Charlie Gordon-Watson who purchased her on behalf of a new client. Gordon-Watson also signed for the second highest priced filly, the regally bred KEY OF LUCK filly out of the CAERLEON mare ALLELUIA. Consigned from Sonia Rogers' Airlie Stud, the half-sister to this year's Group 2 Lancashire Oaks winner ALLEGRETTO, hails from the one of the best families in the stud book, with Group 1 winners AUSSIE RULES, ALBANOVA, ALBORADA, YESTERDAY and QUARTER MOON all out of half-sisters to ALLELUIA. Interest in the filly was understandably high, with bloodstock agents James Wigan, Anthony Stroud, Dick O'Gorman and Brian Grassick all signalling their interest during bidding, but none could match the efforts of Gordon-Watson whose bid of 900,000 guineas landed the filly on behalf of the same client as that of the top lot. The progeny of Cheveley Park Stud's PIVOTAL have been in great demand all week with 19 lots selling for a 5,027,000 guineas, including lot 498, a colt out of the Listed winning MISWAKI mare SOLAIA who was knocked down to Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold for 525,000 guineas. The colt, consigned from Chris Budgett's Kirtlington Stud, is a half-brother to the Grade 2 winner OLAYA and a grandson of the Listed winning and Graded Stakes placed INDIAN FASHION. Coolmore Stud principal John Magnier and Irish veterinarian Demi O'Byrne have both been very active this week, with the pair signing for 23 lots for 5,670,000 guineas this week, with the highest priced of these on the final day being the 400,000 guineas given for lot 535, a colt by SADLER'S WELLS out of the Group 1 Fillies' Mile winner TEGGIANO. Magnier saw off the efforts of agent John Warren to secure the colt consigned from Klaus Jacobs' Newsells Park Stud. The first lot into the ring on the final day, a bay filly by DIKTAT out of the SALSE mare SITARA, represented one of the best pinhooking results for the sale, with the 340,000 guineas sale price a massive result her owners, having been purchased by BBA Ireland's Patrick Cooper for a mere 26,000 guineas at the 2005 Tattersalls December Foal Sale. The Islanmore Stud consigned filly, whose dam SITARA is a half-sister to SHOUK, dam of this year's English and Irish Oaks winner ALEXANDROVA, was knocked down to Newmarket trainer James Eustace. At the conclusion of Part 1 of the 2006 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "The 2005 Tattersalls October Yearling Sales were hugely successful and were always going to be hard acts to follow but the average and median prices this week have held up well and the turnover is second only to last year's record levels with a marginally smaller catalogue. "In the course of the week there have been some notable highlights with two seven figure transactions including the highest priced yearling colt sold in Europe this year, some major pinhooking triumphs and sustained demand for well bred fillies from start to finish. It has not, however, always been a straightforward week and while the top of the market has been very strong we would have liked to have seen a little more depth to the middle market. In a year when Part 1 of the October Yearling Sale has produced four individual British and Irish Classic winners as well as Group 1 winners like INDIAN INK, YOUMZAIN and RED EVIE for 25,000 guineas, 30,000 guineas and 58,000 guineas respectively, the buyers could scarcely have had more encouragement. "Since the move away from the super select format of the Houghton we have been at pains to convey the message that October 1 is not just the preserve of the big battalions and with 652 yearlings catalogued as well as serious horses coming from the Sale at all levels of the market, that message should ring loud and clear. Although the average at this sale is well above 100,000 guineas, more than half the catalogue will always make less than that figure and trainers and owners can feel confident of coming to this Sale armed with lesser bu