The LOPE DE VEGA three-parts brother to top class Australian stayer PUISSANCE DE LUNE topped the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale at 325,000 guineas, the highest price at the sale since 2006 when subsequent Group 1 Irish Oaks winner MOONSTONE topped the sale.
Turnover of 4,573,700 guineas for the 161 lots sold was up 28% and was the highest since 2006 whilst the average and median rose 15% and 20% to 28,408 guineas and 18,000 guineas respectively. There were also seven lots that sold for 100,000 guineas or more, the most since 2007.
The top priced LOPE DE VEGA colt was consigned by Bobby Donworth & Honora Corrigan's Round Hill Stud. Out of the UNBRIDLED'S SONG mare PRINCESS SERENA, the colt is also a half-brother to the dam of RIZEENA, this year's Group 1 Coronation Stakes winner. Competition to secure the chesnut came from both Cathy Grassick and SackvilleDonald's Alastair Donald but both were usurped by Charlie Gordon-Watson who secured the colt for 325,000 guineas on behalf of Mohammed Obaid.
The second highest price for the day was 240,000 guineas given by Demi O'Byrne for the HIGH CHAPARRAL colt out of the LINAMIX mare WALKAMIA. Consigned by Jamie Railton on behalf of Belinda Strudwick's Ballygallon Stud.
"A decision was made by Ballygallon to start to offer a few more at the sales, take a little more of a commercial approach," said Railton. "This was the most gorgeous foal and he has grown into the most gorgeous yearling. I really do see him as being a good racehorse - I think he is as nice a yearling as I have had all year. The team at Ballygallon have done a great job with him.
"We have some foals and mares from the farm to offer later this week and next."
Luke Lillingston enjoyed a fruitful day at the December Yearling Sale with SEA THE STARS fillies, selling lot 173, the filly out of NIGHT FAIRY for 140,000 guineas via his Mount Coote Stud and buying lot 197, the filly out of the SADLER'S WELLS mare MEETYOUTHERE for 165,000 guineas.
"She's for Lord Derby," said Lillingston "We bought a beautiful Dutch Art filly in Book 1 for him and he decided that he wanted one to partner her.
"This is a very special filly, with a lovely pedigree, and she is by a very special stallion in Sea The Stars - he looks as though he can get 'em!"
The filly is a grand-daughter of the Group 1 winner INFAMY and was consigned to the sale by The Castlebridge Consignment.
The four-day Tattersalls December Foal Sale starts on Wednesday, November 26 at 9.30am.
Tattersalls Release
