Record Year for Tattersalls Ireland

For the fifth year in succession, Tattersalls Ireland has enjoyed an increase in turnover across its venues, which now extend to Cheltenham and Ascot in the UK along with Fairyhouse.

At its Irish headquarters, the company recorded an aggregate of €45,046,050, an improvement of 3%, with a record average of €17,658. The Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham Sales witnessed an increase of 8% in turnover to £13,820,100, while Tattersalls Ireland Ascot Sales posted the biggest rise of all, with turnover being up by 40% at £5,991,550.

Commenting on a successful year, Tattersalls Ireland's Managing Director Roger Casey said, “For the fifth consecutive year, Tattersalls Ireland has delivered an increased set of returns with the aggregate, the fourth highest on record. Similar to 2015, the modest increase in turnover is a reflection on the consolidation of the bloodstock industry as a whole. The market continues to dictate the demand for the more select types and this is certainly reflected the annual rise in aggregate.

“Consistently the market leading Derby Sale continues to be the focal point of the Tattersalls Ireland Sales calendar and 2016 was no different. A record of 32 horses realised €100,000 or more with the highest price achieved in Europe of €255,000 for a National Hunt 3-year-old store and a record average of €47,535 was delivered. The September Yearling Sale maintained its reputation as Europe's most progressive yearling sale producing an impressive clearance rate of 82%, five horses selling in excess of €100,000 and rises in the aggregate, average and median. Trade at the November National Hunt Sale was also very strong. It was extremely pleasing to observe significant growth in the foal section recording a robust clearance rate of 71% and 37 foals realising €40,000 or more. It was also gratifying to sell a mare for the second highest price on record when Valyssa Monterg realised €160,000.”

Reflecting on the new areas of trade for his company following Tattersalls Ireland's takeover of auctions formerly conducted by Brightwells at Ascot and Cheltenham racecourses, Casey added, “Sales at Ascot for 2016 concluded on a high after the first full year under the Tattersalls Ireland umbrella. There was a major increase in turnover of 40% to £5,991,550 and a considerable rise in the average of a further 40% to £8,230. The overwhelming highlight of 2016 for Ascot was the Breeze-Up Sale in April which witnessed a jump of 120% in turnover, 100% in median and 38% in average.

“The first full season of sales conducted at Cheltenham, the home of National Hunt Racing, finished with a rise in the aggregate of 8% to £13,820,100. Highlights from the year came from the most recent December Sale which witnessed a record price for a point-to-point horse being sold at the venue for £305,000 and the May Sale delivering the best price for a 4-year-old mare of £200,000. A total of 33 horses fetched £100,000 or more at Cheltenham which is a resounding endorsement of the venue as the venue of choice to sell quality form horses.”