NEWMARKET, UK – The Tattersalls Book 2 Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday with a sensational record-breaking session, highlighted by a homebred Lope De Vega colt from Yeomanstown Stud who commanded a top price of 650,000 guineas. The colt was secured by Blandford Bloodstock agent Richard Brown, who, with a touch of familial encouragement, marked his second top lot in as many days at the prestigious auction. This remarkable performance contributed to an overall record-breaking Book 2, with aggregate sales reaching an astonishing 27,380,000 guineas, a substantial 27% increase on the previous year. The average price also soared by 22% to 123,333 guineas, while the median saw a significant 27% rise to 87,500 guineas, all underpinned by a robust 90% clearance rate.

Richard Brown, who had signed for a 600,000-guinea Blue Point colt just 24 hours prior, shared his delight and the unexpected collaboration that led to the acquisition of the Lope De Vega colt. "I thought he was an outstanding individual walking around the outside ring," Brown commented. "My 11-year-old son has just come from school and when we leant on the rail I said, ‘that’s the one we’re going to try and buy,’ and he replied, ‘that’s an amazing horse.’ Hopefully he’s a good judge!" This sentiment underscored the colt’s undeniable appeal, not just to seasoned professionals but also to the keen eye of a younger generation.

The dam of the star colt, Silk Bow (Elusive City), has a proven track record of producing high-quality runners. Her progeny include the unbeaten and highly promising Sharadd (Dark Angel), a testament to the mare’s consistent ability to produce top-class offspring. For Yeomanstown’s David O’Callaghan, the sale price was a pleasant surprise, albeit one that reflected the colt’s exceptional conformation and breeding. "We thought he’d sell very well but I didn’t think he’d reach those heights," O’Callaghan admitted. "He is an exceptional horse and the mare has done very well. She produced a number of highly-rated horses and the two-year-old looks very smart. He had everybody liking him, and for Lope De Vega, he looked very forward and mature. I wouldn’t say precocious, but definitely a two-year-old, and he is just a real good-looking Lope De Vega."

O’Callaghan further elaborated on the strategic decision to send Silk Bow to Lope De Vega, a departure from her usual mating with Yeomanstown’s own Dark Angel. "Well, she had been to Dark Angel three or four times, and she had produced nice horse after nice horse, so we said we’d give her a change of scenery," he explained. "We usually try to buy foals by outside stallions to mix it up, but actually, we are probably sending more mares to outside stallions than we used to – we need to mix it up and appeal to everybody." This forward-thinking approach to breeding, aiming to diversify bloodlines and appeal to a wider market, appears to have yielded significant dividends.

The overall success of the Tattersalls Book 2 sale paints a picture of a robust and healthy market. The cumulative average for the entire sale stood at 119,136 guineas, an 11% increase on the previous year, with a median of 85,000 guineas, up 6%. The sustained demand, reflected in the 90% clearance rate, indicates a strong appetite for quality yearlings across the board.

Ingordo Secures Top-Class Filly Amidst Fierce Competition

The strength of the marketplace was further underscored by US agent David Ingordo, who revealed his eagerness to participate in the bidding after a somewhat frustrating Book 2. Ingordo, partnering with Matt Dorman of Determined Stud, finally landed a significant purchase, acquiring a well-bred Blue Point filly from Croom House Stud for 600,000 guineas. Ingordo candidly described his experience: "There have been some really top horses with nice pedigrees here. I was focusing on fillies with a pedigree but I saw a lot of nice colts, too. This is our third year in a row coming to Tattersalls and I think they have done a great job. It hasn’t been easy to buy anything. We have been the direct underbidders on I don’t know how many millions of dollars worth of horses, so it has been tough. But that’s how it goes. I understand the market is a little thinner here compared to America, but it sure feels tough when we go in to buy a horse to bring back home. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to buy the best and we have gone up against the best. It’s been tough but it’s been good and we are happy. We bought five in Book 1 and finally got one today. We brought a healthy budget with us and have been joking with Tattersalls that we have been struggling to give them our money!"

The Blue Point filly, described as potentially one of the finest seen in Europe in recent times, was a strategic acquisition for Ingordo and Dorman. Dorman had notably purchased a breeding right in Blue Point just before the stallion’s meteoric rise in popularity during the summer. "Blue Bolt is probably as good a filly that Europe has seen in some time," Ingordo stated. "The sire can get a top horse and they have speed. They look precocious but they train on so hopefully she will do well in America." This investment reflects a strong belief in the progeny of Blue Point, a stallion who has quickly established himself as a sire of significant potential. Ingordo and Determined Stud later added a Starspangledbanner filly from Clara Stud for 150,000 guineas, further demonstrating their commitment to acquiring quality stock.

Paddy Twomey’s Significant Investment Reflects Market Strength

Trainer Paddy Twomey continued his aggressive buying spree at the yearling sales, investing over £4 million across Books 1 and 2 alone. His latest acquisition was a 440,000-guinea Sea The Stars filly, a sister to the talented Roscarberry, purchased from Philipp Stauffenberg. Twomey expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, "Obviously it’s a familiar pedigree – Roscarberry was very lucky for us. She has been bought on behalf of an existing owner in the yard. Gestüt Wittekindshof does a great job and we are thrilled to get her." This repeat success with a familiar pedigree highlights the enduring appeal of established families and the value placed on proven performers.

Reflecting on the broader market, Twomey observed, "I think there is a good standard of horses here and there is good trade for the horses that people want. There is great competition for them. Obviously, the foals were expensive last year and some of the vendors are probably finding it difficult. However, when we go in there to buy horses we want, we are fully extended every time." His comments provide valuable insight into the competitive nature of the sale, where demand for select individuals can drive prices to considerable heights, even in a generally strong market.

Philipp Stauffenberg also celebrated success with two significant sales. Following the Sea The Stars filly, he also sold a Zarak filly to Henry Lascelles for 400,000 guineas. Stauffenberg elaborated on the Sea The Stars filly’s appeal: "Obviously she’s a sister to a very good horse, and she’s a very well-developed filly. I prepped her for the breeders and she’s been going down very well, but you never know really at what level you will end up. She was put into Book 2 specifically at the request of the breeders because they wanted her to stand out here. It seems to have worked out!" He further highlighted the breeders’ track record, noting their success in breeding Derby and Oaks winners, and drew a comparison to the sale of Rosscarbery, who fetched 130,000 guineas in Book 2. "This filly had more substance and moved well," Stauffenberg added. "It’s good that it worked out today, although for me, the main thing is that the horses are successful on the track. The sale is only one step."

Emerging Trends and Notable Performances

Ghaiyyath’s Ascending Star Power

A significant subplot unfolding at Tattersalls is the remarkable rise of the stallion Ghaiyyath. As breeders increasingly focus on future market value, Ghaiyyath is emerging as a sire of considerable promise, particularly for sales in the coming years. His yearling progeny have commanded substantial prices, with two colts selling for 1.3 million and 900,000 guineas respectively during Book 1. This success has continued into Book 2, where nine of his yearlings have sold for a total of 1,315,000 guineas. The most compelling statistic, however, is his rapidly increasing yearling average: £56,318 in 2024, £76,673 in 2025, and an impressive £173,163 this year. These figures suggest that Ghaiyyath’s best books are yet to come, and his stud fee, currently standing at £20,000, is expected to rise significantly. This trajectory indicates that breeders who have invested in Ghaiyyath’s progeny are likely to see substantial returns, positioning him as a valuable proposition for future breeding seasons.

Shadwell’s Strategic Market Presence

Shadwell, under the guidance of racing manager Angus Gold, has made a welcome and impactful return to the buying bench. The operation has invested 1,355,000 guineas in six yearlings throughout the week, demonstrating a clear strategy to identify and acquire value. "It’s been lovely. We’ve received great support from the family, which has been fantastic," Gold commented. "We have bought six and we’re trying to find as much value as we can. It is not easy in this market. It seems remarkably strong when you go in to buy one you like, which is great to see." Gold also expressed optimism regarding the progeny of Baaeed, the young stallion based at Beech House Stud, who has enjoyed a strong run of success. "It’s very exciting at times. And even the ones that aren’t winning, they’re all running extremely well and showing plenty of ability. They have great minds, which is a wonderful help, and we’ve got to be very excited. We have some very nice ones still to run, which is great." The performance of Baaeed’s early runners is generating significant interest, further bolstering the appeal of his yearlings.

Nico Archdale’s Inspiring Resilience

A truly heartwarming story from the week has been the presence and success of bloodstock agent Nico Archdale, who has been actively participating in the market on behalf of Najd Stud, despite undergoing cancer treatment. Archdale, who openly shared his battle earlier in the year, has summoned remarkable strength to secure four yearlings for a total of 505,000 guineas. "I am mid-chemo at the moment, so it’s pretty draining, I’m not going to lie. The energy levels aren’t the best. But, I guess for my mindset and mental health, I have enjoyed being here and reminding people that I can still do this," Archdale stated. "I am pushing myself to be here but it’s worth it." He acknowledged the immense support he has received: "I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had amazing support from family, friends and people within the racing industry. It really helps you keep going, keep motivated and keep positive, really. I think positivity is the key to getting through something like this. And, yeah, it’s been great having such support and to be here this week. A good boost." Archdale’s determination and continued dedication to his profession serve as an inspiration to many within the industry.

Trevor Stewart’s Consistent Breeding Prowess

Breeder Trevor Stewart has once again demonstrated his exceptional talent, following up the sale of a millionaire lot from the Cassandra Go family in Book 1 with another significant success in Book 2. A Lope De Vega half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile scorer Victoria Road sold for 525,000 guineas to Rabbah Bloodstock. Stewart expressed his elation: "I kept thinking, ‘is this real?’ The worry goes out when you get to the level you thought and then it goes above and you can enjoy it. My wife will be happy again! Luckily, I kept her expectations well down, so she’ll get a big surprise now!" Stewart’s consistent ability to produce top-class horses from his breeding stock solidifies his reputation as a breeder of distinction.

A Landmark Start to Book 2

The record-breaking Tuesday session was ignited by Paddy Vaughan, operating under the Moanmore Stud banner. Vaughan turned an initial investment of £75,000 into a remarkable 400,000 guineas with the fifth lot of the day, a colt by the promising young sire Little Big Bear. Purchased at Goffs the previous winter, the colt was acquired by Godolphin, marking their second purchase of a Little Big Bear colt. Vaughan expressed his satisfaction: "That was great. He is a May foal and he just turned into a nice, good, strong horse for his age. I’m sure he’ll be even better come Christmas time and beyond. It’s nice to sell Godolphin a horse." Little Big Bear, who has enjoyed an outstanding couple of weeks, is clearly establishing himself as a sire of significant potential, with his progeny attracting strong interest from leading buyers.

Potential Value Found

Jessica Harrington’s buying team for Omega Racing was active on Tuesday, investing 215,000 guineas in four yearlings. The standout of their acquisitions may prove to be a Starman filly purchased for 78,000 guineas from McCracken Farms. Starman, who enjoyed a highly successful first season at stud, continues to be a sire of interest, capable of producing Group 1 and Royal Ascot winners. The filly is a sister to the black-type performer Nandita (Blue Point), and her other sibling, Big Tribe (Sioux Nation), has shown promise with a recent winning debut. Described as a "nice, strong and fast-looking filly," she is expected to be an early runner, suggesting potential for early returns for Omega Racing.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint

As the Tattersalls Book 2 sale progresses, the demanding nature of the yearling market is evident. Many buyers, having invested heavily in Book 1 and earlier sessions, are feeling the strain. The week serves as a stark reminder that successful purchasing requires endurance, strategic planning, and often, a degree of luck. The consistently strong demand across all levels of the market underscores the quality of the stock presented and the competitive environment that buyers must navigate. The record-breaking figures achieved throughout Book 2 are a testament to the health and vitality of the thoroughbred industry, even as the process of acquisition remains a challenging, albeit rewarding, endeavor for those involved.