Tattersalls October Book 2 sale sets record for gross

The Tattersalls October yearling Book 2 sale ended Thursday in Newmarket, England, with a record gross and improved median, though average price remained slightly under last year’s figure.

The four-day auction sold 788 yearlings for about $52,145,520, yielding an average price of $66,175. The median was about $53,760. Compared year-to-year in the auction currency of guineas, the gross climbed 23 percent, and median was up 7 percent, but average price dipped by 1 percent from last year’s level. The 2011 auction sold 635 yearlings.

The four-day 2012 sale had a 12 percent overall buyback rate, down from 16 percent a year ago.

The Book 2 sale-topper was a $411,600 Shamardal colt that Yeomanstown Stud sold to Peter and Ross Doyle. The bay colt is a half-brother to listed stakes winner Imperial Guest, and his dam, Princess Speedfit, is a full sister to Grade 1-winning sire Frankly Perfect.

The Tattersalls October yearling Book 3 sale was to take place Friday.