Tattersalls sets record annual gross in 2014

The Tattersalls December breeding stock sale closed out the auction company’s 2014 calendar on Thursday and locked down a record annual gross for a second consecutive year.

The Newmarket, England-based auction house grossed roughly $433,669,000 (263,411,173 guineas) over the course of seven sales in 2014, up 6 percent compared with the previous year’s record income.

Highlighting the year for Tattersalls was Just The Judge, a 4-year-old Irish classic-winning Lawman filly, who sold during the December mare sale for about $7.46 million (4.5 million guineas), setting a new record price for a filly in training at a British auction. Just The Judge, who finished third in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf this fall, was purchased by the China Horse Club and Sheikh Fahad al-Thani of Qatar Racing, the latter of which campaigned the filly with the Sangster family prior to the sale.

“Record annual turnover for the second consecutive year and the highest price for a Thoroughbred at public auction anywhere in the world in 2014 brings the Tattersalls year to a successful conclusion,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony. “Our turnover for the year has risen from 248 million guineas last year to 263 million guineas in 2014 and the 4.5 million guineas sale of the outstanding classic winner Just the Judge was a wonderful way to bring the Tattersalls sales season to an end.

“The annual figures reflect not only the sustained demand for European bloodstock at all levels of the market, but also the quality of the stock which consignors from Britain, Ireland and further afield have sent to Tattersalls throughout the year,” Mahony continued. “Quality is the key and we continue to present the finest that Europe has to offer in all sectors of the market.”

The Tattersalls December breeding stock sale, which closed the two-week auction that also included portions for yearlings and weanlings, finished its four-day stand with 658 horses sold for revenues of about $80,244,600 (48,290,695 guineas). The average sale price closed at roughly $117,145 (70,497 guineas), while the median finished at $43,200 (26,000 guineas).

For complete results, click here.