Invincible Spirit colt tops Tattersalls Ireland

Freshman sire Invincible Spirit was in demand again on Wednesday at

Tattersalls Ireland's September Yearling Sale, which held up after Tuesday's

record-breaking opening session. The Irish National Stud's leading first-season

sire is responsible for Grove Stud's Hip No. 281, a colt out of a sister to the

smart sprinter Argentum with a pedigree built for speed. He was snapped up by

Jamie Osborne for 80,000.

"He's a good, solid colt and stood out today," Osborne said. "The sire is

doing very well, and I think this one is typical of a lot of his."

Later in the afternoon, Andy Oliver purchased a colt by Averti from the draft

of John Deer's Oakgrove Stud for 66,000. Hip 386 is out of listed-placed

Honeytrap (Primo Dominie), a half-sister to the 1994 Prix Noailles (Fr-G2) hero

Gunboat Diplomacy (Dominion [GB]).

"He was a lovely, athletic colt with great balance," Oliver noted. "He's got

a lovely pedigree and is bred for speed."

Gill Richardson was on hand to secure Hip 348, a colt by Xaar out of 2001

Shergar Cup Distaff winner Flying Millie (Flying Spur) from the family of Bold

Arrangement (GB). Having paid 60,000, the bloodstock agent revealed that the

yearling will be sent to Mick Channon.

Invincible Spirit was also responsible for the top-priced filly of the

session, supplied by Hill Top Farm. Hip 352 has the two Moyglare-owned stakes

winners Safety Tactic and Hymn of Love (Ire) on the page and was bought by P. J.

Condron for 45,000.

Returns showed increases across the board over 12 months ago, with the

average rising by 53 percent to 17,944 and the median up by 40 percent at

14,000.

"With such high averages and such a strong buying bench, I think we can

safely say it was a very satisfying day for everyone," Tattersalls Ireland

Chairman Edmond Mahony said. "The purchasers liked the yearlings on offer and

the vendors were pleased with the prices."

Selling continues Thursday with full results available on www.tattersalls.ie.