Sinndar filly tops Tattersalls session

Trade was selective at Tattersalls' one-day Yearling Sale, which kicked off

its marathon December Sale in Newmarket Monday. The clearance rate, a

much-beleaguered stat at last week's Goffs November Sale, came in at 55 percent

for the 103 lots that changed hands. The 1,997,000 guineas turnover fell by 49

percent from last year, the 19,388 guineas average was down by 30 percent, and

the 8,500 guineas median dropped by 43 percent.

Three lots hit six figures, each of whom had been catalogued in an earlier

yearling sale this autumn. The day's top lot was Hip No. 172, a Sinndar

half-sister to 2002 One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) third Alasha (Ire) (Barathea

[Ire]). The filly realized €280,000 on BBA

Ireland's bid at the Goffs Million Sale and was re-offered by breeder

Barronstown Stud yesterday, bringing 170,000 guineas. Agent Liam Norris, buying

for trainer William Knight, saw off Charlie Gordon-Watson for the bay.

"She is for an owner who has a two-year-old with me at the moment and was

looking for a filly who could become a foundation mare," Knight said. "We tried

for a few at Part One of the October Sale, but it was very tough there and this

was the only one on our list today. She will always have residual value and she

was a really nice, athletic filly.

"I've got about 20 yearlings this year, including some very nice ones from

Keeneland. Although I'll have about 40 in training next year, the same number as

this season, the quality has been improving all the time."

A Mizzen Mast half-brother to Grade 3 winner Millie's Quest (Quest For Fame

[GB]) was bought by Dubai-based owner Jaber Abdullah through agent Gill

Richardson for 140,000 guineas. The John Troy-consigned colt, catalogued as Hip

191, had been withdrawn from Part One of Tattersalls' October Yearling Sale. 

"He was a lovely, athletic horse," Richardson said. "I am not sure at the

moment where he will be trained."

For more information, visit tattersalls.com.