Horantzau D’Airy Tops Tattersalls Online March Sale

A lively afternoon of bidding saw Aintree Grand National entry HORANTZAU D’AIRY leading proceedings in the Tattersalls Online March Sale when selling for 50,000 guineas to owner Jim Gill. Consigned by Willie Mullins’ Closutton Stables, the son of LEGOLAS has been consistent at the top level, being Grade 1 placed over hurdles, as well as finishing runner-up in the both the Grade 3 Kerry National Handicap Chase and the Grade 3 Munster National Handicap Chase last season.

With the added appeal of an entry in the famous Aintree showpiece next month, a delighted Jim Gill was considering his options for the eight-year-old gelding who will now head to Newmarket-based trainer Michael Keady:

 “I’m very excited to get him today and Michael is delighted to be training him. Even if he doesn’t get into the Grand National, there is a big three-mile chase option for him at the Aintree meeting which he could run in.”

A regular bidder with Tattersalls Online, Gill added: “I played golf yesterday and had a few pints after, when I set the maximum bid for the horse. I’ve had plenty of winners on the flat but I’m new to having national hunt runners. I really liked the look of him and thought I’d give it a go for the craic!”

Another high-class national hunt performer to find favour was Grade 2 Dublin Racing Festival winner LILY DU BERLAIS who realised 42,000 guineas to the final bid of Sean McElroy. A four-time winner for trainer Stuart Crawford, the daughter of SHIROCCO has been an exceptional talent on the track with multiple black type placings in the famous double-green colours of Simon Munir and Issac Souede. Also boasting an attractive pedigree, she hails from a prestigious French national hunt family which includes BONITO DU BERLAIS and NIKITA DU BERLAIS.

Newcastle novice race winner NORTHERN RULER proved popular amongst bidders and was ultimately knocked down to Curragh-based trainer Michael O’Callaghan for 41,000 guineas. O’Callaghan has enjoyed significant success with graduates from Tattersalls Online sales and could be looking at more to come with the Timeform-rated 89 colt by KINGMAN who was offered by Dullingham Park. 

Demand was strong across the horses in training on offer with other notable results including Cheltenham Festival entry STATIC who fetched 38,000 guineas to leading owner Jimmy Fyffe from Olly Murphy’s Warren Chase Stables. Meanwhile, flat performers LERWICK and REMEMBER THE BEAR both realised 23,000 guineas a piece when purchased by DML Racing and Remember The Bear Partnership respectively.

Leading the way amongst the broodmares on offer was the Monanny Farm consigned SO DANDY who was bought by Mylestown Farms for 15,000 guineas. Offered on behalf of the Estate of the late Paul Callan, the daughter of ORATORIO is the dam of Listed winning sprinter DICKIEDOODA and is a half-sister to four black type performers including Listed winner and Grade 2 runner-up POWER ELITE. 

The Tattersalls Online March Sale realised a turnover of 435,100 guineas for 52 lots sold, at an average price of 8,367 guineas. Over 290 bidders registered for the sale from over 15 countries including  Britain, Bulgaria, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Norway, Zambia and from throughout the Gulf region. 

Unsold lots remain available and offers can be made through the Make An Offer facility on the Tattersalls Online website. Enquiries are also welcome via email and phone to the Tattersalls Online team to tattersallsonline@tattersalls.com.

The next sale to take place on the Tattersalls Online platform will be the Online April Sale on 1^st – 2^nd April. Entries for the Tattersalls Online April Sale will be accepted until Friday 21^st March and can be made through the Tattersalls Online website at www.tattersallsonline.com.