Lot 735: "He is an exceptional colt, as good a yearling as I have produced for any sale this year," said David O'Callaghan of Yeomanstown Stud after selling this colt by Sea The Moon for 410,000gns. "He was a Book 1 horse in Book 2, but that was part of the plan. We always like to put a horse like him into Book 2, he was exceptional, a beautifully balanced horse, bay with black points, a beautiful mover and very correct. I don't think there was a man or woman on the sale ground who did not admire him. He has gone to a great owner, I hope he does very well with him. I'd like to thank also the underbidder Karl Burke.

"I hope the horse he is as good as he looks."

He added: "We got a good update, too, in the second dam with Pearls Galore, it just gives more creditability to an already good family."

The colt was a substantial foal pinhook at 110,000gns and with a differing type of profile than Yeomanstown's homebred stock, O'Callaghan said: "We bred a lot of fast horses so we generally try and buy what we don't have in order to compliment our draft, and we are always on the look out for nice horses."

“He’ll go to Jean-Claude Rouget for Mr Brant,” said Zerolo, who was seated beside the trainer and directly to the left of the rostrum. When asked to expand on what appealed about the colt he said: “Pretty much everything, at least I hope so as he wasn’t cheap! He’s got a fine page and it’s a pedigree we know well in France. He comes from a very good family developed by Mr Putsch and Sea The Moon is most definitely a serious stallion.”

The colt was signed for under the Oceanic Bloodstock for White Birch Farm SC banner. (18:18)

Lot 723: "He is smashing colt physically and I am a big fan of the stallion, think he is going places, any son of Dubawi you have to take very seriously and he is doing it," said Richard Brown after bidding to 325,000gns for the son of New Bay sold by Gillon Bloodstock. "We passed on a couple of horses earlier on today, he is the one we really wanted. We are delighted to get him, he is for Saeed Suhail, who is here and will be here all week."

Brown continued: "We bought a couple last week and obviously this sale was very lucky for us a couple of years ago. This is the first time since I have been buying for Saeed he has stayed for Book 2, but he was keen to be here this week. Hopefully, we can get a few more nice horses and see if we can be lucky again.

"We will work out training plans once the week is over – Saeed makes all the decisions with racing manager Bruce Raymond. I am sure any trainer would be delighted to have this horse."

Brown also gave an update on the Epsom Derby winner Desert Crown, the "lucky" purchase referred to and a graduate of this sale in 2020 when bought by Brown for 280,000gns from Strawberry Fields Stud.

"Desert Crown is good, he is absolutely fine, had a bit of hiccup, he is being turned out and is out in the paddock at the moment. He goes back into training in the next couple of weeks."

This yearling was sold by Gillon Bloodstock, the highest price achieved by Chris Gillon and his team. However, Gillon is no stranger to consigning high quality and highly priced yearlings

Gillon previously worked at Floors Stud until the stud's owner Duke Of Roxburghe died in 2019. Gillon subsequently established his own business based at Floors Castle.

Gillon said: "As a consignor it is fantastic to do that in only our second year and our first time at Book 2 as Gillon Bloodstock. It is extra special – really just to be back here consigning good horses is what it is all about.

"Breeders Joanna and Malcolm Imray are just ten miles from Floors, they loved the colt and sent him to us in February. They asked if we could consign him, which was great. He has done nothing but improve, right up until he got into that ring. It has all come together, everyone at home has worked really hard with his prep and it has paid off.

"Once he got into his work, he was really good to deal with. He was always a real nice type, strong and always looked like he was going to be a racehorse – and always good deal with. He was exceeded expectations and has been very popular here. He sold himself – he showed himself off and looked a million dollars. When you look at his page, he has a strong page as well.

"When I was with the late Duke we were always here in Book 1 and Book 2, and just to be here as Gillon Bloodstock at Floors Stud it is fantastic. To get back selling in the good books, consigning good quality horses – that is what it is all about. It is where we want to be – we were here for so long with the late Duke. I was with the Duke for ten years and that is where I learnt my trade."

Gillon Bloodstock had just the one for Book 2, but is not finished yet this week – the farm has one lot catalogued in Book 3, a Crystal Ocean filly (Lot 1837), and three in Book 4 – Lot 2034, Lot 2087, Lot 2089.

His new business is going and from strength to strength and Gillon added: "We are full up – we have 14 mares, 16 weanlings and 17 yearlings, who are starting to leave soon, and a few spellers, too. We are looking good for the winter and hopefully from there into the spring." (17:37)

Lot 669: trainer Paddy Twomey, who produced two Group 1 winners this season – the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes winner La Petite Coco and Pearls Galore, successful in the Matron Stakes – invests in the Lope De Vega filly out of Moi Meme, sold by Hillwood Stud. The March-born filly cost him 375,000gns.

Twomey, who was bidding from the seats, said: "She is a nice filly, and by a top stallion in Lope De Vega. She is out of a good Teofilo mare, her two siblings are stakes horses already, and I am delighted to have her. She is for an existing owner and will make a very nice broodmare when she has finished racing."

Twomey, who purchased last week through Book 1, said: "Last week was hard work, we bought one filly and have been sent two more, but it was harder to compete. I went home on Wednesday and said to the guys that we'd retrench and come back this week."

It was a second good result for Hillwood early this morning, and Charlie Vigors said: "Moi Meme has been a fantastic mare for us, she has been successful in the sale ring and on the racecourse, and the racecourse being the ultimate place, it is great. She is was a very good race mare herself, is from a good family; she ticked the boxes for us when we bought her and she has repaid us well."

Moi Meme has since had yearling sales of 200,000gns, 350,000gns, 900,000gns, 160,000gns in addition to today's sale. All of her foals to date have been by Lope De Vega.

Hugo Merry purchased this year's two-year-old filly out of the mare here last year for 160,000gns. She has been named Lady Boba, is in training with Ralph Beckett and is owned by Andrew Rosen and Barry K Schwartz.

"She is actually in-foal to Night Of Thunder, we thought we'd have a change of scenery for a year! Obviously the two horses are doing well in the US, and Hugo Merry was underbidder today so I hope that is testament to what they think of this year's two-year-old," said Vigors.

It has been a very active family of late.

King Vega (2018), originally trained by Andrew Balding and the 350,000gns yearling purchase, finished second in the Solario Stakes (G3) as a juvenile and achieved a rating high in the UK of 107. He is now in training with Graham Motion and finished fourth in the Singspiel Stakes (G3) at Woodbine in September.

Capital Structure (2017), with Chad Brown and owned by Klaravich Stables, was second in the Grade 3 Waya Stakes (G3) on October 2, while King Of Conquest (2019) finished second in a three-year-old conditions race at Meydan in January. He has not run since the Meydan's spring season, but has two UK entries this week.

The results continues today's early dominance by Hillwood-Windmill Stud.

"I am still lagging behind my mother!"laughed Vigors. "It is great all round and delighted for Mum having such a good sale." (15:16)

Lot 659: Whatton Manor Stud's good Tattersalls yearling sale continues apace... after hitting the million plus for the first time last week, achieving a turnover of 3,165,000gns and an average price of 452,143gns for seven horses sold in Book 1, the farm sells this homebred daughter of Too Darn Hot for 230,000gns to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock.

"Absolutely delighted, we always knew we had a lovely filly," said Whatton Manor's Ed Player. "When Grande Dame started doing what she did this year winning her Listed race we knew we had a good chance. And then when she was third in the Sun Chariot that was a lovely update to come into the sale with.

"This filly has a bit of scope and a look of class about her and, luckily, there were a lot of people trying to buy her in the ring."

Player continued: "The mare has been a little unlucky, but the two who have made the racecourse have been very talented. She is a lovely mare, we bought her here with Larry Stratton [December Mares Sale, 2012] for 46,000gns, and she is just a beautiful mare and luckily she breds, too. I think that is now over a three-quarters of a million she has produced in the ring. I wish we had a few more mares like her on the farm!

"She is in-foal to Ardad, as her first foal was a Kodiac and is usesful. She did not have a foal this year." (15:00)

Lot 644: the Hillwood Stud-consigned Showcasing colt out of the Listed-placed Megan Lily (Dragon Pulse) is bought by Stroud Coleman for 260,000gns.

The mare was bought by Hillwood for 180,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale 2018, carrying her first pregnancy to Ribchester. In 2020 she produced a Lope De Vega filly who has been named Diamond Vega and is in training with Ralph Beckett. She has run once when second in a Kempton novice in September, the report writing that she "shaped nicely on her debut, coming home well to take the runner-up spot. There should be improvement to come."

"Delighted, he has always been a lovely colt from day one," said Vigors. "Showcasing has had a fantastic year – bringing a nice one here by the sire out of a stakes-placed mare and with a two-year-old sibling who has shown a lot of promise on her first run, the stars can align for you."

Recalling the decision to cover the mare with the Whitsbury Manor Stud-based sire, Vigors said: "Showcasing's record speaks for itself and it is a fast family – she was a speedy Dragon Pulse mare, too, so we thought he'd fit the mare well. Megan Lily has a nice foal at home, a full-brother to Diamond Vega, and she has been rested this year because she was late."

Megan Lily is a half-sister to Yellow Rosebud (Jeremy), winner of theConcorde Stakes (G3), the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial (G3) and a runner-up in the Debutante Stakes (G2).

Under the third dam is the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes winner Malhub, who was also a runner-up in the Haydock Sprint Cup (G1) and the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1), as well as the Hackwood Stakes (G3) winner and second-placed Heeraat

The top two prices through this early session of Book 2 have gone to the mother and son – Vigors's mother Fiona Marner of Windmill Stud having sold the current top lot for 800,000gns (Lot 570, by Sea The Stars). Both lots have been bought by Stroud Coleman. (13:51)

Lot 632: the Ardad own-brother Crispy Cat (GB), who has been placed five times in good juvenile Group races this year – he collected a third place at Royal Ascot behind The Ridler in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, finished fourth in the Richmond Stakes (G2) behind Royal Scotsman, third in the Flying Childers Stakes (G2) and last Friday took fourth placed behind Rumstar in the Cornwallis Stakes (G3).

This year's yearling out of Mara Grey (Azamour) was bought for 130,000gns by Blandford Bloodstock, sold by Throckmorton Court Stud and bred by Saeed Nasser Al Romaithi.

Crispy Cat is a Tattersalls Ireland September Sale graduate, bought by Robson Aguiar/Amo Racing for £105,000. He is trained by Michael O'Callaghan. (13:31)

Lot 627: the Zoustar filly from Egmont Stud converts her 20,000gns foal price into a yearling valuation of 110,000gns. Joseph O'Brien was in charge of bidding and signed on behalf of the Scone-based stallion farm Kia Ora Stud.

"We were keen to buy one by the sire," recalls Paula Flannery, who purchased the filly here at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. "He is coming good now and this filly's half-sister Munch is a talented."

Munch, a two-year-old of this year by New Bay, had won once before the catalogue was published, but she has since won again and also finished second. She is now rated 86, and is trained by David Menuisier for Prime Equestrian Racing.

This filly was bred by China Horse Club International Ltd and is out of the Listed-placed mare Madernia (Duke Of Marmalade), a half-sister to Salouen, a Listed winner and four-times Group 1 placed.

Kia Ora currently stands three stallions – Captivant, winner of the Champagne Stakes (G1), the Golden Slipper winner Farnan, and Prague, winner of the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes and the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes. (13:01)

Lot 570: sets a high benchmark for Book 2... the son of Sea The Stars is sold for 800,000gns, the fourth-best Book 2 price ever and the best since 2019.

It is also the best yearling sale for consignor Fiona Marner and Windmill Farm.

Marner said: "We bought the mare, she is owned in partnership, and since her purchase the pedigree has just really developed – her full-sister Kitcara became dam of Al Aasy. This colt has been so special all along – I am not sure we realised he was that nice!

"We have a lot to thank John Clarke for as we had the foal share to Sea The Stars. The mare is back in-foal to the sire, carrying a colt. She did not have a foal this spring and it is just fabulous to have such a good first foal out of her."

Of this colt, Marner added: "He has done so well in the last month, every day he keeps improving, and he just loves his work – he has a wonderful temperament. It is such a team effort, we are just a tiny farm, we only have five young mares. This mare is owned with two very long standing and loyal partners, Derek James, who is America, l will call him now and wake him up, and Peter Wollaston."

The colt, who was bred by Kitcarina Partnership & Sunderland, was bought by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock, with MV Magnier as underbidder.

Anthony Stroud said: "A very good-looking horse with a good pedigree. The nick works quite well, with the Shamardal mare and also you have Al Aasy, by Sea The Stars, in the family, too. He’ll be trained by John Gosden for a long established client. (11:04)

October Yearling Sale Book 1 statistics: (+/- compared to 2021)

Lots catalogued: 550 (502)

Lots offered: 489 (452)

Lots sold: 424 (375)

Aggregate: 126,671,000gns (+47%) *record

Median: 200,000gns (+25%) *record

Average: 298,752gns (+30%) *record

% sold: 87% (83%)

Leading consignors (by agg): 1. Newsells Park Stud, 2. Watership Down Stud, 3. Fittocks Stud

Leading purchasers (by agg): 1. Godolphin, 2. Richard Knight Bloodstock, 3. M V Magnier & White Birch Farm

Leading sires (by agg): 1. Frankel, 2. Dubawi, 3. Sea The Stars

Leading sires (average, 2+ sold): 1. Dubawi, 2. Frankel 3. Siyouni

Lots sold for 1,000,000gns+: 16

Nos 500,000gns+: 73 *record

Top five lots

1. Lot 221: Frankel (GB) / So Mi Dar (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Watership Down Stud >> Godolphin >> 2,800,000gns *most expensive yearling sold in the world this year*

2. Lot 238: Frankel (GB) / Sweepstake (IRE) B.C. (IRE) >> Croom House Stud, Ireland >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 2,400,000gns

3. Lot 381: Frankel (GB) / Bold Lass (IRE) B.C. (IRE) >> Watership Down Stud >> Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent >> 2,000,000gns

4. Lot 379: Frankel (GB) / Blue Waltz (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Fittocks Stud >> MV Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 1,900,000gns

5. Lot 344: Lope de Vega (IRE) / Anna Law (IRE) B.F. (IRE) >> Ballyphilip Stud, Ireland >> Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent >> 1,800,000gns (19:55)

Chairman’s Statement At the conclusion of Book 1 of the 2022 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented:

“This has been an extraordinary yearling sale. When the first two lots through the ring on Tuesday morning made 500,000 guineas and 1,300,000 guineas, the stage was set and the pace has been unrelenting from that moment on. Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale annually showcases the very best yearlings to be found in Europe, and even by the lofty standards of this special sale we felt that this year’s catalogue was out of the ordinary. Nevertheless we could not have predicted the extraordinary level of trade we have experienced over the past three days.

“Record turnover in excess of 125 million guineas, a rise of almost 40 million guineas on last year’s October Book 1, as well as a record median and a record average price just under 300,000 guineas are impressive statistics by any standards, but the progression of this sale in recent years has been truly remarkable.

"Only 12 years ago Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale produced turnover of 48 million guineas and an average of 107,000 guineas which puts this week’s remarkable figures into context. As well as the huge rises in all of the key indicators, an unprecedented 73 yearlings have sold for 500,000 guineas or more and there have been 16 which have broken the million guineas mark with the 2.8 million guineas FRANKEL colt from Watership Down Stud being the highest priced yearling sold anywhere in the world this year.

“Impressive as all the statistics are, the real feature of Book 1 of the 2022 October Yearling Sale has been the sustained demand at all levels of the market which has contributed to a clearance rate well in excess of 85%.

"Buyers from throughout the world, most notably the Gulf region, America, China, Japan and throughout Europe have all made a significant impact on a record-breaking sale and particularly notable has been the presence of so many of the world’s most successful racehorse owners here at Park Paddocks for the duration of the sale.

"Their confidence in Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale is hugely appreciated and reflects not only the outstanding quality of the yearlings which the vendors commit to the sale year after year, but also the sale’s unrivalled reputation for producing Classic and Group 1 winners and Newmarket’s status as the European hub of the thoroughbred business.

“In addition to so many of the world’s leading owners, the number of British and Irish trainers active throughout the week has been notable and their presence has without doubt been influenced by the £7,200,000 in October Book 1 Bonus prize money which we have distributed since 2016. The £20,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonuses are hugely popular and to see so many beneficiaries reinvesting this week is a strong endorsement of a scheme which continues to reward owners at all levels of the Book 1 market.

“To have rewritten the Book 1 record books and to have seen so many breeders and consignors so richly rewarded this week has been wonderful. Europe’s premier yearling sale has lived up to its reputation in spectacular fashion and we look forward to sustaining the momentum into Books 2, 3 and 4 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale starting on Monday next week." ()

October Yearling Sale Book 1, Day 3 statistics: (+/- compared to 2021)

Lots catalogued: 184 (167)

Lots offered: 164 (149)

Lots sold: 141 (125)

Aggregate: 45,133,000gns (+45%)

Median: 240,000gns (+33%)

Average: 320,092gns (+29%)

% sold: 86% (84%)

Top five lots

1. Lot 381: Frankel (GB) / Bold Lass (IRE) B.C. (IRE) >> Watership Down Stud Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent 2,000,000

2. Lot 379: Frankel (GB) / Blue Waltz (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Fittocks Stud >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 1,900,000gns

3. Lot 530: Dubawi (IRE) / How (IRE) B.C. (GB) >> Longview Stud >> Godolphin >> 1,600,000gns

4. Lot 504: Dubawi (IRE) / God Given (GB) B.C. (FR) >> Whatton Manor Stud >> Godolphin >> 1,500,000gns

5. Lot 491: Dubawi (IRE) / Frangipanni (IRE) B.C. (GB >> Norris Bloodstock >> Manor House Farm >> 1,000,000gns (19:47)

Lot 530 and Lot 533: are the last Dubawis to go through the ring for the October Yearling Sale 2022 – Longview Stud's colt out of How (Galileo) fetches 1,600,000gns (Lot 530), while the colt from Blue Diamond Stud out of I'm Wonderful (Giant's Causeway) makes 625,000gns bought by Godolphin (Lot 533).

The week's leading buyer Godolphin has purchased 35 lots this week for a spend of 25,355,000gns – it is a record spend by the buyer at Book 1.

Of those purchases, 14 are by Dubawi and cost Sheikh Mohammed's organisation 13,100,000gns.

There were 21 by Dubawi offered this week and he is the second-leading sire by aggregate with a turnover of 17,840,000gns. The week's leading sire Frankel had 25 lots sell for a turnover of 18,745,000gns.

After signing the last docket, Anthony Stroud reflected on the three amazing days of trade at the October Book 1 Sale.

"I think it has been a very good sale, I think the horses have really been exceptional, a really good group of horses. It has been very competitive with a lot of visitors from America here, Coolmore participating, Godolphin, Sheikh Mohammed has been here, and it was fantastic to have seen Shadwell buying. The Japanese having been busy, too. The prices have been strong and the breeders have been paid. Overall the standard of the horses have been reflected by the prices. I think it has been a good week.

"The sale has built up as we have gone through the second and third days. This is the top end and whether you are in art or racing, people want to be involved in the top end.

"Dubawis is an incredible stallion and he is now a 21-year-old. His percentages are very good, and Charlie [Appleby] is very good at training them, he is a master with them. It is the obvious route for us." (19:01)

Lot 504: the second foal out of the Group 1 winner God Given (Nathaniel) is bought by Godolphin for 1,500,000gns. He is a son of Dubawi and a half-brother to Silver Knott (Lope De Vega), winner of this year's Solario Stakes (G3) and third-placed in the Champagne Stakes (G2). He was bred by Andrew Stone's St Albans Bloodstock, also breeder of God Given, and was sold by Whatton Manor Stud – the first seven-figure sale for the farm.

Stone said: "When you breed a lovely horse, it always very sad to see them go. I have 16 mares and one has to keep the operation going, we are so blessed to have wonderful buyers in the market who are prepared to pay such a wonderful price for such as a real good horse.

"I was so excited to see Postponed go on so well, and now Silver Knott, I hope this horse is really good for them, too. We are so humbled."

Of watching the sale in the Tattersallsa sale ring, Stone remarked: "It was slightly surreal. He is such a special horse, he walked really well around the ring, he is such a big imposing horse. Postponed seems such a long time ago now, and you wait for these good ones to come along, it is stuff dreams are made of.

"I went back just now before the sale to try and get some sleep and, of course ,couldn't sleep at all! We are just deeply grateful to His Royal Highness supporting the trade. A lot of credit goes to the Players and the team at Whatton, they do such a fantastic job. I am very blessed to have the majority of my mares with them and with Julian at Newsells Stud, I am very lucky."

Recalling the Group 1 win of God Given, he said: "It was really lovely, it was Luca's last Group 1 winner, and we went to Italy, so that was quite romantic! We were in Rome, and he is complete legend over there – I had no idea until I got there. He is massively respected over here, but in Italy he is like a god. We had an amazing day, a day I will never forget."

The delighted consignor Ed Player of Whatton Manor said: "It is our first seven-figure sale, last year was previously our highest when his half-brother made 725,000gns, so to hit the million was unbelievably exciting, we are so delighted for Andrew. He is such a great guy, and a massive supporter of the industry and for him to have a big sale, I could not be more delighted for him and his family.

"All year we have known this is a beautiful horse. He has got the pedigree, got the looks, got everything – but to hit that sort of level, you dream about it. You have so many hoops to jump. He has given us a few nervous moments along the way, but the guys at home have done an amazing job, and the team here too, and Mark, who has been showing him.

"It is the stuff of dreams."

When asked whether the horse is like his relations, Player said: "He is a bigger stronger version of his brother – he looks very much like his mother but with a Dubawi body, that strength in the middle.

"His brother runs on Saturday in the Autumn Stakes – if he runs well there, he goes to the Breeders' Cup. It is very exciting and hopefully this colt next year can emulate him and go on and be a very good horse."

Of God Given, Player said: "She is a very young mare, she is a special mare. It was a great day when Andrew trusted her to Whatton Manor Stud and for us to get the colt here and for him to come and sell well, I couldn't be more delighted for him." (17:55)

Having bred Postponed I was so excited to see him go on so well, and now Silver Knott, I hope this horse is really good for them. We are so humbled.

It was slightly serial, he is such a special horse, he walked really well around the ring, he is such a big imposing horse. Postponed seems such a long time ago now, and you wait for these good ones to come along and it is stuff dreams are made of.

I went back just now to try and get some sleep and of course couldn't sleep at all! We are just deeply grateful to the his Royal Highness supporting the trade, a lot of credit go to the Players and the team at Whatton, they do such a fantastic job. I am very blessed to have the majority of my mares with them and with Julian at Newsells, I am very lucky."

Recalling the Group 1 win of God Given, he said: "It was really lovely, it was Luca's last Group 1 winner, and we went to Italy, so that was quite romantic! We were in Rome, and he is complete legend over there – I had no idea until I got there! He is massively respected over here, but in Italy he is like a god! We had an amazing day, a day I will never forget."

Ed Player said: "It is our first seven-figure sale, last year was our highest with his half-brother when he made 725,000gns, so to hit the million was unbelievably exciting, we are so delighted for Andrew. He is such a great guy, and a massive supporter of the industry and for him to have a big sale, I could not be more delighted for him and his family.

"All year we have known he is a beautiful horse. He has got the pedigree, got the looks, got everything – but to hit that sort of level, you dream about it but in reality you have so many hoops to jump. He has given us a few nervous moments along the way, but the guys at home have done an amazing job, and the team here too and Mark, who has been showing him.

"It is the stuff of dreams."

When asked whether the horse is like his relations, Player said: "He is a bigger stronger version of his brother, but he looks very much like his mother with a Dubawi body, that strength in the middle.

Lot 504: the second foal out of the Group 1 winner God Given (Nathaniel) is bought by Godolphin for 1,500,000gns. He is a son of Dubawi and a half-brother to Silver Knott (Lope De Vega), winner of this year's Solario Stakes (G3) and third-placed in the Champagne Stakes (G2). Both horses were bred by Andrew Stone's St Albans Bloodstock, also breeder of God Given, who is a half-sister to the champion older horse Postponed (Dubawi), the winner of four Group 1 races for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

God Given boards at Whatton Manor Stud and the colt was sold today by the farm – it is the first million plus sale for Whatton Manor.

Andrew Stone was at Tattersalls to watch the sale and said: "When you breed a lovely horse, it always very sad to see them go. I have 16 mares and we have to keep the operation going, we are so blessed to have wonderful buyers in the market who are prepared to pay such a wonderful price for such as a real good horse.

"Having bred [three-quarters brother to this colt] – I was so excited to see Postponed go on so well, and now Silver Knott, I hope this horse is really good for them. We are so humbled.

Recalling the Group 1 win of God Given, he said: "It was really lovely, it was Luca's last Group 1 winner, and we went to Italy, so that was quite romantic! We were in Rome, and he is complete legend over there – I had no idea until I got there! He is massively respected over here, but in Italy he is like a god! We had an amazing day, a day I will never forget."

"It is the stuff of dreams."

"Having bred Postponed I was so excited to see him go on so well, and now Silver Knott, I hope this horse is really good for them. We are so humbled.

"It was slightly serial, he is such a special horse, he walked really well around the ring, he is such a big imposing horse. Postponed seems such a long time ago now, and you wait for these good ones to come along and it is stuff dreams are made of.

"I went back just now to try and get some sleep and, of course, couldn't sleep at all! We are just deeply grateful to the his Royal Highness supporting the trade, a lot of credit go to the Players and the team at Whatton, they do such a fantastic job. I am very blessed to have the majority of my mares with them and with Julian at Newsells, I am very lucky."

Recalling the Group 1 win of God Given, he said: "It was really lovely, it was Luca's last Group 1 winner, and we went to Italy, so that was quite romantic! We were in Rome, and he is complete legend over there – I had no idea until I got there! He is massively respected over here, but in Italy he is like a god! We had an amazing day, a day I will never forget."

"It is the stuff of dreams."

Lot 491: Ed Sackville outpoints the opposition to buy the Dubawi colt out of Frangipanni (Dansili). She is the dam of the Group 2 winner of the Prix du Calvados and the Group 1 performer and Classic placed Tropbeau (Showcasing). The February-born colt was sold by Norris Bloodstock on behalf of the breeder Lord Margadale.

"I am delighted for Lord Margadale and just want to say thank you to the owners," said Jenny Norris. "We have had him at home on the farm for 11 months, and it has been a pleasure. It is a pressure to have these type of horses at home, but I am thrilled with this result. I have such great staff at home and we are just a small team, but I couldn't do it without them."

Of the colt, she said: "We will miss him at home, he is a real character. He is such a dude, he has always been a real pleasure to have around. It is not often you get horse such as this. He has behaved beautifully, he's been such a professional, done everything right and it so nice when this type of thing happens."

She updated with the latest of Frangipanni: "The mare has a very nice colt foal by Showcasing and is in-foal to Zoustar."

It is the third seven-figure sale for Norris – in 2017 she sold Gloam (Galileo ex Dank) for 4,000,000gns at the October Book 1 2017 Sale to Godolphin, having the year previously consigned the Dubawi colt out of Fallen For You. He was bought by John Ferguson Bloodstock for 2,600,000gns.

Today's purchaser Ed Sackville was buying on behalf of John and Jess Dance's Manor House Farm.

He said: "He is a lovely horse, by an iconic stallion and out of proven young mare. The whole team loved him – John and Jess Dance, Maria Ryan and James Horton. We have tried on plenty, but he was one we were prepared to go to the max for."

It is was a significant spend for the team, but as Sackville said: "This is a Dubawi and, if god willing, he becomes a good horse, then he is worth a lot of money."

Sackville employed some strong bidding tactics taking the price up from 900,000gns to the one million mark, but as he reasoned, "If you want to hang with the dogs you've got to bark loud!" (17:08)

Lot 476: the Sea The Stars half-sister to the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Just The Judge is bought by Oliver St Lawrence for 800,000gns. She is out of the Rainbow Quest mare Faraday Light.

"She is for Fawzi Nass and team," said St Lawrence. "She is a lovely filly out of an older mare, but she is a half-sister to a Group 1 winner and there are lots of fillies in the pedigree so there are, hopefully, lots of updates to come. She is a lovely filly with a big wide chest on her, and she walks on well. We tried to have a go at the Battaash half-sister last night [Lot 344], we did not even get a bid in!"

Of the business he has done this week, St Lawrence added: "We have bought one for the Bahrain and a couple for Sir Mark Prescott. I have not been surprised by the stength of the sale, but perhaps just how strong it has been. It is great for the industry."

The filly was sold by Corduff Stud. (16:19)

Lot 422: Bobby Flay, who has had to fill the underbidder's spot a few times this week, gets lucky with this daughter of No Nay Never at 600,000gns.

Sold by Watership Down Stud, she is out of the dual Grade 3 winner Cushion (Galileo), the dam of two winners from two runners, including Hafit (Dubawi), runner-up in the Ascendant Stakes (L), and third in the Queen's Vase (G3) and the Zetland Stakes (G3). Cushion is a daughter of Attraction, the champion two and three-year-old of 2003 and 2004, and a ten-time winner, her victories including the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas.

"The plan is for her to go to the US, the sire is very quick, and I like training grass horses in the US, my trainer Christopher Clement is a specialist," reported Flay of plans for his new filly. "She is a beautiful physical, I love the No Nay Never cross over Galileo and my bloodstock agent picked her out, Tom McGreevy. This is his first trip to Tattersalls, he is mostly domestic based, and he has loved coming over."

Of the market strength, Flay added: "It has not surprised me, but when you are in the mix of it and you are trying to buy, you feel it – I am exhausted! I am exhausted from raising my hand and not getting anything! This is the first filly I have got. But, look , it is great for the business. I sold a Frankel colt last night, Lot 356. He made 800,000gns, which seems to be an inexpensive Frankel... he is a 'value' Frankel! He is going to Ballydoyle."

The colt was sold for Flay by Kirtlington Stud and is out of the black-type mare Auld Alliance (Montjeu), a half-sister to the Classic winner Golan, and the Dante Stakes (G2) winner and Derby Stakes (G1) runner-up Tartan Bearer. She was bought for Flay from the Ballymacoll Stud dispersal at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2013 for 550,000gns by Flay's long-term agent, the late James Delahooke.

Recalling Delahooke, who worked with the owner-breeder for many years, Flay said: "He is a huge loss. I keep thinking I am going to see him here. He was a great educator, a great friend, and, most importantly, besides his amazing ability to pick out beautiful horses and great broodmares, he was a pleasure to be around, I always learnt something about life and about horses with James." (14:00)

Lot 415: a second purchase today for Juddmonte Farms.

Earlier today the farm spent 600,000gns on Lot 390, the colt by Kingman and out of Cabaret, a half-brother to the dual champion St Mark's Basilica and 2,000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia, and now goes to 725,000gns for the Siyouni filly out of Contemptuous (New Approach).

She is a daughter of Hoity Toity (Darshaan) and a half-sister to the Coronation Stakes (G1) and Matron Stakes (G1) winner Lillie Langtry, the dam of the three-time champion and seven-time Group 1 winner Minding, the Oaks (G1) winner Tuesday, the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Empress Josephine, and the Group 3 winner Kissed By Angels.

Further down the page is the recent Group 1 Prix de l'Opera winner Place Du Carrousel. (13:23)

Lot 388: is bought by Ben McElroy as agent for Stonestreet / M V Magnier at 800,000gn. The daughter of Night Of Thunder will be heading from Watership Down Stud to the US, where she had been based having been bred by Al Wasmiyah Farm, and, initially, to the sunny climes of Florida.

McElroy explained the reasoning behind his purchase: "We are always coming out here to look at fillies we think will be precocious, Royal Ascot types, mid-summer types. They go to Wesley Ward who trained Campanelle.

"The second this filly walked out the stall and stood in front of me, I knew this was the one we had to have. It was a stretch, but the stallion has made a phenomenal start at stud, starting from a low stud fee. That really gave us a lot of confidence, the mare keeps producing horses who run good ratings, physically and the pedigree it was the complete package."

Of the trade, he said: "The market has been very strong, it has carried on from the US. Obviously you feel the pressure, you want to try and replicate the results, you are really analysing the horses as you go along and hoping you get the ones you really want.

"I am really relived that I got her, and I think we have some really nice horses in the bunch who will suit our programme; Barbara [Banke, Stonestreet] loves the sale and she is really excited about us buying at the sale and coming back in the summer to watch them run here."

He added: "The biggest emphasis is on the physical as we try and start them off early. We take them to Florida, get the sun on their back and they then go into training with Wesley. Obviously you want to see a bit of precocity in the pedigree, when those two things aline, they are the ones we go for."

The filly's dam Bulrushes has produced five winners from six runners, three of them are black-type winners – Snazzy Jazzy, Ross Castle, Ten Year Ticket. Her three-time winner Admiral Rous is also black-type placed.

Bulrushes is a half-sister to the Lennox Stakes (G3) and Jersey Stakes (G3) winner Tariq, who was also placed third in the Lockinge Stakes (G1). It is the family of the talented Wi Dud, winner of the Flying Childers Stakes (G2) and runner-up in the Middle Park Stakes (G1). (12:30)

Lot 381: a second seven-figure lot for consignor Watership Down Stud – after yesterday's sale of Lot 221 (Frankel ex So Mi Dar) for 2,800,000gns, the highest-price given in the world this year for a yearling, the Lloyd-Webbers' farm strikes again, and with another son of Frankel.

This time it is for the colt out of the Sea The Stars mare Bold Lass, the winner of four races and fourth placed in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (G3), a daughter of the Listed winner My Branch (Distant Relative), the dam of Tante Rose, winner of the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup, and grand-dam of the two-time Grade 1 winner Dubawi Heights and the two-time Group 1 winner Make Believe.

He was bought by Richard Knight Bloodstock for 2,000,000gns. It is his 12th purchase so far through Book 1 and he is the week's second-leading buyer behind Godolphin.

"He is obviously a Frankel," said Knight when explaining the reasons for this purchase. "He is a scopey, quality colt – I went down and saw him again this morning and he was very relaxed. He is a very athletic horse, he vetted well. The dam has produced 100+ rated horse already, he comes from a nice family. He is just a lovely colt. It was the top of our budget and where we saw we'd have to go to to get him.

"We were underbid a filly yesterday by Frankel and they are as hot as anything and hard to buy. We were well aware we'd have to pay a good price to get him."

When explaining the strength of the market here, Knight said: "There is a beautiful bunch of horses here, it is the best catalogue of individuals we have seen at any yearling sale this year, as a bunch. You often get into some sales and individuals don't match up to the pedigrees – here the individuals have matched up as well, there are some lovely horses.

"All the yearling sales have been very strong so far, breaking records everywhere – we have come here and the sale has got the best individuals, it is no surprise that Tattersalls is having an amazing sale." (12:26)

Lot 379: the second in this morning by Frankel, the colt out of Blue Waltz and sold by Fittocks Stud, makes 1,900,000gns. He is bought by M V Magnier & White Birch Farm, an eighth purchase this week so far by the partnership. It is the second seven-figure lot sold this week by Fittocks following the sale of Lot 301 (Dubawi ex Willow View) yesterday for 1,600,000gns.

"It has been an amazing week, the market has been very strong, long may it continue, it is very exciting to be part of this environment," said Luca Cumani of Fittocks. "You never know what they might make, we thought he'd be 500,00gns to 800,000gns and up, but you can never tell."

He recalled: "I trained for Peter [Brant of White Birch] in the 1980s and early 90s, I trained for him the dam of Thunder Gulch and the good filly Roseate Tern, we have known each other for donkey's years. We also sold Milan to Coolmore – I am very grateful to MV and Paul Shanahan, but especially to our staff – they have done a wonderful job, they really have over excelled themselves."

Cumani added: "It is especially good that this colt stays in Europe – we need the class horses, but people know that if you want class horses you need to come to this sale and to Europe to get them."

Taking a wider view on the British racing industry, Cumani said: "I think at long last people seem to be willing to work together and come together for the betterment of racing. I am very much looking forward to the work they are doing and the strategy, and I think it is a very important piece of work for the industry." (12:05)

October Book 1 Sale 2022 in figures so far... (compared to the whole sale in 2021)

Catalogue: 550 (502)

Aggregate: 81,538,000gns (86,369,000gns)

Median: 190,000gns (160,000gns)

Average: 288,120gns (230,317gns)

% Offered: 87% (83%)

2022's top lots so far

1. Lot 221: Frankel (GB) / So Mi Dar (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Watership Down Stud >> Godolphin >> 2,800,000gns

2. Lot 238: Frankel (GB) / Sweepstake (IRE) B.C. (IRE) >> Croom House Stud, Ireland >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 2,400,000gns

3. Lot 344 : Lope de Vega (IRE) / Anna Law (IRE) B.F. (IRE) >> Ballyphilip Stud, Ireland >> Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent >> 1,800,000gns

4. Lot 301: Dubawi (IRE) / Willow View (USA) Br.C. (GB) >> Fittocks Stud >> JS Company >> 1,600,000gns

5. Lot 201: Frankel (GB) / Shambolic (IRE) B.F. (GB) >> Newsells Park Stud Ltd. >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 1,500,000gns

5. Lot 167: Dubawi (IRE) / Ring The Bell (IRE) B.C. (GB) >> Hazelwood Bloodstock >> Godolphin >>1,500,000gns (09:29)

October Yearling Sale Book 1, Day 2 statistics: (+/- compared to 2021)

Lots catalogued: 183 (167)

Lots offered: 163 (149)

Lots sold: 144 (130)

Aggregate: 49,545,000gns (+65%) *highest day's turnover in European auction history*

Median: 200,000gns (+25%)

Average: 344,062gns (+49%)

% sold: 88% (87%)

Leading consignors (by agg): 1. Newsells Park Stud, 2. Watership Down Stud, 3. Hazelwood Bloodstock

Leading purchasers (by agg): 1. Godolphin, 2. Richard Knight Bloodstock, 3. M V Magnier & White Birch Farm

Leading sires (by agg): 1. Frankel, 2. Dubawi, 3. Sea The Stars

Leading sires (average, 2+ sold): 1. Dubawi, 2. Frankel 3. Lope De Vega

Lots sold for 1,000,000gns+: 8 today, 11 in total

Nos 500,000gns+: 34 today, 49 in total

Top five lots

1. Lot 221 Frankel (GB) / So Mi Dar (GB) B.C. (GB) >> Watership Down Stud >> Godolphin >> 2,800,000gns *most expensive yearling sold in the world this year*

2. Lot 238 Frankel (GB) / Sweepstake (IRE) B.C. (IRE) >> Croom House Stud, Ireland >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 2,400,000gns

3. Lot 344 Lope de Vega (IRE) / Anna Law (IRE) B.F. (IRE) >> Ballyphilip Stud, Ireland >> Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent >> 1,800,000gns

4. Lot 301 Dubawi (IRE) / Willow View (USA) Br.C. (GB) >> Fittocks Stud >> JS Company >> 1,600,000gns

5. Lot 201 Frankel (GB) / Shambolic (IRE) B.F. (GB) >> Newsells Park Stud Ltd. >> M V Magnier & White Birch Farm >> 1,500,000gns (19:43)

Lot 344: the Lope De Vega half-sister to the champion sprinter Battaash and this summer's twice Group 1-placed juvenile The Antarctic becomes breeder Ballyphilip Stud's first-ever millionaire yearling – the bay filly fetching 1,800,000gns to a successful bid from bloodstock agent Richard Knight. She is the eighth seven-figure lot to sell today, matching the record number of millionaires sold in a single session of the October yearling sale – on Day 2 of 2017.

"Yes, this is the first!" smiled Paul McCartan of Ballyphilip. "I worked for a lot of very good people and always tried to get them a million; when I went on my own, I said I'd never be fulfilling that ambition. It is unbelievable to have achieved it."

The breeder was delighted to be proved wrong by this filly, but he always had a feeling that she could be the one to realise his ambitions.

"I thought we had a good chance, but everything had to full into place," he said. "She is a gorgeous filly and the sire is on fire - he has had three Group 1 winners in the last month.

"And for The Antarctic to do what he has done – he has shown so much promise. I keep thinking back to Battaash – he was only rated 97 when he was a two-year-old, this guy is rated 113 already. The way the Dark Angels improve, alongside the constitution he has to have achieved so much already, and he is in the right hand, too."

Anna Law had a colt foal by Blue Point this spring and is back in-foal to Dark Angel.

When it is mentioned to the breeder that it is a family that keeps on giving, McCartan's eyes twinkle as he laughed, "To me, yes it does!"

The successful buyer Richard Knight, who was standing in the right stair well through the bidding, said: "I thought she was probably the pick of the fillies in the sale, she is very racy. She is a half-sister to Battaash, The Antarctic she ticks so many boxes. She is a gorgeous physical and very athletic, and delighted to get her. She will stay in the UK, she will be pre-trained, a trainer will be decided at a later stage. She is for the client for whom I have been buying for this autumn.

"She will be a gorgeous filly to breed from at the end of the day."

Knight had been an underbidder earlier today and he added: "We have found it strong today. We value everything, and if they go over that mark then we stop." (18:42)

Lot 303: the sale of this colt by Frankel proved to be a pretty emotional experience for breeder John and daughter Tanya Gunther – tears were not far away for Gunther Snr, while his daughter was in floods. Consigned by Newsells Park Stud, the bay colt made 1,300,000gns, bought by Godolphin.

The colt is pretty special to the pair being a full-brother to their superstar Without Parole, winner of the St James's Palace Stakes (G1), third placed in the Turf Mile (G1), the Shoemaker Mile (G1) and the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1).

He is also a half-brother to Tamarkuz (Speightstown), winner of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), two Group races at Meydan and also placed second in the Forego Stakes (G1), and to the Listed winner She's Got You (Kingman).

Dam Without You Babe is the dam of five winners from six runners.

"It is a wonderful result, we are very happy," said Gunther Snr. "We loved him so much, we still wanted to race him as well, but you need to cash to pay the bills."

He enthused: "He is a fantastic looking yearling with a presence about him. He is sort of special. He is sort of 'in between' the one we sold last year [2020 by Frankel], he was a little bit bigger and heavier and a chestnut, while this one looked a bit like Without Parole, but a bit more masculine – so this one was in the middle of the three.

"We raced the first two and wouldn't have minded racing this guy, but it was nice to see Sheikh Mohammed buy him, and I am sure they will do a tremendous job with him." (17:02)

Lot 301: the Dubawi colt from Fittocks Stud is heading to Japan, bought by the country's JS Company for 1,600,000gns, the organisation's Keisuke Onishi with Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

The colt, born on February 1, 2021, is out of Willow Will (Lemon Drop Kid(, dam of Digital Age (Invincible Spirit), winner of the Turf Classic Stakes (G1), and Acer Alley (Siyouni), the winner of the Group 3 Prix La Rochette. He was bred by Merry Fox Stud Limited

The second dam is Time Control, an own-sister to Time On, winner of the Prix de Malleret (G2). Time Control is the dam of the Moyglare Stakes (G1) winner Cursory Glance, while the colt's third dam Time Away was the winner of the Musidora Stakes (G3) and placed third in the Nassau Stakes (G1) and the Prix de Diane (G1).

"This colt has the very good aspects of Dubawi," said Onishi.

It will be the first by Dubawi that Yahagi will have in training, who said when asked about possible objectives for the new colt: "I want to win the Arc!" (16:44)

Lot 272: the Dubawi filly out of the Group 1 winner Urban Fox is sold by Baroda Stud for breeder Barnane Stud for 1,100,000gns.

Barnane purchased Urban Fox here at the 2017 Tattersalls December Sale for 425,000gns. Her first foal, a two-year-old of this year, is named Outfoxed, is by Dubawi, was retained by the farm and is in training with William Haggas, yet to run.

Barnane's Craig Kieswetter, a former professional cricketer and also now a professional golfer, said: "Urban Fox is a lovely mare, but by Foxwedge there were a few question marks when we bought her out of training. She was terrific on the racecourse, travelled really well around Europe and won some good races and Sam Haggas helped us with her purchase.

"We are delighted with this result and we wish Sheikh Mohammed and his team all the best, and we are very grateful. Dubawi is a top sire, and the team at home has done a remarkable job, and David [Cox] and his team at Baroda as well. You can do the matings, but you have also got to get the specimen. We will be watching the racing with keen interest."

Of Urban Fox and Barnane Stud, the enthusiastic Kieswetter updated: "She is in-foal to Frankel, which is very exciting. The stud farm is growing, and we are adding mares and there are some beautifully bred fillies we are taking to the track. It is the early days for us but it is going in the right direction.

"We have 15/16 mares and six of them are bred on southern hemisphere time for the operation in South Africa. We have some lovely Frankels, Siyounis, and and we also have some yearlings to sell in Book 2. We have some exciting plans down the road, and building a stud farm takes time, but to have some good mares with good covers is fantastic." (15:13)