Record prices at Book 2

There was plenty of excitement on the opening day of Book 2 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Monday, with two record prices set in the ring.

First it was the turn of lot 723, a son of No Nay Never out of Winning Sequence (Zafonic), to set a new sale high. Offered by Croom House Stud, the colt sold to MV Magnier for 900,000 guineas, which topped the 850,000gns paid for Alfaatik in 2017.

Less than two hours later, lot 767, a daughter of Dark Angel, became the first yearling to break through the million-guinea mark at Book 2. Angus Gold, acting on behalf of Shadwell Estates, went to 1,050,000gns to secure the filly, whose dam Allez Alaia is a daughter of that wonderful racemare and producer Cassandra Go.

Trevor Stewart, who campaigned Cassandra Go when she was trained by Geoff Wragg, bred the record-breaking filly, sold through Ballyhimikin Stud.

At the end of the first day’s trade, 205 lots (from 249 offered) had sold for a total of 16,064,500 guineas, the average was up 3% to 78,363gns while the median of 55,000gns was unchanged.

Book 2 continues today at 10am and runs until Wednesday, October 16.

American Devil on the move

Dual-purpose sire American Devil will relocate from Haras de Grandcamp to Haras du Grand Chesnaie in western France.

The son of American Post, a Group 3 winner on the Flat, will be offered at a fee of €2,500.

American Devil’s oldest runners are three this year and they include dual winner Lady Of Devil, though it is hoped he will be an attractive proposition for National Hunt mares at his new base.

Today’s action

Leicester will need to survive an inspection in order to stage today’s seven-race card, which includes two interesting novice contests sponsored by the EBF.

There is jump racing at Huntingdon and Hereford while Musselburgh hosts its Flat season finale.

Kempton (aw) race in the evening and there is a jumps fixture at Punchestown in Ireland.