Tattersalls is considering all options, including different dates, for its clutch of December sales that will fall within the new national lockdown in England set to begin on Thursday.
This year’s edition of the December auctions was due to begin on November 23 with the December Yearling Sale, followed by the December Foal Sale between November 25-28 and the December Mares Sale, which was scheduled to begin a three-day run on November 30.
In a statement, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said: “As has so often been the case this year, we are having to respond to events and decisions entirely outside our control, but we would like to assure vendors and purchasers alike that our overriding priority is to stage the 2020 Tattersalls December Sales prior to Christmas.
“Naturally our preferred option is to stage the December Sales on the existing scheduled dates, and we are currently seeking clarity from the government as to whether bloodstock auctions are allowed to take place during the lockdown period.
“In the meantime, in consultation with both Goffs and Arqana, we will be looking to establish viable alternative dates with the joint aim of providing the industry with workable solutions to the challenges we face.
“We will endeavour to provide the industry with definitive answers as soon as possible and while we regret the uncertainty and disruption caused by the new lockdown, we will continue to do everything in our power to stage sales at Tattersalls as safely as possible and at all times in full compliance with prevailing regulations.”
