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European breeze-up sales are experiencing a surge in quality with two significant catalogues recently released, showcasing exceptional bloodlines and international appeal across both online and traditional formats.
The third renewal of Europe's only online breeze-up sale forms part of Tattersalls Online's June auction scheduled for June 4-5, with 33 horses entered and breezes taking place May 28 at Dundalk Racecourse. Leading the entries is a Mohaather colt from Bushypark Stables (Lot 11), representing a half-brother to two winners out of Grand Depart, a Royal Applause half-sister to 2019 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Group One heroine Belvoir Bay.
Ballycullen Stables contributes an Ardad filly (21) out of listed Premio Eupili winner Maremmadiavola, who has produced two winners and is a Kheleyf half-sister to the dam of recent Gr.3 Prix Texanita winner Woodshauna. American connections feature prominently through MC Thoroughbreds, consigning a Maclean's Music half-sister to stakes-placed Miss Betty (29), bred in Kentucky by Ballyfair Farm.
Kildallan Farms presents a Cotai Glory half-sister to Gr.2 Goldene Peitsche winner Big Boots (10), connecting to the Aga Khan family that produced Group One winners and half-sisters Tarnawa and Tahiyra.
First-season sires feature prominently, with Tally-Ho Stud's Starman, already responsible for Group Three winner Lady Iman, leading alongside fellow debutants A'Ali, Nando Parrado, Supremacy, and Ubettabelieveit. Established young sires including Ardad, Kameko, Mohaather, and Without Parole complement proven names such as Starspangledbanner and Maclean's Music.
Twenty-seven different breeze-up consignors contribute to the catalogue, with leading operations Ardglas Stables, Bushypark Stables, Hyde Park Stud, Kilbrew Stables, and Meadowview Stables represented.
The inaugural Goffs Classic Breeze-Up Sale presents 62 smartly bred prospects at Kildare Paddocks on June 28 at 6:15pm during Gr.1 Irish Derby weekend, with breezes scheduled for June 23 at Naas Racecourse. This premium positioning targets quality, later-maturing 2YOs through a format mirroring successful American sale.
Catalogue highlights include a Hello Youmzain half-sister to listed-placed Grace Period (lot 18), a Sea The Stars filly out of German Group Three winner K Club (25), and a St Mark's Basilica filly out of Group Three winner Ladys First (28). European excellence continues with a Space Blues half-brother to dual Group Three winner Breathtaking Look (32).
American sire representation strengthens both catalogues significantly. Goffs Classic features a City of Light colt out of American Grade Two winner Miss Isella (39), alongside a Maxfield colt out of stakes winner Hitechnoweenie. Bred by Sabana Farm in Kentucky and purchased by MC Bloodstock at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the Maxfield colt represents a half-sibling to graded winner Tonalist's Shape and stakes winner Pure Majestic.
Additional American sires include Maximus Mischief, Essential Quality, Omaha Beach, Mo Town, Blame, Practical Joke, Beau Liam, and Not This Time.
Notable European entries feature an Ardad filly out of listed winner Tempest Fugit, half-sister to former champion sprinter Total Gallery (60), and an Australia colt out of Voice of Truth, dam of multiple graded winner Eternal Hope from the family of Group One winner Rio de La Plata (61).
Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby commented: "Goffs Classic Breeze-Up was positioned from the outset as a premium sale for quality, later-maturing 2YOs, and we are proud to present a catalogue that we believe fulfils this ambition with a sire profile that would be the envy of any breeze-up sale in Europe. We are immensely grateful to the vendors who have supported the inaugural sale with horses who will attract both domestic and international buyers in town for Ireland's biggest classic weekend."
Beeby added: "Our thanks must also go to Aidan McGarry and the team at Naas racecourse as we co-host the first Classic breeze. Renowned as the nursery of champions, their superb track is arguably the best surface in the country on which to gallop young horses. Goffs has a proud history in staging successful breeze-ups, and we hope that the timing, location and the calibre of this first catalogue will establish the Classic Breeze-Up Sale as a key fixture on the European sales calendar."
All lots from the Tattersalls Online sale will be available for inspection May 28, with prospective purchasers able to arrange viewings with vendors prior to the auction. Wildcard entries for both sales remain open until May 23, with further information available from Katherine Sheridan or Ross Birkett of Tattersalls Online.