Wednesday 5 July

Last week we spent a few days in Ireland to see some youngsters, and spend a couple of days at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale. The Derby Sale is the premiere sale for National Hunt young stock. In two parts - Part 1 consisted of 460 of the finest 3 year old store horses you will ever see in one place. Paul Wells, owner of Maria's Benefit and Kingsley joined me on the trip, and we started our little tour with a lovely meal on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, we saw a couple of yearlings near Naas, before hitching a lift to the sales in Fairyhouse. After a day at the sales, where we didn't know where to look for unbelievably good looking horses from top families - we checked into the Pillo hotel, and spent a cracking night with the Irish Point to Point fraternity! Friday was Part 2 of the sale - not quite the same quality of horse and pedigree, but still a very strong trade, after which we were happened upon in the hotel bar by two of the stalwarts of Tattersalls Ireland, and our quiet night turned into a very convivial meal out! Our plans to head south on Saturday, and have a look around Coolmoore were scuppered, so plan B kicked in, and we set off early into Dublin, to catch the second match in the test series between the New Zealand All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions. We stumbled on a cracking little venue to watch it - and the result was welcomed in animated fashion!! A quick lunch, and a short flight home - all in all a cracking few days - we didn't buy anything (only Guiness), but it was a lot of fun!! One interesting lot to go through the ring in Part 1 was lot 381. This bay gelding by Getaway is a half brother to Theclockisticking who we purchased earlier this year. Lot 381 proved very popular, and made 75,000 Euro - proving what a quality family him and TCIT hail from! Shares are available in Theclockisticking - priced at just £5,500 each - only 6 shares will be made available. He is a quality individual, out of a full sister to The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised - he has the pedigree and the looks! We think he is a cracking horse, and is now back in work and will be ready to run in early October. He has been placed in 2 Irish Point to Points proving that he is tough enough for the job, and offers the opportunity for his new owners to buy into a family that boasts a closely related Champion!! have a look at him on the For Sale Page, where I have detailed how his collateral form has worked out very well, suggesting he could be very good indeed! 07909 518902 or nickbrownracing@gmail.com for further details.