World Records at Tattersalls: Barnavara and Porta Fortuna Headline a Historic Session
- Turf Diario
- 3 days ago
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They sold for 4,800,000 and 4,500,000 guineas, respectively, on another day of superlative prices at Newmarket
NEWMARKET, England (Special to Turf Diario)—The Tattersalls December Mares Sale once again shook the global marketplace with a session that will go down as one of the most memorable in its history. World-leading prices of 4,800,000 and 4,500,000 guineas were achieved by Barnavara and Porta Fortuna, respectively, while the day’s turnover soared to 57,695,415 guineas, surpassing the previous European record set at this same sale last year. In addition, 11 lots broke the million-guinea mark, equaling the sale’s all-time high.
Barnavara Sets the Standard at 4.8 Million Guineas
Winner of the Prix de l’Opéra (G1), Barnavara became the world’s highest-priced filly in training sold in 2024 when bringing 4.8 million guineas to the online bid of Sugar Whiskey Trading, who outlasted bloodstock agent Henry Lascelles.
Consigned by Baroda Stud on behalf of trainer Jessica Harrington and Alpha Racing, the daughter of Calyx capped an exceptional season that featured three group wins, highlighted by her brilliant Arc day triumph at Longchamp.
“It was more than I ever dreamed—honestly, we thought she might make three million,” Harrington said. “There was a moment where the bidding seemed to stall, but then it just kept going… it’s amazing.”
Baroda’s David Cox added: “She has an outstanding physique and a tremendous race record. She still had so much left to give. For the syndicate, this is a dream result.”
Barnavara is out of Alfea (Kentucky Dynamite) and hails from the family of Lope de Vega (Shamardal). She had been bought as a yearling for €70,000.
Porta Fortuna Shines at 4.5 Million Guineas
The atmosphere remained electric with the arrival of Porta Fortuna, introduced by auctioneer John O’Kelly as “practically perfect in every way.” The Royal Ascot star and four-time G1 winner brought 4,500,000 guineas, selling to M. V. Magnier, the second-highest price globally this year for a filly in training.
By Caravaggio and trained by Donnacha O’Brien, Porta Fortuna was the standout filly of her generation, capturing the Albany (G3) and Cheveley Park (G1) at two, before sweeping a historic treble in the Coronation (G1), Falmouth (G1) and Matron (G1) at three.
“She’s an extraordinary filly. Hopefully she can produce something just as good,” Magnier said, hinting that Starspangledbanner could be her first mating.
Emotion ran high among Medallion Racing, with racing manager Phillip Shelton saying:“She took us to a level we never imagined—it’s been an incredible ride.”
Tamfana Sells for 2.6 Million Guineas
Later in the session, M. V. Magnier struck again, securing Tamfana—winner of the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) and placed in both the 1000 Guineas and the Prix de Diane—for 2,600,000 guineas.
Trainer David Menuisier called it “a Cinderella story,” adding:“You don’t buy fillies in that bracket expecting them to nearly win the Guineas… but she almost did.”
Saqqara Sands to America for 2.1 Million Guineas
A standout result for breeders came with the sale of Saqqara Sands, a homebred of Oakgrove Stud, who made 2,100,000 guineas to Stephen Hillen, acting for Magnier & Michael Tabor.
“With a 110 rating, she’s good enough to win Grade 1s in the U.S.,” Hillen said. “That’s where she’s headed.”
The daughter of Oasis Dream, winner of the Oak Tree Stakes (G3) at Goodwood, delivered a major breakthrough for a family long invested in top-tier bloodstock.
Choisya Breaks 2 Million for Stroud Coleman
The fifth filly to surpass the two-million-guinea barrier was Choisya, purchased by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock. The Night of Thunder mare flourished on the international stage with wins in the Jenny Wiley (G1) at Keeneland and the Balanchine (G2) in Dubai.
Her trainer, Ed Crisford, noted:“She took time to mature—but once she found her environment, Dubai and that American-style racing, she absolutely took off.”
The Tattersalls December Mares Sale continues Wednesday with its final session, in a renewal that has already carved out several chapters of global market history.
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