ENGLISH TEXTS
dian reaching £ 11,500( up 64 %). The upturn in statistics is a reflection of the sales’ continued popularity and it is possible that the introduction of an inspection day assisted in increasing turnover. Trainer Olly Murphy secured the top lot of the Horses In Training section of the sale, novice hurdler Kingston Pride, following a prolonged bidding battle with current handler Nicky Henderson. Murphy said:“ It’ s obviously a good sign that Nicky was trying hard to keep him, but then his form reads very strongly, going all the way back to when he finished a close second to Tripoli Flyer in a bumper.
TATTERSALLS IRELAND BREEZE-UP SALE 22 / 23 MAY Given the upward trajectory of the breeze-up sales throughout the spring thus far, it was little surprise to see further records broken at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale, which preceded an exciting weekend of Irish Guineas action at the Curragh. The sale had posted a record average for the previous five years and 2025 proved no exception, with an unprecedented average price of € 54,992 – an increase of 26 % and the first time over € 50,000. A new high turnover of € 11,658,300( up 21 % from 2024) was assisted by the sale of a Night Of Thunder colt, who sold for € 580,000, a record price for a breeze-up horse in Ireland.
A son of Black Type performer Mambo Light( Kingmambo) and a half-brother to Group 3 winner Le Juge, the colt was consigned by Yeomanstown Stud, who bought him as a pinhooker for 100,000gns as a yearling. It was bloodstock agent Anthony Stroud who struck the deal, this time for KHK Racing, and said:“ He is a very good individual, and, of course, he is by Night Of Thunder – and with time he will be a nice horse. He comes from a farm that produces lots of good horses, and he has a very good way about him. He is for KHK Racing, but there is no trainer in mind yet.”
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By Véronique Verva for Karisma Consulting
SILKS, A FABRIC OF HISTORY
Having“ one’ s own colours” is the joy of having a personal identity as a racehorse owner. Creating one’ s silks is a defining moment, often experienced with a touch of excitement: choosing the patterns, colours, and combinations is not unlike an en- trepreneur creating the logo and name for a new brand. Each set of silks is unique— some are passed down through generations, others are legendary and symbolic of the greatest sporting achievements. Their origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the first distinctive signs of belonging to a family or community appeared, in the form of colourful coats of arms painted on armour, shields, or tabards. The term“ casaque” itself referred to a garment worn over armour.
Among silk makers, the house of Hermès played a central role in the 19 th century with its establishment in Chantilly, the city of the horse. This move marked an evolution for the brand, which catered to a wealthy clientele during the Belle Époque- an audience attuned to changing fashions and the art of constructing one’ s image. At the time, Hermès sold blankets and racing silks, listed in accounting books as“ stable accessories.” Every piece had to be original and was made from noble materials designed to last, such as wool, linen cloth, silk, or satin. One of Hermès’ s most iconic creations would be that of Coco Chanel. Today, silks must be as functional as possible for the jockey— durable yet lightweight. The record-holding silks in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club( Gr. 1) are those of Marcel Boussac( 12
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