15.11.09 At the conclusion of the one day November Breeders Flat Sale this afternoon, Managing Director George Mernagh said:
 
‘Today was a challenging day as expected however there are a number of positives to be taken from this year’s season. The demand for yearlings at our September Yearling Sale was excellent where no less than 3 yearlings made in excess of €100,000, helped in no small way by the achievements of Dick Turpin, Extension and Love Lockdown and the ongoing efforts by the team at ITM. The €150,000 Tattersalls Ireland Sales Stakes – the only Sales race of its kind in Ireland has also contributed to the continued attraction of the Sale.
 
On the National Hunt side we were heartened by the trade at the November National Hunt Sale, in particular the foal trade. Despite the obvious economic difficulties we are all facing, trade was beyond our expectations. The continued success of our graduates most notably yesterday’s Paddy Power winner Tranquil Sea continues to reinforce the enduring love and appeal of National Hunt Racing.
 
We look forward to next year’s sale season with guarded optimism and one of the challenges that remains ahead of us is the marketing of National Hunt stores, both three and four year olds. To this end and with the assistance of the National Hunt Committee of the ITBA, we are in consultation with our vendors and purchasers to find a new way where we can reach an acceptable compromise of trust between vendors and purchasers.’