Sarah O'Connell of County Tipperary's Longways Stables, consignor of 2017 Jersey Stakes (G3) winner and Abu Dhabi Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas) (G1) runner-up Le Brivido, is featured by Racing Post Bloodstock ahead of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale.
How many horses are you consigning at this year's breeze-up sales and which are you most excited by?
This year we're consigning 24 2-year-olds who I think are a solid bunch. We've some sharp horses—hopefully a few good enough to make it to Royal Ascot—and also some more 3-year old types.
We've a good choice of proven stallions in Oasis Dream, Mehmas, Night of Thunder, No Nay Never, Kodiac, Wootton Bassett, and our favorite, Siyouni.
How did you find restocking at last year's yearling sales?
Our approach to restocking has been the same as always. Every year we try to up our game, improve on stock and quality. There's always demand for good horses, regardless of economic turmoil.
How have you found the build-up to this year's sales in comparison to last year?
The uncertainty heading into last year's sales was extremely stressful. Thankfully we haven't had a stop-start season so far and there has been confidence that sales would hold their intended dates.
However, 2021 has a new set of challenges. The ever-changing paperwork due to Brexit is a joke as no sooner do you think you've everything in order when a new email comes along with different requirements.
It's been a nightmare and needs to be addressed. I have to thank Patrick Keane and his team in Ballinroe as they take care of all our transport and have been outstanding dealing with this mess.
Which first-season sires have impressed you most so far?
We have four first-season sires. Firstly three Ardads, they are all nice movers with good attitudes and are showing plenty of pace. We also have a smart son of Cotai Glory going to Doncaster, he's a great mover and a really athletic horse.
Also for Doncaster we have a powerful Profitable filly out of an Exceed And Excel mare. She's a great physical, very professional in her work and has an unbelievable mind. She's one of the picks of the yard.
We also have a good-looking son of Almanzor going to Arqana. He's a very good mover, covers an awful lot of ground and will make a lovely six to seven furlong horse.
What are your expectations for the state of trade at the upcoming breeze-up sales?
I'd be quietly optimistic as the resilience of last year's market is giving me some confidence. Also breeze-up graduates are producing the results day in, day out on a global scale. As a group we're selling a very consistent and successful product.
Last year's breeze-up season proved particularly challenging. What lessons did you learn during 2020?
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
Tattersalls introduced the Royal Ascot/Group 1 bonus this year. How big an incentive do you feel that is for buyers?
The new bonus is a great idea and anything that can add to the prize-money in the UK is a plus. I think it deserves support and as a result we are sending the biggest and strongest draft we've ever had to the Craven. Fingers crossed!
