Tattersalls chairman sounds note of caution despite strong mares result

Tattersalls closed its 2025 December Mares Sale with over 82 million guineas in turnover, the second‑highest in company history.

Eleven lots broke the million‑guinea mark, and Tuesday’s session set a new European auction record for daily sales. The average for the three days was up by 13 per cent to 140,661 guineas and the median rose by 7 per cent to 40,500 guineas.

Chairman Edmond Mahony hailed the figures as proof of the strength of British and Irish bloodstock. “On the face of it, we have a strong market with breeders being well rewarded for consistently bringing some of the finest bloodstock to Park Paddocks,” he said.

But Mahony warned that success has come “in spite of rather than because of government support.” He stressed that while overseas buyers continue to flock to Newmarket, domestic participation is faltering.

“The industry is uncomfortably reliant on overseas investment and participation,” he cautioned.

His sharpest criticism was reserved for the Labour government’s recent budgets. “The rural economy is clearly not a priority at present and the two budgets under the current Labour government have increased taxation and business costs in every sector of society,” Mahony said.

Although the government has accepted racing’s case on betting duty, Mahony argued that “the wider industry dynamics remain perilously uncertain.” He added: “We must ensure that government does not allow the status of a globally admired industry to be eroded through neglect.”