IRISH HORSE SALES
Breeze-up • Flat • National Hunt • Point-to-Point • Bloodstock
Breeze-up Sales
A breeze-up sale is a type of thoroughbred auction where young horses—typically two-year-olds—are offered for sale after demonstrating their ability on the track. Before the auction, each horse “breezes,” meaning it gallops at speed over a short distance to showcase its athleticism, movement, and potential to future buyers. This preview gives trainers, agents, and owners valuable insight into how the horse performs under saddle, helping them assess suitability for racing. Breeze-up sales are known for producing race-ready horses with proven ability, making them a popular choice for buyers seeking talent they can bring quickly into training.
​
See below all the sales dates for Europen Breeze-up sales in 2026 from all the major auction houses, Goffs, Tattersalls, Arqana.
2025 Breeze-up Sales Analysis
This table provides a streamlined comparison of the major 2025 European Breeze‑Up Sales, with all financial figures converted into euro (€) using official sale‑day exchange rates for Craven, Doncaster and the Tattersalls Guineas Sales. Native‑euro results from ARQANA, Tattersalls Ireland and Goffs Classic are presented as published. Average and median prices reflect overall sale statistics. This summary gives buyers, consignors and analysts a clear, consistent view of market performance across Europe’s key two‑year‑old sales.
Tattersalls
Craven Breeze‑Up Sale
The Tattersalls Craven Breeze‑Up Sale, held each April in Newmarket, is recognised as Europe’s premier auction for high‑class, ready‑to‑run two‑year‑olds. The sale consistently showcases sharp, forward, and naturally athletic juveniles, with progeny of precocious sires tending to excel with their eye‑catching breeze times.
​
The 2024 renewal delivered exceptional commercial strength, achieving nearly 20 million guineas in turnover and an 83% clearance rate—highlighted by the record‑breaking sale of a 1.75 million guineas Havana Grey colt, marking what industry leaders described as the strongest Craven sale ever.
​
In 2025, the sale continued its upward trajectory:
-
119 horses sold
-
18,804,000 guineas turnover
-
Average price: 158,017 guineas
-
Median price: 100,000 guineas
-
Top price: 1,750,000 guineas
-
Total turnover including private sales: 19,234,000 guineas
What does well
-
Type: fast, forward, clock‑friendly breezers.
-
Stallions: Havana Grey, Mehmas, Blue Point, No Nay Never, Starspangledbanner.
​
2026 Sale Details
The 2026 Tattersalls Craven Breeze‑Up Sale will take place from 13–15 April 2026.
-
Breeze: 9:30am on Monday, 13 April at Newmarkets Rowley Mile Racecourse
-
Sales Sessions: 5:45pm on Tuesday 14 April & Wednesday 15 April at Park Paddocks
Tattersalls
Guineas Breeze‑Up Sale
The Tattersalls Guineas Breeze‑Up Sale, is held each spring in Newmarket, has developed into a key fixture for buyers seeking progressive, versatile, and well‑balanced two‑year‑olds. Known for producing high‑class performers across a wide range of racing jurisdictions, the sale has been the launching point for Group 1 winners such as The Platinum Queen, Trueshan, and Shantisara, underlining its reputation for both quality and value.
The 2025 renewal delivered a strong commercial performance, with key figures as follows:
-
256 offered, 213 sold
-
Total turnover: £6,776,604
-
Average: £31,815
-
Median: £20,988
-
Top price: £162,654
​
What does well
-
Value‑rich, versatile juveniles that train on. Proven pipeline to Group 1 winners
-
Stallions: Calyx (2025 topper), plus speed and train‑on influences across the board.
​
2026 Sale Details
The 2026 Tattersalls Guineas Breeze‑Up Sale will take place from 29-30 April 2026.
-
Breeze: 9:00am on Wednesday 29 April at Rowley Mile, Newmarket
-
Sales Sessions: 9.30am on Thursday 30 April at Park Paddocks
Arqana
Deauville Breeze‑Up Sale
The ARQANA Deauville Breeze‑Up Sale, held each May in Deauville, is regarded as Europe’s most elite and commercially powerful breeze‑up auction. Known for its boutique feel, exceptional pedigrees, and a strong international buying bench, the sale consistently produces high‑class two‑year‑olds who go on to excel in French and international Group races. In recent years, the sale has cemented its position as a source of both quality and elite performance, drawing major buyers such as Godolphin, Coolmore, and the leading European agents. Buyers were particularly drawn to progeny of elite stallions such as Night of Thunder, Maxfield, Siyouni, Wootton Bassett, Sea The Stars, Mehmas, and Havana Grey
The 2025 edition delivered a truly historic renewal, setting new European records for a breeze‑up sale. Key figures include:
-
Turnover: €27,444,500 (a record, up 27% year‑on‑year)
-
Average: over €200,000, the highest ever achieved at a European breeze‑up sale
-
Median: €120,000, up 20% from 2024
-
Clearance rate: 87% of lots sold, reflecting deep demand across the catalogue
-
Four seven‑figure lots, a first in the sale’s history
-
Top price: €1.9 million, paid by Godolphin for a Night of Thunder colt
​​
What does well
-
Boutique, blue‑chip end of the market; elite physiques + top breezes. Timed with French Guineas weekend.
-
Stallions: Night of Thunder, Siyouni, Wootton Bassett, Sea The Stars, Mehmas, Havana Grey.
​
​2026 Sale Details
The 2026 Arqana Deauville Breeze‑Up Sale will take place from 7-9 May 2026.
-
Breeze: 9:00am on Thursday 7 May at Deauville‑La Touques Racecourse
-
Sales Sessions: 11am on Saturday 9 May at Elie de Brignac sales complex
