Godolphin muscles up at ERA online sales, with top four purchases
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby led the way at the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Sale on the Tattersalls Online platform, as record participation and strong prices underpinned a successful event.
Held from March 26 to April 1, the sale attracted 221 registered bidders globally, a 154% increase on average ERA live sale registrations over the past five years. Of the 196 lots listed, 169 were offered and 132 sold, with day two delivering a standout 93% clearance rate. Total receipts reached 9,566,900 AED.
MORE: Horse racing 2026
Tattersalls Online Sale Manager Katherine Sheridan said the strong clearance rate of horses put up for sale had given them confidence in online market places for horses.
“We are proud to have hosted another highly successful sale on behalf of the Emirates Racing Authority, with record participation reflecting the continued growth and global reach of the Tattersalls Online platform,” she said.
“The strong clearance rate and competitive bidding across the sale underline the confidence buyers have in the quality of horses offered, and we look forward to building on this momentum with our future sales.”
Appleby’s consignment dominated the top end of the market, supplying the four highest-priced lots. Leading the sale was dual winner Masai Moon, sold for 1,100,000 AED to Bhupat Seemar’s Zabeel Stables after sustained bidding.
Indian Springs fetched 880,000 AED, while Pacifica Pier (780,000 AED) and Alpine Trail (620,000 AED) also commanded strong prices, highlighting continued demand for proven performers in the UAE market.
ERA Board Member and General Manager Mohammad Al Shehhi said the sales were proof that racing was thriving in the region
“Across the two days of our online sale with Tattersalls, we were delighted to see a record number of buyer registrations, highlighting the strong interest in our racing and ease of use of the online concept,” he said.
“The level of participation and overall results demonstrate the value of this platform in facilitating the movement of horses to neighbouring jurisdictions, enabling them to continue their racing careers across the region.”
Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Godolphin is one of the world’s leading thoroughbred racing and breeding operations, with elite stables, training facilities and bloodstock spanning Europe, Australia, the Middle East and North America. Godolphin competes at the highest level internationally, regularly winning major Group 1 races and breeding top-class racehorses through its extensive global network.
