Ascot March Sale axed as Tattersalls postpones other upcoming auctions

Tattersalls has responded to the far-reaching government guidelines announced on Monday and the subsequent BHA decision to suspend British racing until the end of April by making significant date changes to its forthcoming schedule of UK-based sales.

The Tattersalls Ascot March Sale - scheduled to take place this Thursday and comprising 190 lots - has been cancelled.

The Tattersalls Ascot Breeze-Up Sale, due to be staged on March 31 and April 1, and the Craven Breeze-Up Sale, due to take place on April 13-15, have both been postponed and will be amalgamated into a new combined fixture in Newmarket from April 29 until May 1.

The Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up and Horses in Training Sale will be postponed until May 27-29.

All of those changes will be kept under constant review and follows the decision of Bloodstock South Africa to postpone its flagship National Yearling Sale until May.

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: "We are making these changes in response to the unprecedented circumstances arising from Monday evening's new government guidelines and the subsequent BHA decision to suspend British racing until the end of April.

"These decisions have not been taken lightly and we are mindful at all times of our joint responsibility to the requirements of our clients and the wider public health issues which have overtaken normal daily life throughout the world.

"Full details of the revised formats associated with the amended sales schedule will be released as soon as is practical, bearing in mind the speed at which events are constantly changing.

"In the meantime we would like to reiterate our commitment to minimising the impact of this national emergency which has engulfed us all and to stress that we will at all times endeavour to keep our clients informed of any further necessary changes affecting the wider Tattersalls group."

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