'The sire has been good to me' - smart figures keeping Sioux Nation progeny buoyant at Tattersalls Ireland

There was a stampede of buyers at Tattersalls Ireland's September Sale all wanting to enlist in the Sioux Nation army.

One of Europe's leading third season sires, the son of Scat Daddy seems to have avoided the curse of the dreaded fourth crop at the sales with his yearlings running one of the best averages of any stallion represented, and at a figure that was approximately four times his 2022 advertised covering fee of €10,000.

With 22 sold, his Fairyhouse average was €41,818 and that was helped in no little way by the big ticket prices achieved by a trio of colts who populated the upper reaches of the charts.

At €95,000 Katie Walsh's purchase of Kilbride House Stud's Sioux Nation colt as a pinhooking prospect for the expanded 2025 breeze-up season could be bold but her Greenhills Farm has a track record of success with progeny of the Phoenix and Norfolk Stakes winner.

Walsh has topped the last two editions of the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale with juveniles by Sioux Nation so she knows exactly what is called for, and when the RTE presenter and former jockey compliments the colt, it's not an idle remark.

Katie Walsh had a terrific return from Sioux Nation at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up SaleCredit: www.healyracing.ie

"He is a lovely individual, a lovely walking colt, the sire has been good to me over the years and this lad was a bit of a stand-out for me today," said Walsh.

She has prepared and consigned the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes winner Letsbefrankaboutit and the €370,000 Sioux Nation filly who was, by a significant margin, the most expensive sold at the 2024 sale in this ring back in May.

Bought by Mark McStay and Paddy Twomey, she has been named City Of Memphis but has yet to race.

Two of the three most expensive horses sold at that event were by Sioux Nation so it doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out why his yearlings are in demand with breeze-up consignors.

However trainers were also among the posse vying for the best offspring of the handsome dark bay, who is also a grandson of Oasis dream.

Amanda Skiffington (second right) was among those to sign for a Sioux Nation on Wednesday

Fahey, in company with Mouse O'Ryan, was closest to the rostrum when spending €80,000 on Cooneen Stud's Sioux Nation colt, which was his fourth purchase over the two days. The colt will be trained by his father.

Peter said: "He reminded us a lot of Native American who cost €75,000 in this ring two years ago. Hopefully this one will be as successful." 

Amanda Skiffington had to give best to the Rabbah team on the Mehmas filly who made €180,000 but she did manage to snare a Sioux Nation colt, giving €75,000 for the half-brother to three winners who was offered by The Castlebridge Consignment.

"I love Sioux Nation," Skiffington exclaimed. "I've always loved him, and this is a lovely colt. He comes from a very good breeder [Annemarie O'Brien], and we have been trying very hard to get a nice horse while the new owner is here. I have no idea where he will be going after he is broken."

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