Plummeting betting turnover leaves British racing in a precarious state - whatever the sales numbers might suggest

The last few days have been dominated by numbers. Worryingly, it was not only the Tattersalls sales ring where the numbers were extraordinarily large.

As might have been expected, the three days of the October Book 1 Yearling Sale appeared to take place in a parallel universe in which deep-rooted concerns about British racing's financial viability to owners and breeders felt completely irrelevant. This was a world in which the behemoths of the bloodstock industry spent astonishing sums while trading blows to secure thoroughbred bluebloods. It was strange, surreal and thrillingly exciting.

Helped greatly by Kia Joorabchian's desire to make Amo Racing competitive against the sport's established superpowers, the sale recorded figures surely far in excess of Tattersalls' wildest dreams. Despite 12 per cent fewer horses being sold compared to last year, their combined value was 34 per cent greater than the total proceeds of 2023. The 345 yearlings bought in the ring fetched a shade over £134 million. Some will go on to Group 1 glory, others will prove unable to win even a modest race. You pays your money and takes your chance.