A son of Presenting from Jimmy Murphy's Redpender Stud was the top lot of the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale held in a new three day format for the first time this year.

Margaret O'Toole went to €255,000 for the sale topper and was also responsible for several more high priced stores, including geldings by Kayf Tara, lot 212 for €160,000 and by Flemensfirth, lot 357 for €155,000.

The top priced filly of the sale was lot 427, a Milan half-sister to Shirley Caspar bought by Terence O'Brien from Galbertstown Stud. Amongst the busy English buyers was Howard Johnson, who with owner Graham Wylie picked up seven lots including a Flemensfirth , lot 169, from Mount Eaton Stud; and Jonjo O'Neill whose five purchases included one of the joint top lots at €160,000 on the first day, lot 108, an Old Vic also from Mount Eaton Stud.

From a catalogue with nearly 100 less lots than 2007, eleven horses in total sold for €100,000 or more, with an average just shy of €34,000 and a median of €24,000.

The inaugural session of "Part 2" of the Derby Sale on Friday lived up to its billing - to provide a market place for more affordable stores to trainers and especially to producers and pinhookers.

Although many of the horses were bought with resale in mind, the top lot of the day was bought by trainer Noel Meade. At €47,000, lot 564, a 4yo son of Trans Island was consigned by Abbeyleix Stud and brought to eight the number of Meade's purchases this week. Later in the day Tom O'Mahony bought a 3yo Presenting gelding, lot 659, for €42,000. Norman and Janet Williamson's Oak Tree Farm added to their Derby Sale purchase with two more today including Lot 499, a 3yo son of Oscar for €40,000

Tattersalls Ireland's Managing Director George Mernagh said: "The figures may have not reached the extravagant heights of the last few years, however we are still happy with the top end of the market given the strong bidding activity on the many quality horses in demand here. There are stalwart buyers from both England and Ireland who have continued their consistent investment at this sale.

"It is not news to anyone to say that the bloodstock market in general has been forced to sober up, and the readjustment of the wider economy, particularly in Ireland, has been reflected here this week."