In 1766 Richard Tattersall, a former stud groom to the second Duke of Kingston founded the worldÕs first bloodstock auction house. The first premises occupied were near Hyde Park Corner in what was then the outskirts of London. In 1965, Tattersalls moved its bloodstock auctions to Park Paddocks in Newmarket. Today Tattersalls is an international firm offering 8,500 horses each year at 18 sales at Newmarket in Britain and at Fairyhouse in Ireland. In 1979 Tattersalls Limited took a 44% interest in Ballsbridge International Sales Company Limited which then became Ballsbridge Tattersalls as a result of the merger. In 1985 Tattersalls Ltd. increased their holding and the operation became the wholly owned subsidiary, Tattersalls Ireland Limited. In the autumn of 1986, Tattersalls acquired the Old Fairyhouse Stud at Ratoath and the modern sales complex constructed on this property offered greater opportunities for expansion. The first sale at the complex was the September Yearling Sale in 1988 which included candidates for the inaugural Tattersalls Breeders Stakes in 1989. Tattersalls Ireland is renowned for selling top class National Hunt and Flat horses in which it continues to lead the field. The Derby Sale Ð the first ever sale held at Ballsbridge International Sales Company Limited in June, 1975 Ð being the most premier sale in the world for National Hunt three and four year olds, the November National Hunt Sale being the most comprehensive venue for National Hunt breeding stock and the September Yearling Sale providing consistent value and success for flat yearlings.