The four-day Tattersalls December mares concluded in Newmarket on Thursday with nearly identical numbers from the 2000 sale.The auction company reported sales on 767 mares for $53,963,033, a gain of 2% from last year when 787 mares were listed as going to new owners for gross receipts of $52,882,734. The average of $70,356 was a gain of 4.7% from last year's figure of $67,196.

"(This year) has not always been an easy year with foot-and-mouth (disease) overshadowing the early months and global economic uncertainty dominating the news in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, but our annual turnover has only been bettered twice before and it has been a great boost to the industry to end on such a high note," said Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony.

The sale topper at $2,239,004 was Zibilene, a half sister to 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) winner Barathea (Ire).

Barouche Stud purchased the four-year-old Rainbow Quest mare, who was cataloged as in foal to Machiavellian, from the consignment of Eydon Hall Farm during the Wednesday session.

Stakes-placed Zibilene is also a half sister to English Group 1 winner Gossamer, Grade 3 winner Free At Last (GB), and French Group 3 winner Zabar.

The session topper on Thursday at $53,867 was Countess Sybil, who has one win in six career starts. The three-year-old daughter of Dr Devious (Ire) out of the Great Nephew mare Countess Candy, is a half sister to French Group 3 winner Mint Crisp.

Consigned by Mill House Stud, agent, she was purchased by Whitsbury Farm and Stud Ltd.

Complete results are available at the Tattersalls Web site at http://www.tattersalls.com/