Bloodstock auction sales are a common means of selling thoroughbred horses - the thunder of racing hooves is often foreshadowed by the crack of the gavel. It was such an auction that gave rise to proceedings in Tattersalls Limited v McMahon [2021] EWHC 1629 (QB) in which the English High Court decided a director was held jointly and severally liable for the purchase of two Lots at an auction, in circumstances where he thought he was acting solely on behalf of the company he represented.

The case is an important one for any agent in the sports arena and beyond, and our full analysis of the case and recommendations are available here.