Goffs November Closes On A High

After the excitement of the Wildenstein Stables Dispersal, the final day of the November Breeding Stock Sale at Goffs was always likely to be a more muted affair but there were still plenty of fillies and mares from major breeding operations to ensure a decent level of interest throughout the session.

That maintained the good clearance rate seen through the first day, with the breeding stock section as a whole recording 397 fillies and mares sold, 85% of the 476 offered. Turnover of €20,751,700 was more than double that of the 2015 sale, and was up by 111% albeit from 82 more lots sold. The average of €52,271 represented a 67% increase while the median remained static at €15,000. Figures for day two saw 184 horses sold at a rate of 82%, adding €2,131,700 to turnover at an average price of €11,833 and median of €7,250.

Taking the November Sale in its entirety, the aggregate passed €40 million for only the second time in the company's history––the first being when the Paulyn Dispersal took place three years ago––with the final figure coming in at €40,840,050 (+14%) from 83 more horses sold than in 2015. The average of €37,301 was increased 17% but the median dropped 12% to €15,000.

An upbeat Henry Beeby signed off on the sale with an upbeat statement, saying, “Extraordinary. It is no exaggeration to use such a superlative to describe the trade from start to finish on day 1 of the 2016 Breeding Stock Sale; and it remained strong today, albeit at a relatively lower level.

“Following a foal trade that enjoyed its high spots but was definitely hard work especially earlier in the week, we approached the last two days with some trepidation mixed with increasing pre-sale excitement given the wonderful support we had received from vendors. It is not overstating things to say that this is the best breeding stock catalogue we have produced, for many a year at least, and it turned out that the huge international group of buyers that descended upon Goffs agreed, resulting in a truly frenzied session of trading. Of course the headline act was the Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal and it did not disappoint. We have said several times how much we appreciated being chosen ahead of all others to conduct this significant dispersal and it was, indeed, a proud moment for the Goffs team when the gavel came down on the likes of Beauty Parlour at €1.6 million. We would also like to pay special tribute to The Castlebridge Consignment who handled the logistical challenge the numbers presented with supreme professionalism.”

He continued, “However the superb Wildenstein Dispersal was far from the only show in town as we enjoyed excellent drafts from the likes of Godolphin, Kiltinan Castle, Jockey Hall, Moyglare, Ballylinch, Derrinstown, The Aga Khan Studs and many more. That led to an historic day of trade with all the key statistics making huge advances as they fed off a remarkable 89% clearance rate. There were significantly more lots realising over €100,000 and three times the number over the €250,000 mark compared to last year, and all of these figures graphically illustrate our constant cry that we can, and consistently do, return prices as good, if not better than any other auction house anywhere when we are given the opportunity.”

The sole six-figure transaction of the day was reserved for five-time winner Little Sweetheart (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}), a daughter of American Listed winner Lady Gin (Saint Ballado),who was sold in foal to Starspangledbanner (Aus) for €135,000. BBA Ireland's Eamonn Reilly signed the ticket for lot 1615 on behalf of a new Irish client and said, “She'll stay here in Ireland and she was my pick of the day. She's a good mare from a fast family and has been covered well.”

Anthony Stroud went to €80,000 for a 3-year-old winner from the well perused Aga Khan Studs draft (lot 1544). Baliyka (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) is a daughter of G3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial winner Baliyana (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}), a half-sister to G2 King Edward VII S. victor Balakheri (Ire) (Theatrical) and to the dam of GI Secretariat S. winner Bayrir (Fr) (Medicean {GB}).

“She's for an Irish farmer and will stay here to be covered,” Stroud confirmed.

The Chinese-based Rifa Mustang operation added a broodmare purchase to the €90,000 Dark Angel filly foal bought earlier in the week when buying Zakhrafa (Ire) (Shamardal) from the Derrinstown Stud draft for €75,000. A winner at three for Kevin Prendergast, the 4-year-old (lot 1555) is out of a Group 3-winning sister to crack sprinter Haatef (Danzig) and was offered in foal to young Darley shuttler Shooting To Win (Aus).

Rifa Mustang's Australian Chief Executive Robert Roulston said, “I really like Shamardal and I was keen to have a mare by him. She's in foal to a really good-looking stallion and she will stay here.”

Throughout the two days of the mare sale, trainer Luke Comer, who bought Group 1 winner Dick Whittington (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) as a stallion prospect at the recent Tattersalls Horses-in-Training Sale, signed for 75 fillies and mares––or 19% of those sold––for a total of €497,200.

Henry Beeby concluded, “Interestingly, the diversity of Goffs November is well illustrated by the impact of two key buyers in our leading buyer by turnover, White Birch Farm from USA who bought at the top of the market and Luke Comer who accounted for an incredible 75 lots at the lower end; both proved absolutely crucial to the sale and are appreciated in equal measure.

“For now we extend our sincere thanks to every vendor and each purchaser for their support, as well as the team at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for their assistance, as November has topped €40 million for only the second time in Goffs' 150 years which is as much testament to our clients as to the teams, past and present, at Goffs.”