Goffs will tweak the format of its Sportsman's Sale, November Foal Sale and December National Hunt Sale in 2016. The Sportsman's Sale, which has traditionally been a one-day sale immediately following Goffs's flagship Orby sale, will this year be extended to two days. The Orby sale is set for Sept. 28 and 27, with the Sportsman's Part 1 Sept. 29 and the new Sportsman's Part 2 Sept. 30.
“Feedback from vendors based on the strength of the Sportsman's market in recent years has led us to extend the sale to two days by offering a Part 2 section,” said Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “This 'yearling sales week' is an attractive prospect for purchasers from Europe and further afield, and will be promoted as such by the teams at Goffs and ITM to ensure that Goffs is a one-stop shop for yearling buyers traveling to Ireland this autumn.”
In addition, the November Foal Sale will begin a day earlier, Sunday, Nov. 14, to ease the pressure for shoppers traveling to Britain for the following week's sales. Finally, a flat foal section will be added to Goffs's December National Hunt Sale Dec. 9. The entry fee will be less than half that of the November Foal Sale, offering an option for middle market commercial foals and smaller breeders.
“This is a very positive move for Irish Breeders as it deals with two important issues that arose in 2015,” said Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Chairman Derek Iceton. “A cheaper alternative at the optimum time for the smaller breeder can only help especially as it will also ease the pressure in November somewhat, as well as giving people a little more breathing space between Goffs and Newmarket at what is a very busy time for everyone. Both Cathy Grassick, as Chairman of the ITBA Mare Owners Committee, and I have discussed the issues with Goffs since last November. We are grateful that they have taken our members concerns on board and reacted so positively.”
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