Goffs’ Orby Sale wrapped up on Thursday, with an increase in the median of 3
percent
offsetting the fall by the same
percentage average. Commenting on a renewal which was more or less about
maintaining the status quo, Goffs
Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “Steady without being spectacular is probably
the most apt phrase to describe
the last three days’ trade, although so many buyers have also commented that the
good ones are as hard as ever
to buy.
“Some significant buyers felt they were the most level collection of
quality yearlings we have presented at
Goffs for many years and they are testament to the faith placed in the Goffs
service by our vendors. There is
absolutely no doubt in our minds that they will continue the Goffs tradition of
winning at the highest level over the next few seasons and we look forward to
following their progress.
“To some, a top price of €350,000 may
seem a disappointment after
a high of €950,000 last year and it is clear that the average has slipped
marginally for that reason. But it is
noteworthy that the three-day median price has risen by 3.4 percent, illustrating the
solidity of the market, whilst a
clearance rate of 79 percent (up two points) is a real triumph in the current climate.
“The middle market between €50,000 and
€200,000 was generally accepted to be the most competitive and that is
borne out by the increased
number surpassing the €150,000 barrier (25 as opposed to 20 last year). Indeed to
trade over €22.5 million of
horses against the backdrop of the headlines we have all endured in the eurozone
countries in recent months is a
definite positive and we continue to defy the gloom and doom that seems to
dominate so much of our lives at the
moment.
“It is probably also noteworthy that we cataloged more fillies than last
year and a greater number of
yearlings following a huge demand for places. Those factors may have had some
consequences for some of the
statistics, but Goffs exists to serve the Irish breeder where possible and
tinkering with the format of the sale
unnecessarily is not going to help those that support us each year.”
Thursday’s more low-key session was topped by Lot No. 625, a daughter of Acclamation from Rathbarry Stud,
when selling to Paddy Twomey for €53,000. The
filly is a half-sister to stakes winner Ceremonial Jade (Jade Robbery) and is out of
the winning Danehill mare Talah, who is herself a full sister to French One
Thousand Guineas (Fr-G1) runner-up Firth of Lorne.
“She’s a good-
looking filly from a very nice family and the sire has had a terrific year,”
Twomey said.
“Let’s hope she’s lucky when we go breezing
with her next spring.”
Full results, catalog and updates are available on
www.goffs.com.