A NEW breeze-up sale is set to take place in Ireland next year as Goffs has announced plans to expand its European portfolio with a fresh sale involving Naas Racecourse and the Kildare Paddocks.

The breeze will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd, at Naas ahead of the sale at Goffs a day later. A practice breeze will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday, June 2nd.

Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby said the move has arisen through support for a Goffs Irish breeze up sale, and that the positioning of it in the calendar has been welcomed by industry stakeholders.

“We are thrilled that Naas Racecourse has agreed to host the trackwork to enable this exciting new Breeze Up Sale in Ireland,” said Beeby.

“Naas is Goffs’ local track and one of the most progressive in the country as seen by the major investment in the track and racecourse amenities in recent years. We look forward to collaborating with the Naas team to deliver a successful Breeze Up where horses and clients will benefit from the world-class facilities at both Naas and Kildare Paddocks.

Ground in mind

“Vendors have petitioned Goffs to stage an Irish Breeze Up for some time, and the timing of this new sale, coming slightly later in the season, has been widely welcomed in our discussions with vendors particularly in light of the changing season and climate, so we will be well placed to provide the optimum ground conditions which are so vital for this category.

“The early June dates will also allow additional time for sales preparation while it falls early enough in the flat calendar to ensure strong demand for quality, ready to run two-year-olds. Further details and initiatives will be announced later this month.”

Naas chairman Dermot Cantillon added: “The Naas Racecourse philosophy is to facilitate the racing and the bloodstock industry when and where we can. This relationship with Goffs to support the breeze up sector is another manifestation of this ongoing commitment.”