HENRY BEEBY, GOFFS

THAT Galileo is the best in the world, and even perhaps ever, is undisputed and his influence was very evident at Goffs this week topping both the Foal and Breeding Stock sections of our November Sale. Prices of €1.9 million for Inca Princess, in foal to Galileo, and €1.1 million for her Galileo foal clearly demonstrate yet again that the best sell best at Goffs.

These were the highlights of a hugely successful November Sale for the many breeders who entrusted their best to us.

Following consultation with a broad range of vendors and purchasers the sale was reformatted into three sections and the initial feedback from both groups was that the change was overwhelmingly positive.

However, nothing is perfect and we will take some time to review the whole sale before deciding how we can improve it still further so that all sectors benefit.

Statistically the Part 1 Foals advanced in every area with a mighty 81% clearance, more than double the number breaking the €250,000 barrier and significantly more making over €100,000 whilst the average leapt by 22%.

For the third time in four years the sale was topped by a millionaire foal but the constant of the week has been the sustained demand at all levels as end users and pinhookers battled each other for lot after lot each day.

Trade has, of course, been at a lower level over the last two days of the Part 2 Foals but the number of buyers inspecting foals from Friday vindicated the decision to change the format and gave these foals greater exposure to potential purchasers.

No one is denying that the going has been tougher but we would suggest that has been very much a reflection of the polarised yearling market that was so evident this autumn. The improved clearance rate over the two days, up 11 points to 66%, is a plus.

Overall the five day Foal Sale has made strong gains over 12 months ago returning an impressive 77% clearance with the average and median leaping by 29% and 33% respectively so cementing the Goffs November Sale’s market leading position for the best Irish foals.

The two days of Breeding Stock welcomed a massive international group of buyers following proactive campaigns by the Goffs team and our colleagues at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.

Our combined efforts resulted in 25 countries being represented on the buyers list with bidders travelling from as far afield as Japan, Australia, USA, Argentina, China, Iran, Russia with a regular visitors from India, Turkey, and, of course the UK.

As ever we are grateful to every purchaser and indebted to our vendors who have trusted us with some of the very best mares, fillies and foals, and have been duly rewarded with a strong and vibrant trade to match any.