TURNOVER at the last 16 editions of the Goffs UK Premier Sale have ranged from £9,587,500 in 2010 to a high of £19,767,750 three years ago. Only five times in that period has the turnover been lower than this year’s £11,503,500. Contributing to this was the fact that the numbers offered and sold was the fewest in that 16-year period, while the average of £34,034 was only bettered seven times.

Figures alone do not reflect the enormous challenges placed on this year’s sale by the current worldwide pandemic, one that has changed the lives of all. A clearance rate of 83% showed a willingness on the part of vendors to sell, though some 59 fewer horses were traded compared to a year ago. The fact is that demand for horses has fallen, and this trend is set to continue for the short-term at least. The new reality was acknowledged by Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent in his post-sale summary.

He said: “Today concludes what has been one of the most anticipated Premier Yearling Sales in recent years, but not in the way that we normally prepare for a sale, and we share everyone’s collective relief that we have been able to conduct the sale and provide an opening to Europe’s yearling sales circuit during these difficult times.

“There is no doubting that trade across the last few days has not been straightforward, but the important thing is that horses are getting sold and the collective view from vendors and purchasers has been that this was a ‘good’ sale, even though ‘good’ may currently be difficult to quantify. We obviously missed some key faces who were active last year but there were a significant number of success stories over the last two days, including some spectacular pinhooks, and we must remember these moments as we reflect on what has been achieved.

“Despite the two days proving predictably difficult, we echo what has been said many times this week; that we are lucky to hold sales and continue to trade despite the challenges that face us and our industry. It has been encouraging to see so many people descend on Doncaster for the sale and to see a respectable clearance rate upheld over the two days. Full credit goes to our vendors who have adapted to the market to facilitate trade.”