SOME good trade for the yearlings on offer enabled the year at Goffs to get off to a satisfactory start as the company’s three-day February Sale was able to make gains in several key areas following its conclusion on Thursday.

A smaller catalogue saw 111 fewer lots come under the hammer this year and they produced a turnover of €4.8 million which was a 7% decrease on last year. The average of €14,414 grew by 11%, the €6,500 median finished ahead by 18 points and the clearance rate for the entire auction improved marginally to 66%.

YEARLINGS

Well over half the catalogue was given over to yearlings and it was this category that provided the basis for the growth in the final figures. In 2017, the top-priced one came in at €86,000 but this time around there were four who made over €100,000.

Furthermore, trade away from the top of the market in this sector was better than it was 12 months ago and this was reflective of what took place at the various foal sales several months ago.

The auction concluded with a day of breeding stock where the top price of €280,000 comfortably surpassed last year’s top price of €210,000.

Overall though, the breeding stock element of the sale couldn’t compete with the depth of last year’s concluding day.

In 2017 the breeding stock section of the sale produced 10 lots that made at least €70,000 as against just four who managed that feat this time around.

Overall though, this represented a solid edition of this mixed sale and the last couple of weeks have seen the 2018 sales season in Ireland get off to a positive start.