GOFFS UK has recognised the role played by Eddie O’Leary in the ongoing success of the sales company. Formerly known as Doncaster Bloodstock Sales, the auction house presents the Willie Stephenson Memorial Trophy annually to the person or persons whom the board feels has made the biggest contribution to the success of the company during the previous year.

O’Leary is the latest recipient of the award. He has consigned numerous top-class flat-bred horses to Doncaster through Lynn Lodge Stud, which he owns with his wife Wendy, and he is a key purchaser of National Hunt horses at Goffs UK sales on behalf of Gigginstown House Stud, owned by his brother Michael.

Goffs’ Group chief executive Henry Beeby said: “Eddie is one of the few people in Europe, and probably even the world, who acts at the elite end of the market for all the major sales across flat and National Hunt.

“Through their Lynn Lodge Stud, Eddie and Wendy are one of the leading vendors at our Breeze Up and Premier Sales and their horses are always eagerly anticipated by the sales company and the purchasers who flock to their door each year.

“Eddie has also been hugely successful at selecting top class jumpers for Michael’s Gigginstown House operation and his recent Goffs UK purchases include the unbeaten and hugely exciting Samcro, and Tiger Roll, who has won twice at the Cheltenham Festival.”