GOFFS confirmed yesterday (Friday) that the Land Rover Sale will proceed on Wednesday and Thursday, August 12th and 13th, despite the news that overseas buyers will not be able to attend unless they have travelled from a ‘Green List’ country or have quarantined in Ireland for 14 days prior to the sale.
Further doubt was later cast with news that three counties, including Kildare, were put in lockdown by the Government as we went to press. However, the Government website appears to clear the way for the sale to take place.
This news came as a blow on the eve of the first public thoroughbred sale in Ireland for six months, but the sales company and others are working hard to mitigate the effects of this and have put in place a number of measures to assist intending overseas purchasers.
Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland worked with Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to make a joint submission to Government. This was to allow a limited number of key overseas buyers to attend both Irish store sales in a way that was compliant with Irish Government directives.
HRI made the submission on July 13th and Goffs issued provisional invitations to a number of British buyers who planned to attend. However, following consultation with the National Public Health Emergency Team, and in consideration of the deteriorating Covid-19 situation nationally, the present quarantine guidance regarding international travellers will now apply for next week’s sale.
Disappointed
Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby said: “Naturally we are disappointed that our submission cannot be implemented at this time as we had worked with HRI on a proposal that was workable but respected current Government policy.
“However, we recognise the increasing challenge facing the country and appreciate the difficult decisions facing the Government as the country battles this pandemic.
“On behalf of Goffs, I apologise to all our clients who are affected, first and foremost those UK buyers who had accepted the invitation, and our vendors who have supported us with such an outstanding group of horses.
“The sale will proceed with detailed social distancing protocols in place. The Goffs team is continuing to proactively promote the sale and will provide as much assistance as possible to any buyer unable to attend by linking them with Irish agents, highlighting those entries that can be viewed online, and encouraging the use of Goffs Online to bid. We will publish a list of agents who confirm their attendance and are available to act as an inspector, whilst we are also available to take telephone bids from any potential purchaser.
“As to future sales, we will continue to monitor the situation and look at any and all options as matters evolve, but we would reiterate that the modern-day Goffs was set up to provide a world-class sales facility in Ireland and to serve the Irish breeder. At the same time we have a superb sales complex in the UK, so we have options to serve the industry on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Calm heads
“We feel it would be imprudent to rush in to any finite decisions beyond next week at this stage, and we would ask for calm heads and the continued support of our loyal clients. By working together we can deliver the best results for the world-class Irish horses so sought-after around the world.
“For now we look forward to next week as we have a superb group of horses to offer. We should remember that recent editions of the Land Rover Sale have welcomed over 350 Irish buyers, whilst modern technology can allow others to participate. It’s not ideal, but nothing is at the moment. The health of the nation must be the priority”
Brian Kavanagh, HRI chief executive added: “As in many other sectors, Covid-19 is having a serious impact on all aspects of our business, and the international travel consequences are becoming ever more complicated. The current situation requires us to be as creative as possible. Through Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Horse Racing Ireland will assist Goffs and their international buyers in any way we can.”