Goffs increases US presence

GOFFS has appointed Louis Dubois as a US-based agent, working alongside existing Goffs US representative Jacob West. Tom Taaffe will continue to focus on the American market as part of his international client relations role.

Born and raised in France, Dubois spent time working in the breeze-up sector in New Zealand before moving to Kirkwood Stables in the US. He subsequently spent several seasons with Godolphin in Australia and Dubai, while continuing to work in the US sales market, before joining Wesley Ward.

Breeder of the Month winner

BLUE Bolt has earned Anne-Marie and Brendan Hayes a win in the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for July. The Blue Point filly won the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at the Newmarket July meeting and has since won another Group 1 in Deauville.

Galway suspension for Queally

AMATEUR rider Declan Queally has received a six-day suspension for using his whip with excessive frequency on Sarahs Lawn, winner of a bumper on the Saturday of the Galway Summer Festival.

Unusually the matter was not addressed by the stewards on the day but was picked up later by a “senior racing official” who initiated a Referrals Committee hearing this week. At the hearing Queally accepted he was in breach of the relevant regulation and apologised for his actions.

First Aktem yearling sale

FRENCH auction house Aktem will host their first flat yearling sale at Maisons-Laffitte on September 18th. The 93 lots catalogued include progeny by Zarak, Galiway, Goken, Zelzal and Starspangledbanner.

Web: aktem.fr

15 Irish in Doncaster St Leger

THERE are 15 Irish-trained horses among the 27 entries for the Betfred St Leger on Saturday, September 12th. They include nine from Aidan O’Brien, five from Joseph O’Brien and one from Emmet Mullins.

Aidan O’Brien’s entries are headed by Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day and Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini. The trainer has won the race nine times previously.

Joseph O’Brien won the 2020 St Leger with Galileo Chrome. He has a strong entry this year, headed by Royal Ascot winners Limestone and Enceladus.

Emmet Mullins has engaged Zia Zabel, the horse previously trained by Natalia Lupini to be Group 3-placed and now owned by Paul Byrne.

Precious filly foal for sale

THE Wootton Bassett half-sister to Group 1 winners Gstaad and Vandeek is to be offered for sale at this year’s Tattersalls December Foal Sale. Breeder Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud will also consign a Havana Grey colt out of Lady Kheleyf, another half-sister to Gstaad and Vandeek.