THERE was a general air of relief when the hammer fell on the last lot at this week’s Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale, a son of Dark Angel who sold for £100,000. The fact that the event went ahead, and did so with no issues concerning the safety of people and horses, was a credit to the sales company and to all the participants.

It is fair to say that when it comes to operating according to protocols, racing authorities and the thoroughbred sales companies in Ireland and Britain have adhered strictly to the guidelines. They offer a template for others and hopefully will be rewarded for this when it comes to opening up events to larger crowds.