LEADING vendor Jacqueline Norris and Irish National Stud chief executive John Osborne have welcomed changes to the format of the Goffs November Foal and Breeding Stock Sale.

This year’s sale will take place in two parts from Monday 19th to Sunday 26th. Part 1 will begin with what were traditionally ‘Day 3’ foals, building to a climax on Wednesday when the top tier foals will be offered.

With no more than 660 lots catalogued across these three days, all horses will be stabled from the outset which will provide potential purchasers with sufficient time to inspect prior to the commencement of the sale in a format that mirrors the approach of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale in October.

The premier breeding stock will sell on Thursday followed by another full day of mares on Friday. Part 2 will feature a further two days of foal sales on Saturday and Sunday.

All foals will be catalogued together with a separate catalogue for breeding stock. There will be a lower entry fee for Part 2 of €460 plus VAT, a €200 reduction on the Part 1 fee.

Goffs’ chief executive Henry Beeby said: “This restructuring is a considered decision based on consistent feedback from vendors and purchasers alike. A significant number of buyers have told us that the sale’s traditional format did not give enough time to inspect the better foals.

“The new format will allow these foals to be stabled earlier and provide more inspection time at the beginning of the week which is a proven and successful format.

“Additionally, the year on year increases in the level of international investment by end users at the top of the foal market makes it logical to continue to stage the premier breeding stock immediately after the premier foals to capitalise on the global buyer presence at Goffs.

“The overwhelming majority of Part 2 foal buyers, which were the first two days in 2016, are based in Ireland and therefore the revised format should not impact the level of trade for those sessions.”

The Irish National Stud offered 30 foals in 2016 and chief executive John Osborne said: “This sounds like the perfect format, with room for the best foals to show themselves off and opportunities for all.”

Leading consignor Jacqueline Norris of Jockey Hall Stud on the Curragh commented: “This is a very good move by Goffs and will make the sale much easier to work for both vendors and purchasers.”