TURNOVER at the last 16 editions of the Goffs UK Premier Sale have ranged from £9,587,500 in 2010 to a high of £19,767,750 three years ago. Only five times in that period has the turnover been lower than this year’s £11,503,500. Contributing to this was the fact that the numbers offered and sold was the fewest in that 16-year period, while the average of £34,034 was only bettered seven times.

Figures alone do not reflect the enormous challenges placed on this year’s sale by the current worldwide pandemic, one that has changed the lives of all. A clearance rate of 83% showed a willingness on the part of vendors to sell, though some 59 fewer horses were traded compared to a year ago. The fact is that demand for horses has fallen, and this trend is set to continue for the short-term at least. The new reality was acknowledged by Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent in his post-sale summary.