THE Goffs Orby Sale is one of the most important of the year for the Co Kildare auction house. Evolving from what was once called the Irish National Yearling Sale, it is a showcase from which a large portion of the annual turnover is garnered. For some, it is a barometer for the overall performance of the company.

The 2020 renewal of the sale was beset with problems, notably having to change dates and location, and the outcome was that the aggregate declined by some 45%. Its results stung, and many vendors were left smarting, and angry. The impact it had on the Goffs boss, Henry Beeby, was immense.