GOFFS has declined to comment on whether or not there are any issues regarding payment for the top lot at last year’s Orby Sale, a €2.6 million half-sister to Blackbeard.

The filly was bought by British bloodstock agent Richard Knight who, it is believed, was acting on behalf of Kuwaiti businessman Saleh Al Homaizi. A week later Knight bought 17 yearlings at the Tattersalls October Sale, all thought to be for the same owner, and Tattersalls has informed its client base that all of them will be offered for resale.

In an email sent to all active purchasers at this year’s October Sale, Tattersalls said: “Owing to the non-payment of sums owed we will be offering 17 two-year-olds for resale either by private sale with immediate effect or at sales to be confirmed.”

Knight paid close to 20 million guineas for the Tattersalls horses, topped by a two million guineas Frankel colt. All vendors have been paid by Tattersalls, as per standard sales company policy.

Knight spent €2 million at Arqana and $5 million at Keeneland.

Earlier this week Tattersalls director Jimmy George said: “It is a regrettable situation. We are working with all parties to try and reach a satisfactory conclusion. In the meantime we have taken steps to reoffer the two-year-olds in question for sale.” Yesterday, a spokesperson for Tattersalls confirmed there had been no change to their stance on the matter.

Goffs CEO Henry Beeby would not be drawn on the topic. “We never comment publicly on whether horses are paid for or not,” he said. “The same goes for all clients. We won’t confirm or deny the existence of any problem.”

Al Homaizi is best known in racing as the joint-owner of Authorized, winner of the 2007 Derby, and of Irish 2000 Guineas winner Arafaa. The businessman split from joint-owner Imad Al Sagar in 2017 and last autumn’s spending spree appeared to signal a dramatic return to the top table.

This week The Irish Field spoke to a number of figures in the bloodstock industry who have done business with Al Homaizi or his agents in recent years, and all were of the opinion that the owner will resolve the matter and retain the horses.

Significant

One source said: “I have known him for a long time and I would consider him a ‘Grade A’ client. It’s significant that all the major sales companies were happy to take his bids – that indicates they know he is good for the money.

“It’s not unusual for sales accounts not to be settled on time but these things usually get sorted out quietly. Tattersalls are industry leaders and they have obviously decided to take swift action in this case.”

Since the news broke last weekend there has been widespread sympathy for Knight who is not liable for any monies owed. One agent said: “Richard is the nicest guy you could meet. This could happen to any of us.”