SOME good trade for the yearlings on offer enabled the year at Goffs to get off to a satisfactory start as the company’s three-day February Sale was able to make gains in several key areas following its conclusion on Thursday.

A smaller catalogue saw 111 fewer lots come under the hammer this year and they produced a turnover of €4.8 million which was a 7% decrease on last year. The average of €14,414 grew by 11%, the €6,500 median finished ahead by 18 points and the clearance rate for the entire auction improved marginally to 66%.