THE relocation of the Goresbridge Breeze Up Sale last year to Fairyhouse saw a vibrant trade, with turnover exceeding €5 million and seven lots selling for €100,000 or more. Leading the way was Oak Tree Farm’s son of Lope De Vega at €175,000. Purchased by Blandford Bloodstock, the subsequently named Haqeeqy is now a two-time winner for John Gosden in the colours of Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum.

That price was eclipsed this year when a daughter of leading US turf sire Kitten’s Joy was sold by Brendan Holland’s Grove Stud for £220,000. This left her yearling purchase price of $27,000 last September looking like peanuts. The delighted vendor said: “I bought her off my pals at Hunter Valley; I saw her when I went over last year. Thankfully they sold her to me. She has done really well, is a lovely, lovely filly and she has loads of quality. It is a great result.