THE six-day Goffs November Sale drew to a close on Saturday afternoon, with the sales company’s chief executive Henry Beeby describing the firm as “perfectly content” with the week’s results.

As covered in last week’s edition of The Irish Field, the four-day Foal Sale saw a 26% jump in turnover and a 34% rise in the average price. This was fuelled by an almost unbelievable Wednesday session, which saw the aggregate surge by almost 50% on the previous year.

The Breeding Stock Sale on Friday and Saturday was never going to match last year’s numbers - which included the once-in-a-lifetime Niarchos Draft - but the final figures still produced a better average and median than the 2023 equivalent, excluding the Niarchos lots. The average would have been a lot higher if Gouache (dam of King George winner Goliath) had not been led out unsold at €5 million.

Total turnover for the six-day sale was close to €44 million, which is €5 million more than in 2023, if the Niarchos Draft is excluded.

“What a week,” began Beeby. “Goffs November ‘24 will be remembered in many ways, but mostly for the frenetic, electric and superb trade for the cream of the Irish foal crop we presented in our Foal Sale.

“As ever, we are supremely grateful to every vendor for the ongoing trust that is placed in us with each entry. It gives us enormous pleasure to see so many being well-rewarded, and we are excited to learn that several of the best foals are already pencilled in for the Orby Sale next year. That is a key point for us, as we strive to provide a top of the market option for Irish breeders and vendors of yearlings.

“We have demonstrated time and again, and in so many different categories, that Goffs is the measure of any entity when we have the horses but, as we say so often, we’re nothing without the horses. So, the commitment of several big pinhookers to return to Orby is significant and we are pleased that our long-standing Customer Loyalty Scheme is helpful in this respect.

“Our Breeding Stock Sale was never going to come anywhere near last year’s truly historic sale, which, of course, was headlined by the once-in-a-generation Niarchos Draft. However, leaving that aside, we are perfectly content with trade for the better mares we offered and enjoyed a vibrant trade, fuelled by a truly international buying bench.

“Naturally, we were disappointed not to secure a sale for Gouache, the dam of Goliath, but I repeat that we have total respect for the right of any vendor to value their stock as they see fit, and it is absolutely their prerogative to place whatever reserve they want and then let the market decide.

“ On this occasion, a sale was not possible, although we will continue to work for the vendor, and it may be that a private sale is agreed in the coming days.

“Indeed, our work does not stop when the gavel falls, as was clearly shown with yesterday’s top lot, Her Honour, as we quickly brokered a deal between vendor and the ultimate buyer at a price that suited both parties, despite her not selling in the ring.”

Quiet finish

Saturday’s session was far quieter, with a top price of just €45,000. Beeby said: “Today was obviously a rather sobering end to a big week, but, as throughout the sale, those that appealed were hard enough to buy and we will only redouble our efforts to persuade more to support the sale. This business can be brutal on occasions, but Irish breeders may rest assured that Goffs will not rest in our efforts to provide a vibrant global marketplace for them. That is what we live to do and what we love to do.”

Kevin Prendergast was present during Saturday morning’s session to see his Roscommon maiden winner, Profit Refused (by Profitable) sell for €45,000 to Jeremy Harley on behalf of David Byrne’s Rochestown Lodge Stud in Monasterevin. Consigned by Clare Manning’s Boherguy stud, the filly was sold to dissolve a partnership between Prendergast and Jackie Bolger.