HORSES make fools of us every single day. They defy the odds dictated by their conformation, pedigree, and sales price- whether that be a disappointing blueblood, or an ugly duckling transformed.

The Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale is a reminder of this, having produced nine individual blacktype winners in 2024, all from humble beginnings. Birthe, successful at listed and Group 2 level this term, was bought by J.D. Moore for just €10,000 from Tara Stud two years ago.