GOFFS and Tattersalls Ireland have changed the dates of their upcoming sales in Kildare and Meath following the Irish Government's announcement on Tuesday evening that the country would be moving to the highest level of Covid-19 social restrictions for a six-week period, starting on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Goffs at 2.30pm on Tuesday said: "It is not legally permitted to hold sales at Kildare Paddocks during the period from Wednesday 21 October to Wednesday 2 December 2020 so alternatives have been chosen, following consultation with the ITBA and Tattersalls, to ensure harmonisation of dates in the interests if all participants."

The Goffs sales date changes are as follows:

• Autumn Yearling Sale (originally scheduled for 4 - 5 November):

>moves to Tuesday 12 - Wednesday 13 January 2021

• Autumn HIT Sale (remains on 5 November):

> This will be held as a live online auction on Thursday 5 November. Further details will follow from Goffs

• November Foal Sale (originally scheduled for 16 to 18 November):

> Moves to Friday 18 - Sunday 20 December

These dates allow attendees at Tattersalls December Sales in Newmarket to attend both sales whilst respecting the two weeks self-isolation requirement.

• November Breeding Stock Sale (originally scheduled for 19 November):

> Moves to Monday 21 December

This date allow attendees at Tattersalls December Sales in Newmarket to attend both sales whilst respecting the two weeks self-isolation requirement.

• December National Hunt Sale (remains 9 & 10 December):

> This sale will go ahead on its scheduled dates.

Goffs CEO Henry Beeby said: "Like much of the rest of the country, we did not anticipate a move straight to Level 5 but we fully respect the decision and objectives of the Government and understand that, in this timeframe, it would not be responsible to attempt to hold a sale.

" Therefore, in consultation this morning with the ITBA and Tattersalls, we reviewed every sale and selected what we believe is the best possible alternative to maximise the success for each category.

"Rescheduling the market-leading Goffs November Sale to December will allow sufficient time for buyers and vendors to quarantine for two weeks following the Tattersalls December Sales. Our December National Hunt Sale falls after the current six-week lockdown period and therefore remains on its original scheduled dates.

"Goffs Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale also remains on its original date, November 5th, but will be a fully online sale with a live auctioneer and bidding via Goffs Online and by phone.

"The Autumn Yearling Sale will be pushed back to January 2021. This sale is heavily reliant on overseas investment and it is hoped that a number of countries will have been added to the Irish Government’s Green List for travel by that stage, allowing key overseas buyers to attend."

TATTERSALLS IRELAND

Just before 3pm on Tuesday, Tattersalls Ireland announced that its November National Hunt Sale, Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale and Tattersalls Ireland November Flat Foal & Breeding Stock Sale, which were set to take place from 9-13 November, will be postponed by a month until December.

The Tattersalls Ireland statement said: "The interest of our staff, our clients and our industry are of the upmost importance to us at this time."

The Tattersalls Ireland sales date changes are as follows;

• November National Hunt Sale at Fairyhouse – Saturday 12 December to Monday 14 December

• November Flat Foal & Breeding Stock Sale incl. a Yearling Section at Fairyhouse – Wednesday 16 December

• Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale at Fairyhouse – Thursday 17 December

Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell said: "In these uncertain times we must plan as best as we can for further sales and ensure we provide the most vibrant marketplace possible for our clients. We trust that the increased Level 5 restrictions for the next six weeks will meet the Government's objective and allow us to host our remaining Sales in December.”

MORE BLOODSTOCK NEWS IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND