Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby hailed a “truly international buying bench” at the conclusion of the Autumn Yearling Sale on Thursday. Turnover climbed by 15% to €3,735,200 while average was up by 4% to €8,748. The median matched last year's figure of €5,000 while the clearance rate was up marginally [1%] to 77%.
Beeby commented, “All corners of the globe. 2025 will see Goffs Autumn graduates race all over the world following the last three days. Our job as Ireland's premier auction house since 1866 is to work in the best interests of Irish breeders and, for this week especially, that means driving the greatest number of buyers to Kildare Paddocks. In our endeavours we are lucky to have the team at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to assist the work of the Goffs Purchaser Attraction Team as well as our network of overseas agents. It is clear that they have worked tirelessly with great success as we have welcomed a truly international buying bench that is the measure of any sale with horses heading to China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, UAE and, of course, the UK.”
He added, “A staggering 125 have been bought to go to Eastern Europe and we extend our particular thanks to Kishore Mirpuri who has coordinated an enormous group of enthusiasts who have added character alongside some serious bidding to the week. The home team have been proactive too with eight of the Top 10 yearlings staying in Ireland, whilst one heads to the UK and another to Italy, a country that has also proved a major contributor accounting for a further 55 yearlings. Another 15 will race in China.”
While Beeby was keen to pay tribute to the foreign buyers, the top end of the market was dominated by domestic spenders. Bloodstock agent Kevin Ross and Gavin Cromwell were the third busiest buyers with five yearlings added to the team for a total spend of €108,500.
Meanwhile, top lot of the entire sale, a Mohaather (GB) filly consigned by Derrinstown Stud, went the way of Jack Davison and Barry Lynch on Tuesday for €110,000. Fellow Irish-based handler Sheila Laver signed for the top lot on Thursday, a colt by first-season sire Pinatubo (Ire), who was consigned by Castlebridge and fetched €75,000 in the ring.
Beeby continued, “A marginally improved clearance rate of 77% is acceptable as it demonstrates trade and underlines the depth and breadth of buyers, but it must be noted that although the average has improved and the median held steady, they are hardly a cause for celebration and are at the lower end of the scale. In that context our overseas buyers have been absolutely vital as a market without them would be unimaginable so our investment in this sector has been more than justified and we repeat our thanks to each one as well as our appreciation of every vendor for the trust they have placed in us once again.
“We now turn our attention to our market leading November Sale which features the cream of the Irish foal crop and some beautifully bred mares and fillies in a fortnight.”
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