Croke Park Tops Goffs UK Aintree Sale

Back after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the 2022 Goffs UK Aintree Sale was topped by the winning point-to-pointer Croke Park (Ire) (Walk In The Park {Ire}) (lot 8) at £400,000. A 4-year-old gelding who ran second at Lingstown on debut in March, the Ballyboy Stables-consigned bay was purchased by Gordon Elliot Racing. His half-brother, Etre Francais (Ire) (Anzillero {Ger}), has placed third in a French listed hurdle. This is the family of the graded-winning chaser Oiseau de Nuit (Fr) (Evening World {Fr}).

Second on the buyers' sheet was lot 1, the high class Put The Kettle On (Ire) (Stowaway {GB}), who is the only mare to win the Cheltenham Festival G1 Champion Chase. Offered by Henry De Bromhead's Knockeen Racing, she was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock on behalf of Simon Davies for £380,000. Broodmare duty is next for the 8-year-old and she will visit Davies's stallion Planteur (Ire) at Chapel Stud.

Deep Cave (Ire) (Court Cave {Ire}) (lot 17) changed hands for £235,000. Part of the Charlestown Racing draft, the 4-year-old gelding caught the eye of Henry De Bromhead. The grandson of listed hurdle winner Soupinette (Fr) (Presenting {GB}) won a maiden point-to-point at Belclare by six lengths at first asking on Mar. 20.

Of the 32 horses catalogued, 31 went through the ring and 27 sold (87%) for a gross of £3,656,000. The new record average was £135,407 (+6%) and the median dipped to £95,000 (-10%). A baker's dozen (13) of lots made six figures, with seven of those reaching £200,000 or more.

Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented, “It's great to be back. That was how we marketed this sale in the build-up as we have missed it over the last two years and to see it produce new records on what was a very important return this year is a wonderful feeling. Of the 13 six-figure lots, seven made £200,000 or more, clearly demonstrating the quality that was on offer and the demand for these top-class horses.

“We are in debt to our vendors for their support once again. Aintree is a proven world-class venue and the sale's two-year absence had no impact on their desire to send their best. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Aintree Racecourse executives for their continued partnership and support. Today has been a great day and we are looking forward to our next major NH Sale–the Spring Sale–in Doncaster in May.”