The Goffs December National Hunt sale saw a leading €110,000 price for the top lot (157A, a wildcard entry) as the highest for a NH foal anywhere in 2023.
The session-topping lot by Walk In The Park (Ire) is a half-brother to multiple Grade I-scorer Stage Star (Ire) (Fame And Glory {GB}). Out of the graded-stakes winning jump mare Sparky May (GB) (Midnight Legend {GB}), the foal went to Richard Frisby, who also struck earlier for lot 101, a Blue Bresil colt, secured for €45,000.
David Cox of Baroda Stud, who consigned the colt on behalf of breeder Ruxley Holdings Ltd, said, “The late entry was made in order to strike while the iron is hot. Walk In The Park is leading the National Hunt sire table and Stage Star looked even better than last year when he won the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month impressively despite making a mistake.”
In total, 119 horses sold for a turnover of €1,957,000, up 27% from last season, with an average of €16,446, an increase of 8%. The selective market ruled the day, however, as the clearance rate came in at 61%.
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