Pair Of Co-Toppers Lead The Way For Arkle Sale Part 2

Geldings by Joshua Tree (Ire) (lot 463) and Poet's Word (Ire) (lot 535) shared topper honours when selling for €45,000 to lead the way during Part 2 of the Goffs Arkle Sale on Thursday.

Consigned by Liss House, lot 463 was purchased by Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins. His dam, Tropical Lilly (Ire) (Saddler's Hall {Ire}) is responsible for Grade 3 chase winner Embittered (Ire) (Fame And Glory {GB}), who was also placed in the G1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle. He was a €5,000 Goffs December National Hunt Sale graduate when picked up by Joe Kelly.

Lot 535 is also well-related as a half-brother to Grade 1-placed chaser No Comment (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}). Boardsmill Stud offered the bay, who was acquired by Robert Tyner.

Overall, 148 horses sold from 214 offered (69%) for a gross of €2,243,250 during Part 2. The average and the median were €15,158 (-23%) and €14,000 (-18%).

Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby said, “Part 1 of the Arkle Sale now sets such high standards that any sale that follows it struggles to keep up. Following two vibrant days today has maintained the momentum with a lively trade for those the market judged to be most desirable, although the average and median have declined by larger percentages compared to Part 1 which was deemed a success relative to the expectation coming into the week.

“The clearance rate is of particular concern as a figure of 69% is well short of what we all set out to achieve. It compares unfavourably with Part 1's 80% and demonstrates the challenges the market is facing away from the headline horses and continues recent trends. A tightening of trade impacts everyone and we will look to reverse the decline by working

hard with all entities.

“As ever we are indebted to every vendor this week for their support and thank them sincerely as we are nothing without their horses. We also acknowledge each purchaser and have been grateful to receive so much positive feedback about the standard of horse that is now the norm at Arkle, the improvements we have carried out to Kildare Paddocks and the service they have received from the Goffs team and our friends at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. The latter team are such an asset to us, and we are lucky to have their ongoing enthusiastic support.

“Goffs NH sales are now leading the way in so many categories and we are proud of the progress we have made in this sector with the support of so many different people.”