Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby had one word for Thursday's record-breaking Goffs Punchestown Sale–“Sensational.”
Taking top billing at a new record price for the auction was the Milestone Stables-consigned Qualimita (Fr) (Muhtathir {GB}), who attracted a final bid of €500,000 from Mags O'Toole. The 4-year-old debut point-to-point winner (lot 14) is from a classy German family featuring G1 Deutsches Derby hero Waldpark (Ger) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Masked Marvel (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}).
The clearance rate improved 1% on 2022's edition as 20 horses sold from 22 offered (91%) for a gross of €3,940,000 at Punchestown after racing yesterday. The average rose to €197,000 (+23%) and the median improved to €170,000 (+26%). Nine lots made €200,000 or more.
Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls picked up the 4-year-old winning pointer Histrionic (Ire) (Walk In The Park {Ire}) (lot 19) for €450,000, the second-dearest lot of the day. Consigned by Ballyboy Stables, the gelding is kin to graded-winning chasers Alfie Sherrin (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}), Kimberlite Candy (Ire) (Flemensfirth) and Hawkes Point (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}).
“The Original Festival Sale returned a trade that can only be described in the richest of superlatives with huge increases in every statistic and a magnificent new record top price of €500,000,” Beeby continued.
“As ever we are indebted to the vendors who put their trust in the Goffs service and sent such quality to the Punchestown Sale. They are a mighty bunch as they truly put their money where their mouth is year after year and it is fantastic to see results like these today.
“We now look ahead to the Goffs Arkle Sale in June as we put the finishing touches on an outstanding catalogue. Irish Point-to-Point handlers are the backbone of the store sale market and we were delighted to see so many of them well rewarded here at the Punchestown Sale. Last year's Arkle Sale, formerly the Land Rover, has produced more 4-year-old Point-to-Point winners this season than all other store sales combined, and there is plenty more quality awaiting buyers at the Arkle Sale from 13–15 June.”
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