The Aga Khan's recent Dundalk winner Ridhaz (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) highlighted what proved to be a strong horses-in-training section of the Autumn Sale at Goffs at €220,000 to BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe.
Ridhaz has been brought to the boil steadily by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins. The three-year-old gelding was last seen winning an extended 10f handicap at Dundalk by over three lengths and rates a horse with a good future.
A winter campaign in the Middle East beckons for the dual winner, according to Donohoe, who revealed the horse came highly recommended by Halford.
Donohoe said, “He's been bought for a client in the Middle East and is a horse who I have been following over the summer. Obviously I'm quite friendly with Michael Halford and he recommended the horse. He vetted well–is versatile, because he goes on a hard surface and on the sand as well.
“He'll have a winter campaign in the Middle East and hopefully he can run on Dubai World Cup Night or out in Saudi Arabia.”
BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe | Goffs
Of the 94 horses offered, 82 sold at a clearance rate of 87%. Turnover climbed by 13% to €1,447,950 while the average was also up 27% to €17,658. However, the median fell by 20% to €6,000.
The Aga Khan draft was by far the most popular offering during the horses-in-training sale with nine lots selling for a combined sum of €624,000, including the Johnny Murtagh-trained Masoun (Fr) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock at €105,000. Meanwhile, the Denis Hogan-trained chaser Thecompanysergeant (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}) became the third horse of that sale to clear six figures when knocked down to Kevin and Anna Ross on behalf of Gavin Cromwell for €110,000.
Goffs chief Henry Beeby commented, “We've said it before, many times, and we'll say it again: send us the horses and we will deliver. Every year we comment on the size of our HIT entry as we reflect on a good trade for the catalogue and demonstrate that what we offer has sold well. “As ever that was no more evident than with the sale topping HH Aga Khan Draft and we are so grateful for his ongoing support as the day would certainly be much less without those horses. It is just our hope that more Irish owners and trainers take notice and see that Goffs will provide at least as good a market for the category as was available elsewhere last week, but we can't do it without the support. However, we will continue undaunted to strive to grow the catalogue as the time and date makes so much sense with so many overseas buyers combining a visit with our large Autumn Yearling Sale. Goffs HIT is a convenient, low-cost option when compared to the alternative and is promoted around the globe by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and our network of international agents, but they can only work with what we have which makes it a challenge.”
He continued, “As was the case at Doncaster a fortnight ago, I make no apology for repeating this annual cry as Goffs is ready on both sides of The Irish Sea, our teams are keen, and everything is in place for us to provide a viable, vibrant alternative especially as a monopoly is never good for any product.
“Today is surely the natural choice for Irish Horses-In-Training but, as with every category, we cannot do it without the horses. ITM and the Goffs Purchaser Attraction Team have ensured that the buyers are here as today's results will see horses heading for the China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, as well as the UK whilst, of course, many will stay on these shores and the prices exceed expectations in so many cases. So, it's really up to Irish owners and trainers to give us the chance as we will deliver and prove the point so often. We now turn our attention to yearlings and our Autumn Yearling Sale that is once again packed full of potential and value.”
The horses-in-training trade was swiftly followed by the opening session of the four-day Autumn Yearling Sale, which got off to a reasonable start with 81 lots selling for an average of €9,521 while the median nestled at €4,000.
One man who certainly made his presence felt was trainer Jack Davison who, along with bloodstock agent Barry Lynch, landed a Mohaather (GB) filly from Derrinstown Stud for €110,000.
He said, “We came here to buy the best filly and the sale and I'm delighted we got her. She has been purchased on behalf of existing American-based owners within the yard along with a new group of Irish-based owners. We've been lucky with the stallion already after Glenderry (GB) won a maiden at Dundalk for us. I think the only way is up for Mohaather and we're delighted to have bought this filly.”
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