Trade Positive At Goffs Autumn HIT

After being forced online last year, the Goffs Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale returned to an in-person format on Monday, with trade topped by the Aga Khan Studs' Erzindjan (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 104), who was bought by Alessandro Marconi for Ahmed bin Harmash and Al Aasfa Racing for €160,000. The gelded 3-year-old is a winner and has been placed this year in the G3 Amethyst S. and Listed Platinum S. for trainer Dermot Weld.

Gelded 4-year-old Eagle's Flight (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) (lot 132) also proved popular from Mick Halford's yard, fetching €100,000 from Brouder Racing. The three-time winner is a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Dunboyne Express (Ire) (Shamardal).

At the close of trade on Monday, 95 horses (78% of those offered) were sold for €1,284,900. The average dipped 18% to €13,525, while the median climbed 14% to €8,000.

“Today's Horses-In-Training Sale has enjoyed another welcome return to Kildare Paddocks as we were, of course, forced online last year although we still managed to grow the sale compared to 2019,” said Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “Trade today has been buoyant and driven by international interest with buyers from Czech Republic, Dubai, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Qatar, Scandinavia, Slovakia, UK and, of course, Ireland whilst we accepted bids from Australian interests, clearly demonstrating that this is yet another category that need not leave these shores to sell to the world. Indeed it is our fervent hope that we can persuade more Irish owners and trainers to 'stay close and go far at Goffs' as our purchaser attraction team and our overseas agents combine with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to link together to promote every entry on an individual basis whilst Goffs Online allows participation for everywhere and anywhere. It's that personal approach that sets us apart and allows us to focus on every lot in a way that is unique and so often results in us exceeding expectations.

“For the next two days we turn our attention to yearlings and our Autumn Yearling Sale that is packed full of potential and value.”