By Kelsey Riley
The Goffs November Foal sale will this year be split into two parts, the company announced on Friday. While the foal sale has been traditionally catalogued on a rising tide basis over five days, this year the sale will begin on Monday, Nov. 19 with what were traditionally day three foals. Three days of foal sales will comprise “Book 1,” with the top tier lots to sell on Nov. 21. Book 1 foals will total no more than 660, allowing all lots to be on the grounds for inspection at the same time, mirroring the format of the Orby Yearling Sale.
The November sale will continue with the premier mares of the Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 22, followed by a second session of mares the next day. Part two of the sale will be a further two days of foals on Nov. 24 and 25. There will be a lower entry fee for part two of €460 plus VAT, a €200 reduction on the part one fee.
“This restructuring is a considered decision based on consistent feedback from vendors and purchasers alike,” said Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “A significant number of buyers have told us that the sale's traditional format did not give enough time to inspect the better foals. This is a market-leading foal sale, as evidenced by it selling Europe's highest-priced foal again in 2016, and the new format will help reinforce its position by allowing these foals to be stabled earlier and provide more inspection time at the beginning of the week, which is a proven and successful format.”
Irish National Stud Chief Executive John Osborne spoke out in favour of the changes, saying, “This sounds like the perfect format, with room for the best foals to show themselves off and opportunities for all.”
Jacqueline Norris of Jockey Hall Stud said, “This is a very good move by Goffs and will make the sale much easier to work for both vendors and purchasers.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
