Willie Mullins's Closutton Stables consigned Aurora Vega (Ire) (Walk In The Park {Ire}) (lot 6) to the Goffs Punchestown Sale on Thursday, and was duly rewarded when the 7-year-old mare topped proceedings at €450,000 on the bid of Gerry Aherne.
The full-sister to four-time Grade 1 winner Facile Vega (Ire) is out of legendary racemare Quevega (Fr) (Robin Des Champs {Fr}). She is a listed bumper winner and won the G1 Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle.
Minella Machine (Ire) (Blue Bresil {Fr}) (lot 9) was the other horse to clear the €300,000 marker when selling to Mags O'Toole for €350,000. Consigned by Minella Racing, the 4-year-old gelding is a winner of a Curraghmore point-to-point and is a half-brother to listed hurdle winner Jubilee Alpha (Ire) (Flemensfirth).
In 2025, all 24 horses offered sold for a gross of €4,095,000. The average rose 5% to €170,625 and the median rose 16% to €162,500. A quintet of lots made €200,000 or more.
“Goffs Punchestown Sale was the first festival sale and delivers year after year, but never more so than 2025,” said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby. “We were delighted to return a stunning 100% clearance rate with a top price of €450,000 for the impeccably bred Grade 1 winner Aurora Vega.
“Once again, our vendors provided a highly desirable group of current high-class performers and have been duly rewarded. We thank them and wish every purchaser huge success at the same time.”
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