Continued fevered demand from pinhookers and end-users led to across-the-board increases for the second successive session at Goffs November Foal Sale with a filly by Palace Pier the top selle rof the session.
In all, 203 lots were sold today at a healthy clearance rate of 83%, for turnover of €8,720,500 - up 4% from last year. The average rose by 4% to €42,959, while the median climbed by 6% to €35,000.
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The Irish National Stud landed a big coup when selling a Palace Pier half-sister to Listed winner Georgeville and recent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf runner-up Pacific Mission (Lot 295) to Paul McCartan’s CBS Bloodstock for €220,000, having bought her in-utero with her dam, the Group 3-winning Dansili mare Big Break, inexpensively last year.
“We’re absolutely thrilled,” reported Irish National Stud Chief Executive Cathal Beale. “She was a gorgeous filly and had all the right people on her. It’s a great result for the team and testament to the way the lads have turned out all the foals this week.”
Beale was also full of praise for the strength of trade at Goffs this week.
“I can honestly say I’ve never seen a foal sale like it,” he said. “Last year was very busy but this year they’ve been queuing out the door since the time we started showing over the weekend.
“I’ve never known footfall like it. Everybody who should be here is here, with plenty to spare. It’s been bedlam but it’s been fantastic. Full credit to Goffs and ITM and everybody else who works so hard to get all these people here.”
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Alex Elliott, signing as Abacus Investments, had the final say on the Baroda Stud-consigned Havana Grey half-sister to Listed-placed Moswaat (Lot 381) with a bid of €190,000.
“She’s been bought to pinhook, I absolutely loved her,” said the agent. “She’s a Havana Grey filly out of a well-bred Giant’s Causeway mare who has already produced a black-type performer. She’ll be back for sale next year.”
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Boherguy Stud’s Clare Manning was thrilled to sell her Mehmas half-brother to this year’s dual two-year-old winner Al Shaham, out of the Pivotal mare Cuckoo Clock (Lot 318), for €150,000, with Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock signing the docket on behalf of Pier House Stud.
“I'm absolutely over the moon, and delighted he’s gone to such a good home,” she said. “Myself and Noel McDonnell, who works at Baroda Stud, bought the mare a good few years ago and we’ve had four colts out of her. She produces a nice foal every year but this lad was just exceptional.
“He’s been very easy to deal with since the day he was born and he came up here and had more than 250 shows and more than 20 vets. He’s just been perfection.”
Manning was also delighted with the activity on the grounds at Goffs this week.
“The footfall has been absolutely phenomenal,” she added. “I think every horse we’ve brought here has had 100-plus shows. Goffs have done a super job, everyone’s here and the prices reflect that.”
Pier House Stud’s Brendan Morrin was equally ecstatic to secure the Mehmas colt.
“I thought he was one of the best lots by the sire in the sale,” he said. “He’s out of a Pivotal mare, and I don’t have to tell you about Pivotal mares. We’ve had success with them before.
“The colt was a great mover, and to be honest it was more than I wanted to give for him, but that’s the way the market is. He is a nice horse and came recommended from Clare. I can’t really say much more, but I’m happy to get him.”
Due to a high number of withdrawals, tomorrow's third session of the November Foal Sale will begin half an hour later than scheduled, at 10.30am.
November Foal Sale Day 2 Comparative Figures:
Offered: 246
Sold: 203 (83%)
Turnover: €8,720,500 (+4%)
Average: €42,959 (+4%)
Median: €35,000 (+6%)
Top Price: €220,000
