Expectations are positive for the April 24 Goffs Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale, which saw all manner of records broken in 2023, with new high marks set across the aggregate, average, and median figures.
From 184 offered at last year's edition, 159 lots sold (86%) for turnover of £10,011,500 (up 55% year-on-year), an average of £62,965 (up 28%), and a median of £40,000 (up 11%).
There was also a record-breaking top lot, with trainer Michael O'Callaghan going to £500,000 (US$624,920, GB1 pound=US$1.24 at this time last year and now) for a son of Harry Angel from Tally-Ho Stud. There was a tragic postscript to that transaction, however, as the colt died before he could reach the racecourse.
Those record results and an increased number of entries provided Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby with optimism that last year's levels can be maintained.
"We're very hopeful because, as a result of last year's sale and the ongoing racetrack results, we were offered more horses for the sale and better horses quality-wise," said Beeby.
"That's why the catalog has expanded (to 235 lots). We didn't set out to expand those numbers but we couldn't turn away those extra lots when the consignors have been very supportive of us. The weather was slightly against us during the breeze, but I thought the ground was as good as it could be and Doncaster Racecourse did a great job."
Virtually all the usual faces were among the crowd of potential purchasers working their way through the stable yard as Tuesday afternoon wore on. These included the Godolphin buying team, fresh from a 3,125,000gns spending spree on four lots at Tattersalls. There was also a strong international presence on the ground, something Beeby said had not come about purely by chance.
"We've been out campaigning all over the place and had a proper trip to the Middle East, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain," he said. "We've been to Scandinavia, France, and Italy. There's a good international buying bench, so everything is in place. Now all we can do is hope for the best."
Selling begins at the Goffs UK sales complex at Doncaster April 24 at 10 a.m. The catalog, with links to pedigrees, updates, breeze videos, and pictures, can be viewed here.
Notable Goffs UK breeze-up graduates include:
- Group 2-placed, stakes-winning current 3-year-old Beautiful Diamond (sold by Tradewinds Stud, bought by Blandford Bloodstock for £360,000)
- 2023 Kings Stand (G1) winner Bradsell (sold by Mark Grant Racing, bought by Blandford Bloodstock for £47,000)
- 2023 Rockfel Stakes (G2) winner Carla's Way (sold by Grove Stud, bought by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for £350,000)
- Multiple group 1 winner Perfect Power (sold by Tally-Ho Stud, bought by Blandford Bloodstock for £110,000).
