The bonus series carries a maximum prize fund of €500,000 and will see up to 10 bonuses of €50,000 paid to the winning connections of a diverse programme of juvenile races throughout Ireland this year.

The Goffs €50,000 Bonuses, part of the Goffs Two Million Series, is open to two-year-olds who were catalogued in the 2023 Goffs Orby Book 1 and Orby Book 2 Sales and were declared eligible by Goffs by payment of the qualification fee.  

The first races with opportunities to win will be held from March 18, at the Curragh, to early June, at Listowel. The remaining races will be published along with the release of the Flat programme by Horse Racing Ireland later in the year. 

Goffs chief Henry Beeby said, “The Goffs €50,000 Bonuses have been assigned by Goffs with the support of Horse Racing Ireland to give as many opportunities to win as possible, while ensuring that both early and later maturing types have a balanced chance to contend. 

“Goffs Two Million Series was a huge hit with buyers and helped drive the vibrant trade enjoyed at last year's Orby Sale which bucked market trends.  We look forward to seeing those graduates compete for these valuable bonuses right from the start of the season, culminating in a spectacular Goffs Millions Day at the Curragh on the eve of this year's Orby.”

Each race will appear in the Provisional Summary as a 'GOFFS €50,000 BONUS SERIES' race and a note will also appear in the relevant Racing Calendars.  The series will conclude on Goffs Million Day at the Curragh on Saturday, September 28 and, in the event that all 10 bonuses have not been won, the outstanding amount will be added to the Goffs Million and Goffs 500 prize-money.

Goffs Two Million Series is headed by the Goffs Million, Europe's richest race for juveniles, which will be run over seven furlongs at the Curragh. 

Meanwhile, on the same card, the Goffs 500 worth €500,000 will take place over six furlongs. Entries for the Goffs Million and Goffs 500, which offer prize-money to 10th place, close on May 1. Entry will be to both races and connections must only declare their preferred race at declaration time.

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The Gigginstown House Stud-owned Scarlet And Dove (Ire) (Jeremy), successful at Grade 2 level and placed at the Cheltenham festival, confirmed that the demand for high-class mares remains as strong as ever in the National Hunt. 

However, similarly to the Flat breeding stock sales in Britain and Ireland throughout recent months, the middle to lower end of the market proved more of a struggle at Goffs, with the clearance rate dropping from 70% in 2022 to just 59% this week.

All told, 468 lots sold for turnover of €8,201,950 (-6%), an average of €17,526 (-4%) and median of €12,000 (+9%).

Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby said, “The two top priced National Hunt foals of the year anywhere together with the 10 highest prices for a National Hunt broodmare in Ireland and the United Kingdom this autumn clearly illustrate the progress this sale has made as such accolades would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Goffs December is now the clear first choice for so many National Hunt breeders which led to our largest ever catalogue for this sale and four days that witnessed some serious bidding duels for several outstanding young future jumpers and established broodmares. €120,000, our second highest National Hunt foal ever, and the €240,000 for Zarkareva are proper headline acts and we are delighted to have delivered consistently at the top of the market.”

Beeby added, “It must, however, be noted that the market has spoken loudly at the middle to lower end this week as evidenced by a clearance rate that makes for serious reflection. Goffs will always strive to provide the best possible marketplace for all categories and work tirelessly to deliver for every vendor but, when four in every ten fail to find a buyer, it must surely be a warning sign for breeders when making plans for next year and beyond. Indeed, this is a sobering statistic especially for the smaller entities and I can only state that Goffs will continue to work with everyone to create the best possible arena for each entry we receive. That includes the ITBA, HRI, ITM and individual breeders as our fortunes are indelibly linked to those of each vendor who chooses the Goffs service.”

Thursday's sale-topper is out of the placed Sendawar mare Zarkiyna, a half-sister to high-class Italian jumper Zarkali but also, more importantly, Zarkasha – better known as the dam of unbeaten Arc heroine Zarkava and her multiple Grade 1 hurdle-winning half-brother Zarkandar.

She was bought by Kieran Mariga's Coolmara Stables in Youghal, County Cork, which has been quickly gathering a band of top-notch National Hunt broodmare prospects in recent times. 

“She was just a lovely mare,” said Kieran's son Cathal after the docket was signed. “No Risk At All is a great sire and had the highest priced National Hunt foal this year (the colt out of Hidden Harmony who sold for €120,000 at Goffs on Wednesday).

“We also loved that she's out of a mare by Authorized. We really like him, and we sold a foal by his son Santiago for €43,000 this week. We're big fans of Santiago. So to have a daughter of Authorized – and one from a brilliant Aga Khan Studs family-in foal to No Risk At All is quite special. Let's hope she's lucky, and the progeny make a bit back for us.”

Meanwhile, Scarlet And Dove, who was trained by Joseph O'Brien, was sold to Justin and Jackie Owens of Mount Armstrong Stud.

Beeby concluded on the sale, “In closing I repeat the pride all the team at Goffs feel when we reflect on the progress we have made in the NH sector in recent years as Kildare Paddocks now plays host to true market leaders in the Arkle and December NH sales, both of which enjoyed an atmosphere and vibrancy that are the envy of others as our passionate and experienced team go that little bit further on each occasion. These are backed up with the most viable alternatives across in Doncaster in May and November so ensuring that Goffs continues to offer and full and focussed service to the NH industry.

“For now we wish all Goffs clients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to welcoming each and every one back to Kildare Paddocks in 2024 whilst thanking every one of them again for their support, as we know we are nothing without it.”

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Irwin joined Goffs in 1975 and oversaw the construction of the world's first purpose-built bloodstock sales complex in Kill, County Kildare.

He was also appointed CEO of the Dublin International Sports Council (DISC) in 1993 and established the Jack and Jill Foundation along with his wife Mary Ann after the birth of their son Jack.

Since 1997, the foundation has supported 1600 families throughout Ireland. It has raised €36 million from the private sector while receiving €4.5 million from the Irish health service. Awards received include Charity of the Year 2003, Irish Personality of the Year 2004, Irish Fundraiser of 2011 and Global Fundraiser of 2011.

A statement published by Goffs on Sunday read, “Everyone at Goffs was saddened to learn of the death of the former Managing Director, Jonathan Irwin.

“Jonathan was appointed Managing Director of Robert J Goff & Co plc in 1975 at the age of just 33 and oversaw an amazing period for the company over the next 15 years, not least the construction of the iconic Kildare Paddocks which remains one of the finest bloodstock sales complexes in the world.”

It continued, “Jonathan was certainly one of the most colourful bloodstock characters of his generation and his legacy lives on in the modern day Goffs. As well as overseeing the design of the complex, he approached the whole business in an innovative and charismatic way. Shouting bid spotters, international guest auctioneers, black tie select sales and the first multi-currency bid board at any auction in the world, an innovation that was almost instantly copied by the likes of Sotheby's and Christie's, were amongst his ideas that have stood the test of time.

“European records were regularly set from the outset with the first sale setting the trend with the IR127,000 Guineas Be My Guest being followed nine years later by a Shergar (GB) colt realising IR3,100,000 Guineas (equivalent to €4.2M today), an Irish auction record that stood for 39 years.”

Goffs chairman Eimar Mulhern and chief executive Henry Beeby also put on record their heartfelt tributes to the man who revolutionised the company.

Mulhern said, “It is with great regret that we hear of the passing of Jonathan Irwin. Jonathan was a titan of the bloodstock industry, transforming and modernising a business which heretofore had been rooted in tradition. He inspired a whole generation, of which I am one, as to a new way to market and promote the business in a truly innovative way. His contribution to Goffs was immense and we are still the beneficiaries of his vision to this day. On behalf of the shareholders and board of Goffs we send our deepest and most sincere sympathy to his wife Mary Anne, his children, his extended family and wide circle of friends.”

Other notable achievements in Irwin's long and distinguished career include being elected a member of the Irish Turf Club in 1976, and launching the Irish Horseman magazine in the 1960s. He was also a director at BBA Ireland.

Beeby commented, “Jonathan was a truly inspirational character who revolutionised the way European thoroughbred auctions were conducted. A true showman, he oozed charisma and I learned a huge amount from him over the years so much so that we still aspire to his lofty standards to this day.”

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A filly (lot 727) from the family of Gilt Edge Girl (GB) (Monsieur Bond {Ire}) by Havana Grey (GB) topped the session and the two-day sale at €65,000 from the consignment of Erenagh House Stud. Earlier in the day, lot 538, a son of Blue Point (Ire), brought €50,000 from the same duo from the draft of Rochestown Lodge Stud.

Across the two days, the clearance rate dropped a point to 76% with 387 yearlings of 508 marked as sold. The aggregate was €3,240,300. Both the average and the median dropped, with the former reaching €8,373 (-11%) and the median at €5,000 (-9%).

“The gateway to the world for Irish breeders” is often how Goffs is promoted and it was certainly true that Kildare Paddocks welcomed a truly international group of buyers this week,” said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby. “This followed another concerted and coordinated campaign by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and the Goffs Buyer Attraction team who have travelled endlessly to promote the three sections of the Irish National Yearling Sale over the last couple of months.

“We are indebted to our overseas agents for their sterling work alongside ITM that has succeeded in attracting visitors from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and, of course the UK whilst we are not forgetting the home team as the top six lots were bought to stay in Ireland.

“Whilst celebrating our overseas clients we acknowledge that the last two days have been challenging for many and that is symptomatic of the issues facing the industry at the moment. Indeed, our sale has followed the trends at other recent sales at this level and it only goes to underline the importance of overseas investment in our produce. How blessed we are to have ITM working with us, not just to bring people to Ireland but also to ensure they have a positive experience and want to

return. ITM are great ambassadors for Irish bloodstock and they complement the work of Joey Cullen, Hayley O'Connor, Tom Taaffe, Mark Richards and the superb Goffs overseas agents in making sure that a trip to Goffs is hassle free, memorable and productive. To put that into context 88 lots from the last two days head to Italy and another 62 will be spread across Eastern Europe which graphically illustrates their contribution to the market whilst their positivity and enthusiasm ensured a lively atmosphere from start to finish.

“We now turn our attention to our market leading November Sale which features the cream of the Irish foal crop and some beautifully bred mares and fillies headed by the iconic Niarchos Draft of 41 blue bloods from one of the world's leading owner breeders over the last half century. If ever Goffs was going to be the centre of the bloodstock world, it's going to be later this month and we can't wait.”

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Leading proceedings was the 3-year-old New Approach (Ire) colt Kadeen (Ire) (lot 85), who sports one victory–at the Curragh–and four placings in five starts to date. He was picked up by Gordon Elliott and Bective Stud for €100,000. His dam, the listed winner Kadra (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), is from the same family as the top-class Kahyasi (Ire) (Ile De Bourbon)), etc.

Second on the list was the 3-year-old colt Zariygann (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (lot 58), who went to Joe O'Flaherty for €62,000. The bay is a half-brother to multiple Grade 2-winning hurdler Zanahiyr (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), who has been placed at the highest table six times.

Rathbride Stables' Fernao (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 97) was sold to Carol Walsh for €55,000, while John McConnell snapped up Churchwarden (Ire) (Parish Hall {Ire}) (lot 33) from Baroda Stud for €54,000.

The clearance rate, for the 92 sold of 121 offered, was 76%. They grossed €1,275,700. The average was €13,867 (-18%) and the median was €7,500 (-32%).

Said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby, “As is nearly always the case on this day of the year we reflect on a busy and vibrant day of trade for horses-in-training but bemoan the lack of entries. We so want to do more and will continue to strive to grow the catalogue as the time and date makes so much sense with so many overseas buyers combining a visit with our large two-day Autumn Yearling Sale. Goffs HIT is a convenient, low-cost option when compared to the alternative and is promoted around the globe by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and our network of international agents, but they can only work with what we have which makes it a challenge. That said trade today has been strong for those that stood out and, as ever, we are indebted to the HH Aga Khan draft who have topped the sale with another six-figure winner.

“So I make no apology for repeating our annual cry following this sale as we're here, we're keen and everything is in place for today to be the natural choice for Irish horses-in-training but, as with every category, we cannot do it without the horses. The buyers are here as today's results will see horses heading for the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Sweden as well as the UK whilst, of course, many will stay on these shores and the prices exceed expectations in so many cases. So it's really up to Irish owners and trainers to give us the chance as we are confident we will deliver. All that said it is disappointing that the statistics have fallen back although the upper end of the market has proved marginally stronger with a higher top price and more at €50,000 and above. We now turn our attention to yearlings and our two-day Autumn Yearling Sale that is once again packed full of potential and value.”

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Held after racing on Coral Gold Cup Day in the Newbury winner's enclosure, the sale is the latest offering by the sales company that also conducts point-to-point sales at Aintree, Punchestown, Sandown and Yorton among other locales. In the past, Newbury also featured on that list, and a sale there set a world-record price for a National Hunt horse-in-training at public auction when Un Temps Pour Tout (Ire) (Robin Des Champs {Fr}) sold for £450,000 in 2013, prior to the course's redevelopment.

Goffs, UK Managing Director Tim Kent said, “We are excited by the opportunities Newbury will offer as the racecourse has undergone extensive redevelopment since our last sale there just under 10 years ago and it now offers facilities that are second to none. Combined with the world-class Coral Gold Cup meeting, which is always attended by so many leading owners and trainers, it is ideally suited to have a sale of this nature, so we will use our extensive knowledge and experience, learned from years of offsite sales, to make this a success.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Newbury Racecourse executive for their enthusiastic backing of this event, we look forward to working with them in the coming weeks and, of course, to offering a world-class catalogue of pointers on Saturday, 2 December.”

The two-day Coral Gold Cup meeting features the Listed Mares' Novices' Hurdle, the G2 John Francome Novices' Chase and the Coral Gold Cup.

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby added, “No matter the industry or profession, competition is vital for a healthy market. Goffs thrives on offering vibrant competition to the market and it is in that spirit that we head to Newbury to launch The Coral Gold Cup Sale.

“Goffs have conducted off-site boutique sales all over the world with huge success; think London, Dubai, Hong Kong, as well as our PTP sales, our record speaks for itself and we will bring the same dynamic, customer focussed approach to Newbury which will benefit from our experienced and respected teams in the UK and Ireland.”

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Some of the stars of the two-day stand on Nov. 24-25 are Classic heroine and four-time Group 1 winner Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) (lot 1263) in foal to Sea The Stars (Ire); Group 1 winners Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (lot 1240) in foal to Frankel (GB) and Albigna (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) (lot 1212) carrying to St Marks Basilica (Fr). All three mares are from the 41-strong Niarchos Draft that will be presented by Baroda, Norelands and Kiltinan Castle Studs on Nov. 24.

Other lots of interest are Laurelita (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) (lot 1246), herself the dam of dual Grade I winner Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}); G2 Challenge S. heroine Matilda Picotte (Ire) (Sioux Nation) (lot 1258); and the multiple group winner Insinuendo (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) (lot 1252).

A total of 25 Galileo (Ire) daughters are signed on, while other sires represented by their daughters include Dansili (GB), Dubawi (Ire), Frankel, Invincible Spirit (Ire), Montjeu (Ire), Oasis Dream (GB), Pivotal (GB), and Sea The Stars. There are also a strong selection of covering sires with representation in the sale, among them: Blackbeard (Ire), Blue Point (Ire), Camelot (GB), Dark Angel (Ire), Frankel, Havana Grey (GB), Invincible Spirit (Ire), Kingman (GB), Lope De Vega (Ire), Mehmas (Ire), New Bay (GB), Night Of Thunder (Ire), No Nay Never, Pinatubo (Ire), Sea The Stars, Siyouni (Fr), St Mark's Basilica and Wootton Bassett (GB).

Large drafts from Godolphin (54), His Highness The Aga Khan Studs (18), Ballylinch Stud (16), the Irish National Stud (11), Moyglare Stud (8) are also featured. The 61-lot draft from The Castlebridge Consignment includes well-bred German mares from the dispersal of Gestut Hony-Hof.

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “We are beyond proud to present this stunning showcase of mares and fillies for the 2023 Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale. Classic winners, Group 1 winners, dams of Group 1 winners, mares in foal to elite sires, top class performers off the track–they will all be here next month at Kildare Paddocks.

“Europe's first major breeding stock sale of the season, Goffs November is of course headed by the Niarchos Draft which offers a rare opportunity to buy into some of the world's most coveted bloodlines, nurtured for over half a century by the Niarchos family, and it is a huge honour for Goffs to handle the sale of these exquisite mares and fillies.

“Quality is a word long associated with the November Breeding Stock Sale but never more so than this year where buyers will be spoiled for choice thanks to our wonderful vendors who have supported the sale with black-type pedigree after black-type pedigree, and we look forward to welcoming buyers from around the world to Ireland next month.”

The Goffs Breeding Stock Sale follows the four-day Goffs November Foal Sale on Nov. 20-23.

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One of 1,041 foals catalogued, the colt will sell as lot 767. His older brother brought €1.1 million at the same sale. There is also a Dark Angel (Ire) half-brother to multiple group winner and Classic-placed Arrest (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 768); a colt by Hello Youmzain (Fr) who is a half-brother to G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) (lot 667); and a Starspangledbanner (Aus) full-brother to Group 1 performer Flotus (Ire) (lot 686).

Some of the sires represented include: Acclamation (GB), Blue Point (Ire), Camelot (GB), Cracksman (GB), Dubawi (Ire), Ghaiyyath, Havana Grey (GB), Invincible Spirit (Ire), Kingman (GB), Kodiac (GB), Lope De Vega (Ire), Mehmas (Ire), New Bay (GB), Night Of Thunder (Ire), No Nay Never, Sea The Stars (Ire), Sioux Nation, Teofilo (Ire), Too Darn Hot (GB), Wootton Bassett (GB), as well as the first opportunity in Europe to acquire foals by the likes of Lucky Vega (Ire), Palace Pier (GB), St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Space Blues (Ire), Starman (GB), and Supremacy (Ire) among others.

The sale will follow its proven format, with foals catalogued alphabetically by dam each day from Monday to Thursday inclusive. Every session holds appeal throughout with Monday and Thursday billed as equal, Tuesday raising the bar to an extent, and Wednesday traditionally attracting the most black-type pedigrees.

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “The European foal and breeding stock sales season will open in some style at Kildare Paddocks as we have assembled a truly world-class selection of foals for November that offers a superlative catalogue of strength, depth and diversity at every level and is simply unmissable as it caters to every requirement.

“November Foal graduates recorded more black-type success in Ireland, the UK, France, Japan, Italy and the US over the past year whilst pinhookers enjoyed multiple touches at the Orby Sale, and this year's catalogue is sure to attract every major buyer to Goffs next month whether they are seeking to race or to resell.

“On behalf of the passionate Goffs team, I extend our thanks to our vendors who have sent such quality to November as their first choice again this year.”

Matilda One For Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale

In addition, the multiple group winner and Classic-placed Matilda Picotte (Ire) (Sioux Nation) will sell on opening day of the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 24, Goffs announced on Friday.

The daughter of the stakes-performer Hallie's Comet (Ire) (One Cool Cat) won Friday's G2 Challenge S. and was third in the G1 1000 Guineas. Bred by Mighty Universe, Ltd., and raced for trainer Kieran Cotter and the Matilda & Kilmichael Racing Partnership, the filly will be offered by Clonanny Bloodstock.

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said, “Matilda Picotte demonstrated real star appeal at Newmarket this afternoon and is a hugely appealing international racing and breeding prospect so we are thrilled and grateful to connections that she will take her place among the stellar lineup for this year's Goffs November Sale.  We look forward to welcoming the world to Kildare Paddocks for Europe's first major breeding stock sale of the year and are excited to reveal the outstanding catalogue in the coming days.”

The two-day Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale will take place on Nov. 24 and 25, featuring over 40 lots from the Niarcho family's bloodstock holdings. The full catalogue will be revealed on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

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That sale continued the theme of well-bred fillies commanding plenty of respect in the ring during Book 1 and Book 2 of this year's Orby Sale. 

Lot 955 was purchased by the Polish agent Kishore Mirpuri on behalf of Macie Jodlowski, the leading trainer in that jurisdiction. However, neither had time to chat, as they quickly nipped off to Dublin Airport to catch a flight home as soon as they signed the dotted line. 

There was no shortage of buyers at the upper end of the market but the middle to lower tiers remained patchy across both days of the Book 2 Sale. The statistics backed up such a statement. 

All told, the sale returned an aggregate of €8,097,500, representing a 22% fall from the Sportsman's Sale last year while the median fell 14% to €18,000 and the average dipped 7% to €23,136. Of the 464 horses offered, 350 were sold, representing a clearance rate of 75% [down from 86% in 2022]. 

Beeby commented, “Following an excellent Orby Book 1 headed by two millionaire lots it was always going to be a challenge to maintain such a vibrant trade in our rebranded Orby Book 2.

“Orby Book 2 is the successor to the Sportsman's Sale which has enjoyed many strong years, not least 12 months ago when it was headed by a superb €300,000 top price, grew by 49% with a 21% leap in average and the median advancing by nigh on a third over the 2021 edition. So to come anywhere near to those statistics is relatively pleasing and, in fact, today's figures represent the second best since the sale expanded to two days due to popular demand in 2019.”

He added, “All that said we would be bordering on deluded not to acknowledge the selective nature of the trade. Whereas those yearlings deemed to hold the most appeal were as hard as ever to buy, as demonstrated by more six-figure transactions and more over €75,000, there were plenty that struggled as evidenced by a less than pleasing clearance rate of 75%. It will be interesting to review the last two days at the end of the autumn sales season when more context will be available but I confess that we would have preferred a deeper buying bench from the UK and across Europe as was the case in 2022.

“So we will review the results of the sale with the benefit of time and reflection, and work with ITM to explore how to make the sale more attractive to overseas buyers who are so vital to the marketplace. We will also take soundings from breeders and vendors as to the format of the sale as a more select one day version may be preferable especially when we have the two/three day Autumn Sale in four weeks' time as a very viable alternative for those more commercial types.

“As ever I extend our thanks to every purchaser and each vendor for their support throughout the week. Both Books of the Irish National Yearling Sales exist to serve the Irish breeder and over €60 million of yearlings have been traded in Kildare Paddocks which is a fitting testament to the appeal of the world class Irish bloodlines that are nurtured with such skill and devotion in the spiritual home of the thoroughbred.”

King Of The Jungle Goes Back To The Well

Maurice Burns might want to send Con Marnane a Christmas card this year for all that he has done to promote Bungle Inthejungle (GB).

Or maybe it should work the other way around given the amount of luck that Marnane has enjoyed with the Rathasker Stud-based stallion?

The highlight came earlier this summer when Marnane sold Givemethebeatboys (Ire) to Bronsan Racing for £1.1 million at the Goffs London Sale.

Marnane once again reinvested in a family he knows well when landing a sister to Funny Money Honey (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) from Newlands House Stud for €95,000.

Marnane said, “It's more than likely we'll race her, that'll be the plan. She's a long-term broodmare prospect, and hopefully she's able to gallop.

“I'd say Pat Burns of Newlands House Stud is pound for pound the best breeder in Ireland. He only produces seven or eight horses each year and comes up with stakes horses time after time.”

The @BanshaHouse love affair with Bungle Inthejungle continues as they buy a half-sister to Listed winner Funny Money Honey, campaigned by the Marnanes, for €95k from Newlands House Stud.

The Marnane's also bought G3 winner Givemethebeatboys (Bungle Inthejungle) for €11k at… pic.twitter.com/V9nJMf96Cn

— Goffs (@Goffs1866) September 29, 2023

Talking Points

• There's an old saying that, if you give a busy man a job, he will get it done. That certainly applied to Goffs Senior Bloodstock Executive Conor Wixted, who enjoyed a profitable day with an Equiano (Fr) pinhook. Purchased alongside Goffs Bloodstock Executive Joan Tyner for just €6,500 here at the November Foal Sale, the Equiano colt (lot 936) rocked into €26,000 on Friday to BBA Ireland on behalf of Javier Maldonado. A brother to six winners, including the James's Delight (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), who was placed in the Sportsman's Challenge, the Equiano colt was clearly well bought by the Goffs young guns. Hats off. 
• Amy Lynam was another busy woman at Goffs this week. As well as signing for fillies by Kodiac (GB) and Dark Angel (Ire) to the tune of €125,000 in Book 1, she played a leading role at Book 2 when snapping up a James Garfield (Ire) filly (lot 989) on behalf of “a long-standing owner” of her father Eddie Lynam's who “wants a good horse.” Who doesn't?!
• Cristiana Brivio of Razza Latina has enjoyed a profitable stint in Ireland in recent weeks. After signing for 14 yearlings for just shy of €400,000 at Tattersalls Ireland last week, the Italian buyer picked up on where she left off at Goffs with a further six purchases for €233,000.
• It was interesting to see bloodstock agent Kevin Ross and Gavin Cromwell team up this week. Ross bought three horses on behalf of the multiple Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot-winning trainer at Book 2 for just under €70,000.
• It has also been noticeable over the past two weeks that Johnny Murtagh is a huge supporter of the domestic yearling sales. Along with his right hand man and leading breeze-up consigner Eddie Linehan, Murtagh has signed for numerous yearlings at Tattersalls Ireland and this week at Goffs. His Book 2 haul at Goffs was headed by a Havana Grey (GB) filly (lot 914) on behalf of Nick Bradley Racing, for whom Murtagh has enjoyed good success with, courtesy of talented handicapper Wave Machine (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}). “We've had a bit of luck with Nick Bradley Racing this year,” Murtagh said. “This is the one he picked out and when we went down to see her all the lads loved her. She was the one we wanted today, she just cost a bit more than we expected! When the good ones come in, they're all making their money. I haven't trained one by Havana Grey before but he's doing well. You could see how many people were on her today.”

Buy of the Day

Kevin Ross was rewarded for staying to the bitter end when landing a nice Invincible Army (Ire) colt from Rossenarra Stud  [lot 1050] for just €28,000. It's hard to see a situation where that does not turn out to be decent value. 

A lovely-walking colt, he boasted plenty of size and substance and a good attitude to boot. He was followed into the ring by plenty of decent judges and looked like a racehorse.

Thought for the Day

Reading between the lines of Henry Beeby's statement following Part 2 of the Orby Sale, a smaller and more select catalogue could be in store next year. That would make sense given how things played out this week. 

In the defence of Goffs, it must be remembered that any agents who hoped to get some viewing done on day two of Orby Book 1 were stopped in their tracks due to the pretty vicious storm. Without having got around to all of the barns, they couldn't exactly leave lengthy lists for horses to be bought in Book 2. 

But all things considered, Goffs will no doubt be disappointed by the lack of a buying bench for those middle to lower tier horses. It will be interesting how trade is for horses in that bracket for the rest of the yearling sale season but perhaps a more streamlined version of Orby Book 2 would work best in future.

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Along with some of the major farms in Ireland–your Glenvales, Camas Parks, Barodas, Tally-Hos, Ballylinches and more–Philip Stauffenberg is here. Consigning at the Orby Sale for the first time, Stauffenberg Bloodstock will offer the Kingman (GB) half-brother to Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy), who lit up the foal sales here in November when selling to the German native for €550,000. 

But it's not all about the Kingman colt. Stauffenberg will also offer a Masar (Ire) filly out of his beloved mare Frangipani (Ger), producer of the brilliant German Derby winner Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). 

Already named Fire And Ice (Ger), the presence of that Masar filly and the Kingman colt, along with the Sottsass (Fr) filly Stauffenberg has brought to the Orby, can be viewed as a major vote of confidence to Goffs. 

As far as Stauffenberg is concerned, he has no doubt that, given the right horses, Goffs is as equipped as anyone at selling yearlings of the highest standard. 

Speaking alongside his wife Marion at their base in Barn C, he said, “Our connection with Goffs goes back many years and we have been very lucky here. It was a special wish of Marion's to bring the sister to Fantastic Moon here. The family has been wonderful to us and Marion said that, if the filly is to go to a sale, then it would be at Goffs. They have proven they can sell the horses when they get the right ammunition.”

Marion Stauffenberg added, “I know Goffs very well and I love it here. I have bought my best horses here and have sold very good horses here through Eimear Mulhern. I have just spoken to two agents and they have said that the quality of the horses here is really up.”

Beeby shared that the feedback he was receiving from the buyers and sellers on the ground to be similarly positive, which is good, given he went on to explain how he couldn't remember a stronger book of yearlings assembled for the Orby Sale in over four decades working for the company.

He said, “When you get somebody like Philip Stauffenberg coming here for the first time, and coming here with his best horse, that's a huge vote of confidence. It's a huge trust but it's also a huge responsibility. Then there's Dermot Cantillon of Tinnakill House with his Sea The Stars (Ire) half-sister to State Of Rest (Ire). He's here with the best horse he's ever bred–by his own admission. 

“You've also got the sister to Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) from Ballylinch Stud belonging to the China Horse Club and they've also chosen Goffs. Those are only three horses and, on paper, it's as good an Orby Sale that I can remember. All of that is for better judges than me to say but the feedback has been very, very consistent that we have assembled a solid bunch of horses.”

“The most exciting pedigree in the catalogue is matched by the physical,” – Jeremy Brummit

Beeby added, “It's hard not to keep coming out with the same things on the eve of a sale; you hope for the best and all of that kind of stuff. But, the closer you get to a sale, you do twitch because I do genuinely feel the responsibility. 

“For those two, two-and-a-half minutes, we are handling what could decide some people's year, or maybe even longer. We know there are alternatives and that people could say, 'well, why haven't you gone to other places to sell your horse.' That's a reasonable thing to say. But that's what makes the market in Britain and Ireland so vibrant, that there is strong competition between the sales companies. It's a big deal for us to get the big horses and we take it very seriously.”

And the Orby is jam-packed full of serious horses. The second lot into the ring on Tuesday is an American Pharoah half-sister to Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). Lot 8 is a Kodiac (GB) half-brother to The Lir Jet (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}), 12 a Wootton Bassett (GB) filly out of a sister to Saxon Warrior (Jpn), 16 a brother to California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) while lot 27 is another who has the potential of hitting the heights early on in the session by being a Wootton Bassett filly out of a sister to Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}).

There are big-ticket lots right throughout the catalogue. From Stauffenberg's duo to the Sea The Stars (Ire) half-sister to State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) [48] from Tinnakill House and Ballylinch Stud's sister to Saffron Beach [356], there are countless potential headline-makers in the sale. There are also plenty more bubbling with intrigue. 

The Night Of Thunder (Ire) half-sister to Lucky Vega (Ire) [37], Staffordstown's Sea The Moon (Ger) half-brother to Sandrine (GB) [78], the Mehmas (Ire) half-brother to River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett) [150] and the Camelot (GB) half-brother to Poetic Flare (GB) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) [500] could also make waves.

Jeremy Brummit | Goffs

But for esteemed bloodstock agent Jeremy Brummit, there was little doubt in his head about what the best horse he'd seen on the sale ground during inspections was. 

“The most exciting pedigree in the catalogue is matched by the physical,” he said of Saffron Beach's sister, before adding, “it's rare that happens.” Brummit went on to describe the quality of the Orby Sale to be on the rise year after year, to which Beeby later attributed to the confidence placed in the sales house by the Irish breeders. 

He explained, “It's a credit to the Irish breeders. We have very directly said to a whole range of Irish breeders that we are the Irish national yearling sale. Everything is set up right. We have put our heart and soul into it-money, time and effort-and have expanded our team. For example, our recruitment team is significantly bigger than what it was a few years ago. But we can't do it without the horses and, if people back us, we can deliver. Thankfully, we've had a good run in the sales ring and on the racetrack.”

Beeby added, “Success breeds success but it also breeds confidence. It's all down to the breeders. I'm part of the team that goes around looking at the horses and every year we are getting a greater share of the top-tier yearlings in Ireland. I really believe that and, similarly to what Jeremy said, a lot of key figures have come up to me over the past few days to say that we have assembled a better bunch of horses again. When you put all of that together with the number of people on the ground, you would have to be very hopeful of a good sale.

“It's like the old Avis advert from years ago, 'when you are number two you try harder.' We know where we are and we know what we have to do and how we can do better. We are always reaching and striving to be better. We have an ambitious team of people here at Goffs. This is my 41st year in this business and I love it.”

One of the major subplots to the Orby Sale in recent years has been the strength of the American buyers and, with familiar faces like Ben McElroy and first-time visitors like Phillip Shelton of Medallion Racing on the ground, that presence is expected to be as strong as ever this week.

Beeby said, “Jacob West [American agent for Goffs] has been an outstanding appointment for us. Tom Taaffe and Hayley O'Connor have also been out to America quite regularly and got around to everybody to promote the sale. Success breeds success and people keep coming back. Happily, the people who have travelled over from America in recent years have spread the word about the sale. We've invested a lot of time and resources in making sure that they are looked after and they play a huge role in this sale.”

Few trainers have exemplified the value on offer at the Goffs Orby Sale quite like Paddy Twomey has in recent times. Twomey ripped up the playbook in sending out One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) to win the Goffs Million by a scorching six lengths on debut at the Curragh on Saturday. 

The Golden-based trainer shared how, along with One Look, Leopardstown maiden winner Juxtaposition (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) was picked up out of this sale by Kevin Connolly and Cormac McCormack for just €150,000 combined 12 months ago. The pair are worth a whole pile more 12 months on.

Twomey said, “I had never met Kevin before this sale last year. He bought two horses, Juxtaposition, who won the first mile maiden of the year at Leopardstown, and who has since been sold to Hong Kong. The other one was One Look, who won the Million on debut. It was through Cormac McCormack that I was introduced to him and he asked me to train them for him. The Connollys are a very famous racing family and Kevin trained in China, Macau and Australia.”

He added, “We turn up to all of the yearling sales and try to find the horses we'd like to train and buy them at the best value we can. Sales is something I have been around all my life and I have been lucky at Goffs. The job is to try and find the next ones this week.”

The post “If People Back Us, We Can Deliver” – Top-Tier Yearlings On Offer At Goffs Orby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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