The 2020 Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale concluded yesterday in a similar vein to Tuesday’s trade with a clearance rate of 84% demonstrating a respectable level of demand for yearlings though at an expected lower level of investment to that witnessed at last year’s strong sale.
In a difficult year which has seen a significant shuffle to sale dates and locations throughout 2020, it was with a degree of collective relief to complete two full days of selling at Doncaster and although the market proved tough, those who had highly desired individuals found good competition in the ring and those who were prepared to meet the market generally found buyers.
Tuesday’s sale topper, Coulonces Sales’ £170,000 Starspangledbanner colt (Lot 165), maintained its place at the top of the market with yesterday's trade topped by Mountarmstrong’s Havana Gold half-brother to the Group placed Angel Alexander and Stakes placed Mighty Spirit (Lot 303) which sold to Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock for £115,000. Two other lots achieved six-figure sums yesterday, both coming late in the day with WH Bloodstock’s Showcasing filly (Lot 418) selling to Middleham Park Racing for £110,000 and the last lot of the sale, Highclere’s Dark Angel own brother to the Group 3 winner Yafta (Lot 423)selling to SackvilleDonald for £100,000.
Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented:
“Today concludes what has been one of the most anticipated Premier Yearling Sales in recent years, but not in the way that we normally prepare for a sale, and we share everyone’s collective relief that we have been able to conduct the sale and provide an opening to Europe’s yearling sales circuit during these difficult times.
“There is no doubting that trade across the last few days has not been straightforward, but the important thing is that horses are getting sold and the collective view from vendors and purchasers has been that this was a ‘good’ sale, even though ‘good’ may currently be difficult to quantify. We obviously missed some key faces who were active last year but there were a significant number of success stories over the last two days, including some spectacular pinhooks, and we must remember these moments as we reflect on what has been achieved.
“Despite the two days proving predictably difficult, we echo what has been said many times this week, that we are lucky to hold sales and continue to trade despite the challenges that face us and our industry. It has been encouraging to see so many people descend on Doncaster for the sale and to see a respectable clearance rate upheld over the two days. Full credit goes to our vendors who have adapted to the market to facilitate trade and we now look forward to the Goffs Sportsman’s and Orby Sale which will take place in Doncaster at the end of this month. See you there.”