Another Year Of Strong Growth At Goffs In 2012

Goffs have enjoyed a second consecutive year of strong growth in 2012 with every sale bar the smallest reporting improved figures.

Commenting on the year Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said:

“As the year draws to a close our overriding feeling is one of thanks to Irish breeders and vendors who have trusted the Goffs service in increased numbers in 2012. That confidence has been reflected in another year of strong growth with annual turnover advancing by 24% to €68.4 million following a 21% rise last year. We have catalogued more, offered more, sold more and the average price has risen again. These results are even more remarkable when one considers that last year’s figures were boosted by the record breaking sale of Banimpire at €2.3million and the three highest priced foals in Europe who all made over €800,000.

There have been many highlights but the sustained and vibrant trade at the Orby Sale is a stand out as it re-confirmed Goffs as a premier sale of the best yearlings after a slightly lacklustre 2011. Several Irish breeders backed us with a selection of their best yearlings and we were delighted that they were so richly rewarded in the Goffs sales ring. The two days were filled with superlatives with the sale variously described as “mind-blowingly strong”, “phenomenal” and “a first class hub for international dealers” with one vendor commenting he had “never seen such a large gathering of international buyers”. Many felt that the Orby was the strongest yearling trade of 2012 and we will work to maintain that momentum next October. It was followed by the Sportsman’s Sale which is clearly Ireland’s second best yearling sale after the Orby by any measure; again this will receive increased focus in 2013.

The November Sale built on its impressive predecessors with another frenzied trade for foals and breedingstock that again demonstrated the appeal of Irish bloodstock to the international audience. The mare trade made more significant advances with the number of 6 figure lots trebling in 2012 whilst the Foal Sale is without doubt a true market leader in all respects and increased Goffs share of the European foal market again. Our small Yearling section produced some good results for yearlings who missed their intended first choice sale and we will look to develop this category in the future.

12 months ago we took the decision to increase Goffs investment in the National Hunt market and that decision has been well rewarded with superb renewals of all three Goffs NH sales. The Land Rover Sale has always been a rich source of top class jumpers and this year’s trade was surely the strongest store sale of the year whilst our second Punchestown Sale was on fire from start to finish with the highest average of any similar sale this year. In just two years Goffs at Punchestown has established itself as the benchmark for this category whilst our December NH Sale finished our year with a day of strong trade and another set of much improved figures. If anyone ever doubted Goffs commitment to the National Hunt scene they need doubt no more and we intend to grow this sector of the market further in 2013 and beyond.

Work is already advanced on the catalogues for Goffs February Sale following a superb sale 10 months ago headed by top prices of €500,000 for a mare and €200,000 for a yearling which cemented it as Europe’s clear number 1, and the Ready To Run Sale at Kempton which fulfils a role in the calendar not met by any other sale.

2012 has been a year of real progress for Goffs as we have continued to battle back from the worldwide economic difficulties of 2008/9. We are of course very pleased to be moving in the right direction but there is so much more to be done and we will start 2013 with increased vigour and enthusiasm. We are indebted to every vendor who has supported our sales this year as we certainly recognise that we are nothing without that support and will continue to strive to improve every aspect of the Goffs service as we work to make Goffs the obvious first choice for the best Irish horses. That remains our absolute priority and will receive still more focus over the coming months.

Goffs has always existed to be the gateway to the world for the best Irish bloodstock and we have welcomed buyers from 32 countries to our sales this year. Many were making their first visits and many were making their only visit to a European sale but it is our fervent hope that we will persuade them to become regulars at Goffs in Ireland where we guarantee them the best bloodstock and the warmest welcome. That is provided by our small but dedicated team at Goffs who work alongside another small but no less dedicated group at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. ITM provide Irish sales with a unique service that is the envy of the world and we have been pleased to welcome their new General Manager Elaine Hatton to our sales this year. Elaine has made an impressive start to her ITM tenure and we are grateful for her enthusiasm for Goffs.

So I repeat our sincere and heartfelt thanks to every client, however big or small; Flat or National Hunt; Vendor or Purchaser; whether they were involved on one lot or several and no matter whether they attended one day at Goffs or every one, for their business in 2012 and we hope they will be encouraged to return to Goffs next year.”

Goffs Comparative Annual Figures

Goffs Sale by Sale

2011 v 2012