Dreaming Of Rubies Tops February Sale

Goffs February Sale reaffirmed its position as the European market leader in its category following a strong two days that recorded significant growth across all sectors.

Top billing went to the winning Oasis Dream mare Dreaming Of Rubies () from Newtown Stud who sold to BBA Ireland for €220,000.  In foal to Dawn Approach, she is a sister to the dam of Approve. The same draft provided the next highest price on Day 2, when Mick Flanagan went to €130,000 to secure another winning mare, Fringe (), dam of Group 3 winner Master Carpenter from the family of Invincible Spirit, and in foal to Champs Elysees.

There was great demand also for the horses in training on offer today, headed by the Aga Khan Studs consigned Arif (), a three year old son of Nayef who won at Dundalk just four weeks ago, purchased by Watkins Bloodstock for €100,000.

Following the sale, Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby commented:

“What a superb start to the new year.

Goffs has enjoyed an excellent run in recent years and we are delighted to have started 2015 in the same manner. Our two day February Sale recorded the only 6 figure prices at the new year European breeding stock/mixed sales with 4 in total headed by Newtown Stud’s Dreaming Of Rubies at €220,000.

Yesterday’s full day of foals/just turned yearlings is the clear European market leader for the category and returned a truly vibrant trade to pick up where the November Foal Sale left off. Pinhookers battled with end users and it was no exaggeration to call this a “can’t miss sale”. We returned significant increases in every sector with last year’s top price being eclipsed 3 times with a high of €145,000 and the number passing the €50,000 mark more than quadrupling.

Whilst today’s sale lacked a stand out of the calibre of Night Visit who topped last year there was no easing off and today’s statistics also show improvement allowing us to have enjoyed yet more growth over the whole sale to build on the 45% rise of 12 months ago . Indeed, we sold Europe’s highest price mare and flat horse in training of the new year as well as setting a new Goffs record for a NH breeding prospect at €80,000.

As ever we are indebted to our vendors who entrust us with their stock and allowed us to produce another catalogue of international appeal. We really feel that we are making progress as so many Irish breeders are choosing Goffs as their first choice sale in every category whilst some from the UK are also opting to take advantage of the unique and focussed Goffs service that holds such appeal for so many international clients”.

Foals (Day 1)

Whole Sale