On the eve of the 2019 November Sale, Goffs TV guest presenter Mike Cattermole looks forward to a fascinating week of Foal and Breeding Stock Sales.
As commentators or presenters, we are very fortunate. We arrive at the races, the racecourse is ready and, by some miracle, the horses are there, too.
All of the time, hard work and expertise that goes into getting the racehorse to the racecourse and do what they are bred to do and compete, has always filled me with wonder.
I am there, after all, to commentate or comment on the finished article. The complete story of where they have come from, at the very beginning of their journey, is pretty special and unique.
As I travel to and from the races throughout the year, seeing and passing hundreds of horseboxes, I am aware that they will all carry not just a horse but a story.
We all know that only a small percentage will be heading home as winners. Others will have done their best and run well in defeat, some might have been unlucky and some might just have had an off day.
But what was it about them that meant they ended up running that day, from that yard and in that ownership? Where were they bred and why, and when were they sold and bought?
In short, where did it all start?
This is why I am going to be a fascinated first-time viewer at this week’s Goffs November Foal Sale. What potential we will see as we watch not far short of 1,000 choicely-bred foals passing through this famous sales ring. A foal sale is something a little bit different as this, after all, could be the first big step in the career of a great racehorse.
Indeed, Ghaiyyath, officially one of the world’s best this year, was sold here as a foal in 2015 for a record €1.1m. His brother, lot 745, is sure to attract a huge amount of attention but there are many, many others who are related to black type winners.
Certainly, the list of sires represented, including many for the first time, is indeed a mouth-watering one.
For some, the raw potential will be obvious at this very early stage and, indeed, many will be bought, like Ghaiyyath, by end-users. Others will go to pinhookers who will offer them back next year as yearlings. Their judgement will be on the line as they tread that tightrope of uncertainty, hope and optimism.
And complementing the foal sale of course is the November Breeding Stock Sale and what opportunities there are here, too - not just the chance to get involved in some serious bloodlines but, as a bonus, maybe to even go home with a mare in foal.
It is all so intriguing and I cannot wait to observe some of the protagonists go about their business at the Goffs November Sale this week. It will be fascinating and exciting and, as we all know, you never stop learning.
Good luck to all sellers and buyers.
Mike Cattermole will be our Goffs TV guest presenter during the November Foal and Breeding Stock Sale. Follow @goffs1866 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for all the action from the sales and watch live on the Goffs website.