Godolphin's Umniyah Tops February Sale

Godolphin’s Umniyah, a four year old own sister to Group winner Dubai Prince out of a sister to three time Group 1 winner Storming Home ( - pictured), topped the final day of Goffs February Sale when selling to John Clarke on behalf of Sunderland Holding Inc for €165,000. 

A sister to Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes winning Orby graduate Foundation was among the other high class breeding stock on offer today.  Consigned by Oak Leaf Stud and in foal to Zoffany, the mare Xaloc () was purchased by Richard Fitzsimons of BBA Ireland in conjunction with Howson and Houldsworth Bloodstock for €120,000.  BBA Ireland later secured the winning Dylan Thomas mare Hoe Hoe for €90,000 ().    From the family of Deep Impact, she was sold by The Old Mew Stable. 

The horses in training section meanwhile was headed by recent winner Ebadan () from the Aga Khan Studs.  The three year old colt by Holy Roman Emperor was bought by MAB Agency and Shaun Dugan Bloodstock for €85,000.  

At the conclusion of the February Sale, Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby said:

“Our February Sale is another Goffs sale that has grown dramatically in recent years having risen by 229% between 2009 and 2015 so it was inevitable that a slowdown of some proportion would occur sooner or later, especially given the trends that have been clear at similar sales across the globe in recent months.

However we are far from despondent as we have enjoyed a vibrant trade for those that appealed most and a set of figures that are in line with 2014 although we have to point out a falling clearance rate as a cause for comment, if not concern, as we did in the autumn. There is no doubt that all of us need to think hard as we plan for the coming 12 months and ensure that we do not forget the lessons learned in 2009/2010.
 

Notwithstanding figures that fell short of last year we have enjoyed a busy two days with another diverse catalogue welcoming a multitude of buyers from home and abroad for every category. Our full day of weanlings is a “must attend” sale for pinhookers whilst Goffs February is now a first choice for increasing numbers of international breeders at this time of year leading to a really strong trade for today’s catalogue.
 

Goffs appeal continues to grow in the 150th year since Robert J Goff was appointed auctioneer to the Turf Club in 1866 as evidenced by the large entry from Irish breeders that this year has been boosted by another significant draft from Paul and Sara Thorman’s Trickledown Stud in England and a first visit from the leading French operation, Coulonces Consignment. Their support demonstrates the attractive proposition we provide and are a vindication of our proactivity for every sale and every lot we offer.
 

As the year progresses we intend to mark Goffs 150th anniversary in a number of small ways as we continue the ethos of industry, innovation and integrity that has been central to the company throughout the many changes the world has witnessed over the last century and a half. That this company has been serving Irish breeders and the international bloodstock community over that time is a source of quiet pride and I can only state that we will continue to repay the patronage of so many by striving to improve and grow each and every sale in 2016 and beyond”.
 

Comparative Figures