 |
|
| Staff Writer |
Purchasers from the Gulf drive record prices as US$2.4m tops strong trade
 |
The Goffs Orby Sale witnessed unprecedented competition from buyers representing interests in the Middle East, with Godolphin emerging as the dominant force by securing the sale-topping lot for US$2.4 million. The Anthony Stroud-signed colt by Frankel out of the Listed-winning Invincible Spirit mare Loch Lein was consigned by Croom House Stud, setting a new benchmark for the prestigious sale.
"He's a lovely horse, a first foal by Frankel, and everybody on the team liked him," reported Stroud. "We had to stretch a long way to get him, but we're pleased to have purchased him for Godolphin. It's a compliment that Coolmore also wanted him, as they are fantastic at what they do, second to none really."
Breeder Denis Brosnan was elated with the outcome, saying: "He was an outstanding foal and yearling all the way through, and he has a great pedigree, a stallion's pedigree. I'm delighted that Anthony Stroud has the horse, as Godolphin have missed out on some of our really good ones over the years. Let's hope this is another good one for them."
Godolphin's aggressive acquisition strategy continued throughout the sale, with the operation securing several other premium lots. These included a US$1.2 million Frankel half-sister to top-class racemare Sandrine from Staffordstown and a US$1.08 million Sea The Stars colt from the black type-packed German family of Almandin and Alson from Norelands.
While buyers from the Middle East dominated the headlines, significant international interest remained evident throughout the sale. Louisiana-based attorney Wells Watson returned to restock after experiencing success with previous Orby purchases. Partnering with agent Andrew Cary, he secured a Sea The Stars filly for US$552,000 from Norelands.
"Last year was our first ever visit to Goffs, and we enjoyed it thoroughly," said Watson. "We bought three horses and we're very proud of them. One of them, Celtic Motif, ran third in the Goffs Million on Saturday. We came back this year and this Sea The Stars filly was the one we really wanted."
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, represented by legendary jockey Mick Kinane, maintained their significant presence by paying US$540,000 for a Mehmas colt from Jamie Railton Sales Agency. "He's a lovely horse who's a good fit for Hong Kong," Kinane noted. "We always knew we'd have company on a horse like him, and that he wouldn't be cheap, so we're happy to get him."
Church View Stables' Tom Whelan experienced an emotional highlight when selling a Blue Point filly for US$1.02 million, describing it as "the stuff that dreams are made of". The filly, a half-sister to Gr.2 Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller, was purchased by Ananias Antoniadis for Agrolexica International Trading.
"She was an absolutely beautiful filly, a queen," said Whelan. "Every time she was pulled out of her box she walked perfectly and showed herself no problem. She was the same at home: she just has a great attitude. I'm so lucky that Mr Connaughton has trusted me with rearing his stock for so many years."
Yulong demonstrated their commitment to acquiring top-quality bloodstock by stretching to US$720,000 to secure Lynn Lodge Stud's striking Night Of Thunder filly. Yulong general manager Vin Cox said: "She's a very racy filly by an outstanding stallion. We are here trying to buy racehorses, and she fitted that criteria well and truly. She is the best of the week so far for us."
Imad Alsagar's Blue Diamond Stud operation was active on both sides of the market, selling a Frankel colt for US$936,000 while also purchasing several high-profile lots. These included a Night Of Thunder half-sister to Gr.2 winner California Angel for US$768,000 and a New Bay half-brother to Gr.1 winners Lumiere and Sheikha Reika for US$540,000.
While the upper echelons of the market showed remarkable strength, trade was notably more selective at lower levels. Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby acknowledged this trend: "There is no escaping the tightening of trade at a level, and it was very evident that the market is unforgiving of yearlings that do not have it all."
Despite this polarisation, the sale achieved healthy overall figures with an 85% clearance rate and an average price of US$154,313, representing a 5% increase on last year's results.
Small Consignors Celebrate Success
The sale wasn't solely dominated by major operations. Scarlett Mullion, whose late grandmother Lady Clague was a renowned owner-breeder, celebrated a successful pinhook when her Acclamation half-brother to Prix Robert Papin winner Family One sold to Johnny Murtagh for US$96,000.
"We're delighted that Johnny has bought him because he used to ride for my grandmother, so having that connection is lovely," Mullion said. The colt was prepared by Clare Manning at Boherguy Stud.
Reflecting on the sale, Henry Beeby remained optimistic about the future: "The Irish National Yearling Sale is arguably the most important week of the year for Irish breeders and there were so many true highlights for a lot of vendors including some great stories across all four days whilst we were proud to welcome so many international visitors to Kildare Paddocks."
The success of the sale, particularly at the top end, underscores the continued appeal of Irish-bred thoroughbreds to buyers from the Middle East and beyond. As the bloodstock industry navigates through various global challenges, the strong results at Goffs Orby provide a positive indicator for the future of the European bloodstock market.