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France Galop and Goffs have announced an exciting new partnership that will see the French racing authority become an official partner for the 2025 Goffs London Sale. In return, Goffs will sponsor the prestigious Gr.2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly on July 20, cementing stronger ties between Goffs and the French racing and bloodstock industry.
French interest at the Goffs London Sale has grown significantly in recent years. Most notably, Sparkling Plenty topped last year's sale when selling to Al Shaqab for US$6.4 million following victory in the Gr.1 Prix de Diane. Fellow French-trained star Lazzat was also offered at the 2024 London Sale, before going on to win the Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, highlighting the calibre of French-trained talent being catalogued at the prestigious London auction.
The Prix Robert Papin has established a sterling reputation for producing high-class juveniles, with Goffs graduates enjoying notable success in the race, winning six of the last thirteen renewals. Atomic Force (2021), A'Ali (2019), Tis Marvellous (2016), Gutaifan (2015), Kool Kompany (2014) and Reckless Abandon (2012) all feature on the race's distinguished roll of honour.
Henry Beeby, Goffs Group Chief Executive, said: "We're thrilled to welcome France Galop as a partner at this year's Goffs London Sale, and equally proud that Goffs will sponsor the G2 Goffs Prix Robert Papin, one of Europe's most prestigious juvenile races. This new relationship further strengthens our growing ties with the French market, supported by increased engagement from both buyers and vendors at the Goffs London, Premier, Orby and November Sales in recent years. The timing is ideal, with the Premier and Orby Sale catalogues launching the same week as the Goffs Prix Robert Papin, and this sponsorship also complements our broader racing commitment, particularly around 2YO races, including the Group One Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes and the Goffs Million at the Curragh as well as Harry's Half Million by Goffs at York."
Elie Hennau, Chief Executive Director of France Galop, added: "France Galop is very pleased to partner with Goffs for the prestigious Goffs London Sale, which takes place on June 16 in London. This event is one of the most important in the European calendar, bringing together owners and trainers from around the world in search of horses destined for careers at the highest level, both on the racecourse and at stud. This partnership fully aligns with our desire to enhance the visibility of the France Galop programme and its major races among international stakeholders. In line with this, the 2025 running of the Prix Robert Papin, held in July at Chantilly, will carry the Goffs name.