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474 yearlings catalogued for the auction
A total of 474 yearlings have been catalogued for the 2020 Orby Sale, which will take place on September 29 and 30.
Commenting on the Orby catalogue and the challenges facing all sales due to the coronavirus pandemic, Goffs group executive, Henry Beeby said: “In the first instance we want to thank the many Irish breeders and consignors who have overwhelmingly maintained their support of the Orby Sale with drafts of quality and depth leading to another selection of pedigrees and physical specimens that simply fills us with enormous pride. On visit after social distanced visit to stud farms across the land the Goffs inspection team have been supported by colts and fillies of true quality that would make the grade with ease into any other premier sale.
“These are especially challenging times and auction houses are having to be more adaptable than ever in terms of dates and locations. However, as we have demonstrated in recent months, Arqana, Goffs and Tattersalls will consider every option to serve the industry as best we are able, putting our usual competitive natures to one side for the greater good. To that end I have agreed with Edmond Mahony at Tattersalls that we will meet following the forthcoming store sales to discuss the autumn sales programmes of Goffs and Tattersalls, and the options that exist.
“With specific reference to the Orby and Sportsman’s Sales we will continue to monitor the situation and look at any and all options as matters evolve but we would reiterate that the modern day Goffs was set up to provide a world class sales facility in Ireland specifically for the Irish breeder.
“That said at the same time we have a superb sales complex in the UK so we have options to serve the industry on both sides of The Irish Sea and will make a timely decision in the best interests of all our valued vendors when we have weighed up the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative against the backdrop of a situation that is literally changing by the day.
“However we feel it would be imprudent to rush in to any finite decisions beyond this week at this stage and we would ask for calm heads together with the continued support of our loyal clients as by working together we can deliver the best results for the world class Irish horses so sought after around the world.”
