The Goffs November Broodmares and Fillies Sale in Ireland ended on Nov. 25 after three days with the figures down throughout.
There were 825 mares and fillies cataloged, with 685 offered and 431 sold for 12,488,600 euros ( US $18,529,360) with an average of 28,976 euros (US $42,991), and a median of 20,000 euros (US $29,673).
Last year selling took place over two days, with 595 cataloged, 487 sent into the ring and 376 changing hands for 13,218,000 euros (US $13,218,000), with the average coming to 35,154 euros (US $52,156) and the median 22,000 euros (US $32,640).
Babola fetched 62,000 euros (US $91,993). The four-year-old daughter of Grand Lodge, offered in foal to Aussie Rules from Skehanagh Bloodstock, is a half sister to Bernebeau and was bought by Agence FIPS.
These three days were preceded by five days of selling foals.
Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby commented, "The oft quoted footballing cliche 'a game of two halves' is quite apt when summing up the last eight days trade at Goffs’ largest ever sale, both in terms of numbers and sales days.
"One half could be defined as the quality end of the market which was intensely strong for both mares and foals, with the other consisting of the lesser lights that did not catch the imagination of the buyers to the same degree.
"The beginning and end of the sale illustrated the stark reality of the increasing numbers of thoroughbreds being born year on year and many breeders have really felt the effects for the first time," Beeby continued. "The contrast in the central five days of the sale was palpable as we enjoyed a trade of consistent strength with bids flying for those that appealed.
"The foal market got better and better culminating in a truly spectacular session of trading on Thursday, whilst the mares’ trade set off at a cracking pace on Friday, continued through Saturday before slowing somewhat today. However, the enduring appeal of Goffs meant we were able to welcome huge numbers of overseas buyers to Kildare Paddocks headed by significant buying groups from both India and Turkey. Our heartfelt thanks to them for their perennial support and also to ITM for their invaluable assistance in all the organisation that goes in to such visits."
