Active trading on yearlings during the first day of the Goffs February sale Feb. 13 led to increases in the clearance rate and median price, but the opening session at Kildare Paddocks did not reach last year's price levels and closed with total revenue and average price in retreat.
A yearling filly from the eighth crop of Rathbarry Stud resident stallion Acclamation sold for the day's highest price of €60,000 (US$80,705) to David Ryan.
Overall, 152 of 232 horses offered were sold for an aggregate €1,545,000 ($2,077,871), down 17.7% from total sales reported at last year's corresponding session, when two horses sold for six figures and three others sold for more than €70,000.
The average price of €10,164 ($13,670), marked a 20.4% drop from the first session in 2012, but median price grew 9% to €6,000 ($8,070), and the clearance rated improved to 65.5% from 54.6%.
Ryan prevailed in a long bidding duel with David Powell to secure the session-topping Acclamation filly, whose grandam is 2004 Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (Ire-I) winner Chorist. The Irish-bred filly was bought on behalf of Aran Bloodstock. Offered by J.K. Thoroughbreds, the bay filly is the second foal out of the unraced Oasis Dream mare Church Melody.
A filly from the third crop of Darley's Irish-based Raven's Pass brought the day's second-highest price €55,000 ($73,985) when knocked down to John Ferguson Bloodstock.
Produced by the stakes-placed Indian Ridge mare Dark Indian, the Irish-bred filly is a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Valbenny, runner-up in the 2007 Del Mar Oaks (gr. IT). She was consigned by Meath Stud Farm.
The second and final session of Goffs February sale begins Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. local time.
For hip-by-hip results, visit www.goffs.com.