Goffs November Foal Sale in Ireland concluded on Thursday, November 22, returning mixed figures.
Over the five days, 1,285 foals were cataloged, with 1,077 offered and 664 (62%) selling for 20,625,900 euros (US $30,625, 508) at an average of 31,063 euros (US $46,122), and a median of 18,000 euros (US $26,762).
Last year 1,147 were cataloged and out of the 985 offered 778 (79%) sold for 23,371,000 euros (US $34,701,336) for an average of 30,040 euros (US $,44,040) and a median of 16,500 euros (US $24,509).
While the average was slightly up and the median rose, the aggregate was down and percentage sold slumped.
The progeny of Galileo dominated the fifth and final day with a half brother to gr. III winner Im Spartacus, consigned by the Irish National Stud, purchased for 280,000 euros (US $415,701) by Eugene McDermott of Kennycourt Stud.
Prix Vermeille winner Sharaya was the granddam of a Galileo filly, bred by Neville O’Byrne and consigned by River Downs Stud, that sold for 240,000 euros (US $356,345) to Coolmore’s M. V. Magnier
A Galileo filly out of the top hurdler Tropical Lake sold for 190,000 euros (US $282,083). Bred by Willie Kane and John Boden, and consigned by Barnane Stud, the filly was purchased by BBA Ireland. A Galileo colt offered from Milltown House Stud was purchased by Paul Shanahan for 175,000 euros (US $259,813). Loughtown and Chevington Stud’s daughter of Montjeu out of gr. III winner Antioquia fetched 240,000 euros (US $356,345) when bought by Felipe Hinojosa’s Yeguada De Milagro Stud.
Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby commented: "Over the last five days we have experienced every emotion possible in bloodstock terms, with some excellent highs and a few lows. Among the highs was the huge demand for commercial foals. On each of the five days the phrase ‘the good ones are hard to buy’ was heard time and again.
"The start of the week witnessed the reality of the lower end of the yearling market materialize, and many have felt the effects of overproduction hit home this week. The increased number of foals born in recent years meant it was inevitable that somewhere down the line there had to be some sort of market correction and it looks like that time is now.
"That said, I repeat that we have enjoyed incredibly strong competition for those foals which the market felt were most commercial and the last two days have built up a steady crescendo of bidding culminating in a truly spectacular session of trading today when competition for foals was as fierce as ever.
"We now look forward to three days of quality broodmare and filly sales and to welcoming vendors and a broad range of domestic and international purchasers to Goffs."