Pinhookers out in force at Goffs

Goffs played host to an encouraging edition of its mixed February Sale last week which produced an improved set of final figures. A smaller catalogue for the three day auction saw the turnover drop by 7% to €4.8m. However, the average of €14,414 was up 11% while the clearance rate progressed slightly to 66%.

Well over half the catalogue was given over to yearlings, with a continuation of the buoyant trends witnessed in November and December. Indeed the €86,000 paid for last year’s top priced yearling was bettered on four occasions as pinhookers turned out in force to avail of the last chance to secure yearlings at public auction ahead of the autumn.

The final day of the sale was given over to breeding stock and produced the week’s highest price of €280,000 which was paid by Ballylinch Stud for Jim Bolger’s Glamorous Approach.

Juddmonte sponsor Pretty Polly Stakes

Juddmonte Farms Ireland will sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes for the next three years. The 10-furlongs contest will be the highlight of day three of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

Douglas Erskine Crum CEO Juddmonte Group said: “The addition of this race completes our current sponsorship portfolio, with Juddmonte now sponsoring Group/Grade 1 races in the UK, Ireland, France and the USA.”