GOFFS MILLION SALE

Adrian Nicoll, Chairman, BBA Ireland

Following its debut last year the Goffs Million Sale returns this month, however the company also has big plans ahead in the UK.

One of the most significant turning points in Ireland's thoroughbred industry was 2005's inaugural running of the Goffs Million race which sees some of the best bred two year olds in training competing for the richest juvenile prize in European racing.

"The breeding industry in Ireland is going from strength to strength and is the backbone for the entire industry in Europe. Our Million race is a 'landmark' for Europe's bloodstock industry and is unparalleled by any other agency in the Northern hemisphere," according to Eimear Mulhern, Chairperson of Goffs Bloodstock Sales Limited.

Once again the Curragh racecourse, home to Ireland's five Classic races, will be the venue for the Goffs Million Sale, only 20 minutes from where the cream of international golfers will be shooting for Ryder Cup glory at the K Club.

Winner Takes All

About Goffs Bloodstock Sales Limited

Goffs is Ireland's premier bloodstock sales company and is the second largest in Europe with an annual turnover in excess of €100m. Established in 1866, Goffs is the source of many of the world's leading racehorses. Top class performers bought at Goffs in recent years include Alexander Goldrun, Phoenix Reach, Bandari, Scorpion and also two of 2005's most exciting two year olds in Septimus and Balthazaar's Gift.

Open to colts and fillies, the seven furlong event is one of two races with a total prize fund of
€2,400,000 that will be run on the day exclusively for graduates of the Goffs Million Sale, which was held in September 2005. The Million race itself is worth €1,600,000 with a winner's prize of €1,000,000. Fillies also have the option of competing in the Fillies Five Hundred, which carries a €800,000 prize fund with €500,000 going to the winner.

Among the stallions represented at the Million Sale last year were Alhaarth, Cape Cross, Danehill, Danehill Dancer, Fantastic Light, Giant's Causeway, Green Desert, Kingmambo, King's Best, Marju, Montjeu, Red Ransom and Rock Of Gibraltar. The sale topping Kingmambo colt, purchased at the 2005 sale by Shadwell Estate Company for €1,800,000, heads the list, however 187 colts and geldings and 144 fillies in total are entered for the event.

Shelbourne Hotel Goffs Million

"We are also very excited by the Shelbourne Hotel's sponsorship of the Goffs Million at The Curragh," said Mulhern, "this race day will officially be part of the Ryder Cup programme and will certainly ensure that Ireland, Goffs and the Shelbourne Hotel will be at the centre of the sporting world for that week."

In 2005 Mulhern decided to alter the format of the Orby Yearling Sale, the company's flagship auction, by introducing the Million, which proved to be very successful.

Linking its major yearling sale to the two new and extremely valuable two year old races, Goffs provided a great incentive for buyers. Irish vendors were very supportive of the new initiative and as a result Goffs saw its share of the yearling market increase and the turnover for the Million Sale was €51,600,000. This was an increase of 59.2% and the average price rose by an incredible 147% to €99,455.

Thanking The Vendors

"Last year was an unprecedented year for Goffs and we thank and salute our vendors for the support offered to the inaugural Million Sale", said Mulhern. "We look forward to building on this support as we develop the concept in the years ahead."