An action packed opening day at Goffs December National Hunt Sale returned figures well up on the corresponding day last year, with a 26% rise in turnover, average price increase of 11% and a 25% surge in median.  The clearance rate of 71% was also a considerable increase over 2016.   

Leading the way was a smashing colt foal by Walk In The Park from Ballincurrig House Stud (Lot 94) that was bought by Richard Frisby (pictured) for €50,000.   The next highest priced foal, also from the Ballincurrig draft, was a son of Flemensfirth out of a winning half-sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs (Lot 194) that sold to Ian Ferguson for €40,000.

Frisby, who purchased the multiple Grade 1 winner Finian’s Oscar here as a foal in 2012, also acquired a son of Leading Light from the family of Grand National winner Monty’s Pass (Lot 128) consigned by the Mangan’s Conna Stud.  The colt who is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Minella Awards and the Grade 2 placed Monty’s Meadow sold for €39,000.

Other highlights of what was a very strong day of foal trade included Lot 55, a Getaway colt from Ballincurrig that was bought by Kevin Ross Bloodstock for €37,000 as well as The Beeches Stud’s Soldier Of Fortune colt from the family of Glens Melody and Whatuthink (Lot 82) that was knocked down at €37,000 to Richard Frisby, bringing his Day 1 tally to seven lots.

Click here to view full results.

Comparative Figures – Day 1, December National Hunt Sale:

The December National Hunt Sale continues tomorrow at 10.00am with plenty more high quality foals on offer as well as a select draft of top class breeding stock.