“It’s good to be back. Very good indeed.
 
The Irish National Yearling Sale obviously belongs in Ireland at Kildare Paddocks and it is simply wonderful to have returned with a sale of such depth and consistency over the two days after last year’s hiatus. Indeed Orby has reclaimed its rightful place at the top table of yearling sales with seven figure top prices, a six figure average and a staggering 91% clearance rate that points to a vibrant two days of bidding for the superb catalogue that was assembled.
 
We are indebted to many people and several entities. Firstly our vendors who placed their trust in the Goffs service at a time when several factors may have worked against making that decision as memories of last year’s disappointment combined with Covid induced uncertainty in the summer made the choice of sale more complicated than ever. That so many took that leap of faith is very gratifying and we are just delighted that we have been able to repay their trust with a really good sale whilst laying such solid foundations for the future.
 
Our buyers have embraced the sale with enthusiasm and a hunger for quality. Many have been driven on by the lure of Europe’s richest two-year-old race, the Goffs Million next year and we can’t wait to see how the picture develops as next season progresses. Suffice to say that the concept has been a powerful tool in reinvigorating Orby and we will look to develop the model as the years progress with enhancements and additions for Orby 22 and beyond.
 
Orby has always been a magnet for global interest but we focused extra attention on USA and we salute our new US Agent, Jacob West who attracted unprecedented numbers from across the Atlantic. Happily they liked what they saw and really engaged with the promise of even more in future years as they were so enthused by the quality of the catalogue, the workability of the complex and the warm welcome and helpfulness of the Goffs Purchaser Attraction Team and our colleagues at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, the latter of which have proved absolutely invaluable in making a trip to Ireland truly memorable for every visitor.
 
As we reflect on two good days our mantra of “we can’t do it without you” is as relevant as ever as the focus of Orby must always be the horse because all the spin in the world is worthless without a catalogue of quality. Our vendors backed us and we threw everything at it with new agents, the Million, a variety of incentives and more as we recognised this was going to be a pivotal year for the sale. That said there is still so much to do to make Orby the clear first choice for more of the best yearlings in Ireland and we will not rest in our endeavours as we strive to improve and evolve. However I would venture to suggest that Orby 21 has made the point once again that we will deliver when we have the horses; in fact, not just deliver but exceed expectations and Irish breeders need look no further for a global market for the best.
 
To our vendors, our purchasers, our advisors and our supporters – thanks a Million…“

 
*Converted from Sterling to Euro using rate on day of sale (£0.91=€1)

Selling at Kildare Paddocks continues at 10am tomorrow morning with the two-day Goffs Sportsman’s Sale featuring the only candidates for the €100,000 Sportsman’s Challenge in 2022.