The seventh Goffs Aintree Sale was successfully staged at today’s opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival with the sale seeing 23 lots sold for a clearance rate of 88% at an average price of £90,218.

The sale got off to a strong start with Harry Fry Racing’s dual Grade 2 winner and Cheltenham Festival victress Love Envoi (Lot 1) selling to the bid of Rathmore Stud for £135,000. The sale topper came half way through proceedings with Rob James’ Jukebox Jury gelding He Can’t Dance (Lot 17), the winner of his debut PTP at Monksgrange, who was purchased by Gordon Elliott Racing for £300,000.

Other lots to feature were Ballyboy Stables’ debut placed Holloway Queen (Lot 23) who sold to the bid of JP McGrath Bloodstock for £180,000 and Jonathan Fogarty Racing’s debut winning filly Flamingo Grove (Lot 5) which was sold to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock and Jonjo O’Neill for £150,000.

Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent commented:

“It is always a highlight to be here at Aintree and it’s been a pleasure to watch this sale become a part of the iconic Randox Grand National Festival since its launch in 2016. Today’s sale had plenty of highlights, including a top price of £300,000, but the results also reflect a difficult few weeks for us and our vendors.

“The inclement weather has meant a large number of point-to-point meetings have been postponed or cancelled so it has been very difficult to compile a catalogue to meet the high expectations for which this sale has become renowned. That being said, we exist to provide a stage from which vendors can sell their stock and we are grateful to everyone who have supported the sale this year. The Aintree Sale has a wonderful record of producing high-class racehorses, as evidenced by the five Grade 1 winners coming from the first five-sales, and we are confident that more will emerge from this year’s offering.

“As ever, we would also like to extend our gratitude to the Aintree executive for their help and enthusiasm towards this fantastic event and we look forward to our return at next year’s Grand National Festival.”