Tattersalls Cancels Ascot March; Goffs Moves Ahead

Tattersalls has responded to the far-reaching government guidelines announced March 16 and the subsequent British Horseracing Authority decision to suspend British racing until the end of April by making significant date changes to its forthcoming schedule of U.K.-based sales. 

The Tattersalls Ascot March Sale—scheduled to take place Thursday and comprising 190 lots—has been canceled.

The Tattersalls Ascot Breeze-Up Sale, due to be staged March 31 and April 1, and the Craven Breeze-Up Sale, due to take place April 13-15, have both been postponed and will be amalgamated into a new combined fixture in Newmarket from April 29-May 1. 

The Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up and Horses in Training Sale will be postponed until May 27-29.

All those changes will be kept under constant review and follows the decision of Bloodstock South Africa to postpone its flagship National Yearling Sale until May. 

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: "We are making these changes in response to the unprecedented circumstances arising from Monday evening's new government guidelines and the subsequent BHA decision to suspend British racing until the end of April.

"These decisions have not been taken lightly, and we are mindful at all times of our joint responsibility to the requirements of our clients and the wider public health issues, which have overtaken normal daily life throughout the world.

"Full details of the revised formats associated with the amended sales schedule will be released as soon as is practical, bearing in mind the speed at which events are constantly changing.

"In the meantime, we would like to reiterate our commitment to minimizing the impact of this national emergency, which has engulfed us all, and to stress that we will at all times endeavor to keep our clients informed of any further necessary changes affecting the wider Tattersalls group."

Goffs Plans to Go Ahead With April and May Auctions

Goffs has announced that its forthcoming sales during April and May are still scheduled to go ahead—although the auction house will await direction from the relevant authorities amid the gathering coronavirus crisis.

Events in America have been canceled, and the Osarus Breeze Up Sale in France has been delayed.

Goffs, however, has already taken action against potential infection and disruption at its own premises and has been ramping up online technology for future sales that could be used in a "broader and more comprehensive manner."

A work-from-home policy has been implemented for the team, and the physical Goffs offices in Kildare and the U.K. will be closed until further notice, with the situation being monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

In a statement, Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby said: "As things stand, we are planning for our sales to go ahead as scheduled, but we will, of course, monitor events and take advice and direction from the authorities as the situation evolves.

"However, whilst we cannot predict the future, we wanted to let you, our valued clients, know how we are addressing the problems presented and how we are planning in the short and medium term."

The boutique Aintree Sale is slated for April 2, and Goffs indicated in the statement its intention to proceed subject to the meeting going ahead. But it was announced Monday night that the three-day meeting has been canceled.

Arqana Moves Ahead With Breeze-Up Sale 

Arqana said it is still planning to host its May Breeze-Up Sale May 8-9 but acknowledges that changes could be made closer to the time as the global coronavirus pandemic spreads. 

Last year's sale was topped by Grove Stud's American Pharoah  colt out of the Giant's Causeway mare Tare Green who was knocked down to Broadhurst Agency for €1.1 million (US$1,235,850). 

Since named Ocean Atlantique, the André Fabre-trained youngster opened his account in impressive style when he won his maiden by eight lengths on the straight mile at Saint-Cloud in October. 

"The plan is to keep the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale on its May 8-9 schedule," said the company in a statement Tuesday. "The selection is now final, and a provisional catalog will be released online on March 25 according to the original schedule.

"Amendments may occur, however, in view of the collective responsibility required to face the COVID-19 epidemic."

In keeping with confinement measures pronounced by the French government, Arqana has said all its teams bar the ground staff are working remotely from Tuesday onward.

Contact details remain unchanged and may be found on the Arqana website. All departments continue to attend to their daily business.

Planning of yearling and store inspections is also underway. They will start as soon as confinement measures allow.

Arqana president Eric Hoyeau said: "All industry stakeholders stand united to face this unprecedented crisis. On behalf of all at Arqana, I extend my thoughts and sympathy to those affected by the virus and their loved ones. On our own scale, we are striving to contribute to curb the spread of the epidemic.

"We shall also take every possible action to keep the market operating in support of the industry."

Bloodstock South Africa Postpones National Yearling Sale to May 

The Bloodstock South Africa board issued a statement Tuesday morning, saying it will postpone its flagship National Yearling Sale from April 22-24 until May 20-22, although the new dates are provisional and will be reviewed again April 16.

The National Yearling Sale usually coincides with the AGM and grade 1 awards of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of South Africa, and these events have also been pushed back to tie in with the new dates. 

The sale record for South Africa was broken last year when Mike de Kock went to 9 million rand for a Silvano colt on behalf of Shadwell.

This year's catalog includes a colt by the same sire out of the budding South African blue hen Halfway To Heaven, whose first three foals have all struck at the highest level and who is believed to be the only mare to have achieved this feat.

The statement from Bloodstock South Africa read: "These are unique times that the world finds itself in dealing with a pandemic such as COVID-19, and Bloodstock South Africa is mindful of the challenges facing us all on a global level and, in particular, those that face the Thoroughbred breeding community in South Africa.

"Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on March 15 and in line with his urging for a responsible approach to the COVID-19 virus, there are specific restrictions on public gatherings that need to be adhered to.

"As such, Bloodstock South Africa will be implementing the following change of dates regarding its sales program this year—the Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale will be postponed from its current date of April 22-24.

"The proposed new dates are May 20-22 but remain provisional and will be reviewed on April 16, as this mirrors the government's target date for the evaluation of the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic."

The statement added: "Bloodstock South Africa thanks everyone for their understanding in this matter and assures them that decisions were not taken lightly but in the interests of the safety of the Thoroughbred breeding community at large.

"The safety of our staff, vendors, buyers, and suppliers is of utmost importance, and we will be closely monitoring the designated channels of authority within South Africa and provide relevant updates where necessary. Should you have any questions or queries, please contact Bloodstock South Africa."