Major Changes at Goffs, Tattersalls Ahead of Lockdown

Following the Oct. 19 announcement by the Irish government that the country will move to its highest lockdown tier for six weeks starting from midnight on Wednesday, Goffs have been forced to rescheduled three sales that were due to take place within this timeframe.

These include the flagship November Foal and Breeding Stock Sales, which have been moved to late December to allow those attending the Tattersalls December Sales in Newmarket to also attend Goffs' auctions while adhering to the two-week self-isolation regulations.

The Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale remains in its original date on Nov. 5 but will now be held as a live online auction.

Given the new restrictions, Goffs are not legally permitted to hold auctions at Kildare Paddocks during the period from Oct. 21 to Dec. 2. Alternatives have been arranged following consultation with the ITBA and Tattersalls to ensure harmonization of dates in the interests of all participants.

Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby said of the changes: "Like much of the rest of the country, we did not anticipate a move straight to Level 5 but we fully respect the decision and objectives of the government and understand that, in this timeframe, it would not be responsible to attempt to hold a sale.

"Therefore, in consultation this morning with the ITBA and Tattersalls, we reviewed every sale and selected what we believe is the best possible alternative to maximize the success for each category."

The changes are as follows:

• Autumn Yearling Sale (originally scheduled for Nov. 4-5): Jan. 12-13, 2021
• Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale (remains on Nov. 5): To be held as live online auction
• November Foal Sale (originally scheduled Nov. 16-18): Dec. 18-20
• November Breeding Stock Sale (originally scheduled for Nov. 19): Dec. 21
• December National Hunt Sale: Remains on Dec. 9-10

Beeby continued: "Rescheduling the market-leading Goffs November Sale to December will allow sufficient time for buyers and vendors to quarantine for two weeks following the Tattersalls December Sales. Our December National Hunt Sale falls after the current six-week lockdown period and therefore remains on its original scheduled dates.

"Goffs Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale also remains on its original date, Nov. 5, but will be a fully online sale with a live auctioneer and bidding via Goffs Online and by phone.

"The Autumn Yearling Sale will be pushed back to January 2021. This sale is heavily reliant on overseas investment and it is hoped that a number of countries will have been added to the Irish government's Green List for travel by that stage, allowing key overseas buyers to attend."

The move to Level 5 means all non-essential shops, including betting offices, will close, and people are being asked to stay at home, while a five-kilometer travel limit is in place as Ireland bids to curb COVID-19 infection rates.

Despite the strict lockdown measures, horseracing can continue as professional and elite sport is exempt from the Level 5 restrictions.

Level 5 Lockdown Forces Tattersalls Ireland to Make Changes

Tattersalls Ireland have announced an updated sales schedule after the Irish government's announcement to move the country to a Level 5 lockdown, which will see major restrictions in place from midnight Oct. 21 to Dec. 2. 

The Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale, Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale, and the November Flat Foal and Breeding Stock Sale, which were set to take place in Fairyhouse from Nov. 9-13, will be postponed by a month until December.

Tattersalls Ireland's chief executive Matt Mitchell said of the revised schedule: "In these uncertain times we must plan as best as we can for further sales and ensure we provide the most vibrant marketplace possible for our clients.

"We trust that the increased Level 5 restrictions for the next six weeks will meet the government's objective and allow us to host our remaining sales in December."

Following consultation with Goffs, who also announced a number of alternative sales dates on Tuesday, the rescheduled Tattersalls Ireland sales dates are:

• November National Hunt Sale (originally scheduled for Nov. 9-11): Dec. 12-14
• November Flat Foal and Breeding Stock Sale (scheduled for Nov. 13): Dec.16
• Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale at Fairyhouse (scheduled for Nov. 12): Dec.17