Jumps titans Trevor Hemmings and Gigginstown to the fore at Goffs UK

Two titans of the National Hunt world will offer a mix of past and potential future stars at the Goffs UK September Sale in Doncaster on Tuesday, as Trevor Hemmings begins to rationalise his horses in training numbers and Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud operation continues its winding down process.

Hemmings will offer 56 lots in the 305-strong catalogue, all without reserve and among which are a combination of proven performers and untried but well-credentialled young stock.

Among the high-class form horses on offer from the Hemmings dispersal are the Grade 2-winning Mount Mews (lot 115) and the Grade 3 scorer Stoney Mountain (183), who boast peak Racing Post Ratings of 150 and 145 respectively.

View full Goffs UK September Sale catalogue

Other classy lots who carried Hemmings' instantly recognisable colours of emerald green and yellow quarters, white sleeves and cap include Burbank (187), Mystical Clouds (113) and Touch Kick (190). There are also 32 stores in the catalogue, including ten lots from Hemmings' Gleadhill House Stud by sires such as Cloudings, Fame And Glory and Scorpion.

Hemmings announced his intention to cut back his string by around two-thirds last month, citing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, both personally and professionally, as a driving factor in his shock decision.

He said: "It has been a difficult decision but the reality is that I'm 85 years of age and a diabetic on insulin. Covid-19 has severely restricted my movements as I'm classed as high risk. Attending race meetings, even with limited attendance, would not be possible.

"I have also had some tough business decisions to take as Covid-19 has impacted a number of my businesses. Having had to furlough staff I could not, in all conscience, continue to race the same number of horses."

Stoney Mountain: the Grade 3 winner comes under the hammer at Goffs UK on TuesdayCredit: Grossick Racing

Few would have foreseen Hemmings offering such a significant number of horses prior to his surprise announcement, but the Gigginstown House Stud dispersal has become an annual highlight of the Goffs UK horses in training sales, with the operation having sold 184 lots for a total of £2,683,300 in Doncaster since 2010.

Last year, Gigginstown House sold 27 lots for £375,000. That figure represented 18 per cent of the horses-in-training session turnover and included the second-top lot, the £70,000 A Toi Phil, who was knocked down to agent Richard Ryan.

This year's offering includes a host of stars who carried the Gigginstown silks to some notable victories, namely Mengli Khan (97), Duca De Thaix (98), Dortmund Park (99), Sub Lieutenant (168) and Petit Mouchoir (169).

Mengli Khan, who boasts one of the catalogue's most eyecatching updates, highlighted he retains all his ability and enthusiasm when he recorded an RPR of 155 when winning at Ballinrobe by no fewer than 26 lengths this month.

Mengli Khan and Rachael Blackmore after their 26-length victory at BallinrobeCredit: Patrick McCann

The one-day auction also includes sizeable drafts from Gordon Elliott's Cullentra House Stables and Godolphin, who have catalogued 20 lots and 25 lots respectively.

Among the promising young form horses due to come under the hammer are the likes of Ballela (143), a five-year-old who made an impressive winning debut in a Tyrella maiden in March, and Osprey Call (150), a son of Winged Love who made a successful debut in a Lingfield bumper for Noel Williams.

Ahead of the sale, Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said: "We have been privileged to offer some outstanding dispersals in the past, with Gigginstown being an annual highlight, and the Gleadhill House Stud Dispersal is another big drawcard.

"We are very grateful to Mr Hemmings for choosing Goffs UK to offer his horses and we look forward to this exciting sale. We also have strong drafts from major owners and trainers such as Gordon Elliott and Godolphin, the latter whose regular Doncaster drafts unearthed further stakes winners this season in Glen Shiel and Make A Challenge.

"The store session is a new addition to the sale this year and it has attracted some very nice types so we have plenty to look forward to and we are confident the catalogue will hold appeal with a wide range of buyers."

Selling begins at 10am.

Goffs UK September Sale factfile

Where Goffs UK sales complex, Doncaster
When Tuesday, with selling starting at 10am
Last year's horses-in-training stats From 199 offered, 176 lots sold (88 per cent) for turnover of £2,087,200 (no change), an average of £11,859 (up nine per cent) and a median of £8,000 (up seven per cent)
Notable graduates Really Super (offered by Kimpton Down Stables, bought by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock and Amy Murphy for £21,000); Lil Rockerfeller (East Everleigh Stables, bought by Anthony Stroud and Neil King for £31,000); Izzthatright (Musley Bank Stables, bought by Jassim Ghazali for £185,000)

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