Blow for Goffs and Tattersalls with UK visitors unable to attend store sales

Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have received confirmation that overseas buyers will not be able to attend next week's Land Rover Sale and the following week's Derby Sale unless they have travelled from a 'green list' country or have quarantined in Ireland for 14 days prior to the auction.

Racing bodies including the two auction houses, Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing had worked together to make a joint submission to the Irish Government to allow a limited number of key overseas buyers to attend the Irish store sales in a way that was compliant with current Covid-19 directives.

HRI made the submission to the Minister of Agriculture Food and the Marine on July 13 and Goffs had issued provisional invitations to a select number of UK buyers who planned to attend.

However, the UK is not currently on the list of countries which can bypass quarantine and, following consultation with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the current restrictions were upheld.

The Land Rover Sale, first significant market place for young National Hunt prospects, will still proceed next Wednesday and Thursday, while both the Derby Sale and May Store Sale will also still take place at Fairyhouse as planned between August 18 and 20.

Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby said: "Naturally we are disappointed that our submission cannot be implemented at this time as we had worked with HRI on a proposal that was workable but respected current Government policy.

"However we recognise the increasing challenge facing the country and appreciate the difficult decisions facing the Government as the country battles this pandemic. On behalf of Goffs, I apologise to all our clients who are affected, first and foremost those UK buyers who had accepted the invitation, and our vendors who have supported us with such an outstanding group of horses.

"As we have stated the sale will proceed with detailed social distancing protocols in place. The Goffs team are continuing to proactively promote the sale and will provide as much assistance as possible to any buyer unable to attend by linking them with Irish agents, highlighting those entries that can be viewed online and encouraging the use of Goffs Online to bid.

Brian Kavanagh: 'the current situation requires us to be as creative as possible'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"We will publish a list of agents who confirm their attendance and are available to act as an inspector whilst we are also available to take phone bids from any potential purchaser.

"As to future sales, we will continue to monitor the situation and look at any and all options as matters evolve but we would reiterate that the modern day Goffs was set up to provide a world class sales facility in Ireland and to serve the Irish breeder.

"At the same time we have a superb sales complex in the UK so we have options to serve the industry on both sides of the Irish Sea. However we feel it would be imprudent to rush into any finite decisions beyond next week at this stage and we would ask for calm heads and the continued support of our loyal clients as by working together we can deliver the best results for the world class Irish horses so sought after around the world.

"For now, we look forward to next week as we have a superb group of horses to offer and we should remember that recent editions of the Land Rover Sale have welcomed over 350 Irish buyers while modern technology can allow others to participate. It’s not ideal but nothing is at the moment and the health of the nation must be the priority"

Tattersalls Ireland chief Matt Mitchell added: "Naturally we are disappointed that our joint submission to Government has not been approved, but we fully respect the decision and will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that the Derby and May Store Sales run as smoothly as possible.

"While the sales will take place under strict protocols, we will be working tirelessly to assist purchasers in any way we can, in particular those who cannot be present due to the travel constraints. We regret not being able to welcome to Fairyhouse our overseas purchasers whose loyalty has being rewarded with purchases that consistently deliver on the track.

"While the circumstances are difficult, we believe they are not insurmountable and our new live internet bidding platform and telephone bidding facilities will be at the disposal of all those unable to attend the sales."

Brian Kavanagh, HRI chief executive, added: "Like many other sectors, Covid-19 is having a serious impact on all aspects of our business and the international travel consequences are becoming ever more complicated.

"I wish Goffs well with what will be the first public sale to be held in Ireland since February. While some visitors may not be able to attend in person, the current situation requires us to be as creative as possible and through Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Horse Racing Ireland will assist Goffs and their international buyers in any way we can."

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