'It was a big thrill!' - ambitions fulfilled as Dooley makes auctioneering debut

Reflecting on his debut with the gavel, Dooley said: "It was a big thrill and something I really enjoyed. There was never any pressure, Henry Beeby and Nick Nugent [chief executive and director of the Goffs group] just told me to enjoy it and take my time and I very much did. I’ve been waiting a long time to do it so it was great to get the opportunity. I was a little bit nervous but it was good to get the debut over with."

The 25-year-old Kildare native is not from a racing background but came into the thoroughbred industry after a formative period spent watching the Cheltenham Festival, while he has plenty of hands-on experience having hunted since his younger years.

A friend introduced Dooley to the idea of bid spotting at Goffs, and after a three-year stint in that role he was offered an internship before joining the company’s bloodstock team on a full-time basis two years ago.

"I’ve been working at Goffs for two years now," explained Dooley. "I started off as a bid spotter and always admired the auctioneers and was always keen to have a go. Henry Beeby, George Stanners and Nick Nugent are all excellent auctioneers and I admire all of them. They all have their own style, which I’ve tried to incorporate into my auctioneering."

Dooley said he has spent the last three months brushing up his skills in an empty Goffs ring in preparation for his debut, having also gained some valuable experience at events that can’t claim the same level of pressure as a thoroughbred auction.

"During the week Nick would bring me down to the ring and we’d practise with an old catalogue when there was no one else in there," he said.

"A few years ago I started auctioneering at the odd charity event and hunt balls, then when I got the job at Goffs I approached Nick and Henry and said I’d like to be an auctioneer one day.

"They’ve been very good to me and have given me plenty of advice and lots of chances to learn, including today, which I’m very grateful for."

Shortly after Dooley’s debut there was a poignant break in proceedings as Goffs UK held a minute’s silence to remember Jack de Bromhead, the 13-year-old son of Henry and Heather de Bromhead who was tragically killed in a freak fall at Glenbeigh horse and pony races on Saturday.

The September Horses in Training Sale took place as planned only after consultation with the De Bromhead family via a close friend and associate. Dooley added: "Obviously it was a great day for me but I had the De Bromhead family at the back of my mind as I was auctioneering. I’m sure everyone here is thinking of them and wishing them the best."