Reasons for positivity despite a paucity of flashy prices in Doncaster

Goffs UK's managing director Tim Kent began his close-of-trade statement by pronouncing that the Premier Sale was "back on track", and after two lively days in Doncaster, those present at the first British yearling sale of the season will surely be inclined to agree.

The headline figures state that aggregate sales hit £13,316,000, a 16 per cent year-on-year increase despite 13 fewer lots changing hands. The average was up by 20 per cent to £40,900, while the median rose by 19 points to £32,000.

The 13 six-figure lots went the way of 11 different purchasers, suggesting a diversity of buyers that was also reflected in arguably the most encouraging metric, as the clearance rate hit 89 per cent after sustained demand across the two days saw 326 of 366 offered lots change hands.