'Who am I looking forward to seeing? It's hard to look past Apple's Jade'

Ahead of their two-day December National Hunt Sale, which starts on Wednesday and features Apple's Jade and the last foals of retired stallion Flemensfirth, among other highlights, Goffs' director Nick Nugent tackles a quickfire Q&A

We’re in the home straight of the topsy-turvy 2020 sales season; how would you sum it up?

This has been an unbelievably challenging year for Goffs. The Irish government response to Covid means that no regular sale has taken place on its intended date since February. That has taken its toll on our customers and staff alike.

How much more difficult has it been for Irish sales houses amid Covid-19?

When compared to our biggest competitors in Newmarket, I think that we have been severely disadvantaged by a number of factors. Hopefully 2021 will allow us to compete off level weights again.

Which lots are you particularly looking forward to seeing in the ring during the December NH Sale?

It's hard to look past Apple’s Jade. It is always exciting to have a headliner in the sale, though it brings a certain pressure to deliver for the vendor.

Browse the catalogue for this week's sale

And what catches your eye in the Foal and Breeding Stock sale catalogues?

In a foal catalogue, it tends to be individuals that catch the eye rather than pages. Needless to say the hope is that the better bred horses match up physically.

What’s been your personal highlight of 2020?

The development of Goffs Online. I worked closely with Michael Orton in our UK office during lockdown to develop our capabilities. We have now successfully held timed and live online auctions, and also incorporated online bids into conventional sales.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Finding some solutions, instead of problems, arising from Brexit. The issues for Ireland are well documented, but none of my pro-Brexit friends who work in this industry have yet given me a convincing answer as to how their vote will have helped the racing and breeding industries in the UK.

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