Goffs buy-back rate stays high

One day after opening with a 75 percent buy-back rate, the Goffs November foal sale in Ireland strengthened somewhat Tuesday but still endured a significant downturn versus last year.

The Tuesday session sold 83 of 216 horses offered, for a buy-back rate of 62 percent. The session grossed 784,000 euros, or about $980,000, for an average price of approximately $11,807. The gross was down 35 percent and average down 10 percent from last year's second session.

Tuesday's session-topper was Ballinacurra Stud's colt by Byron out of the Selkirk winner Topiary. Peter J. Doyle Bloodstock purchased him for 58,000 euros, about $72,500.

The sale continues through Friday at Goffs in Co. Kildare, Ireland.