Goffs February sale: Duke of Marmalade filly tops final session

A 3-year-old Duke of Marmalade filly named Candle Lit sold for 100,000 euros, or $133,462, to pace the second and final session of the Goffs February sale on Tuesday in County Kildare, Ireland, as the overall sale posted declines in total revenues and average but an improved buy-back rate.

Goffs reported 296 hips sold over two days for a total of 2,879,750 euros, or $3,843,596. That marked a 22 percent decline compared with the 2012 sale, when 277 horses sold for $4,937,731. The average price fell 27 percent to $12,987, while median remained steady at $7,342. The buy-back rate improved to 22 percent this year, compared with 28 percent in 2012.

“The fact is that this year has returned the second-best set of results since the pre-downturn highs of February 2008, and is over 50 percent ahead of [the] 2011 [sale],” Goffs Chief Executive Officer Henry Beeby said. “Of course, we would have preferred to advance again in all sectors but an improved clearance rate and steady median price clearly show that we continue to develop the sale.”

Brian Grassick Bloodstock purchased the session-topping filly, who is unraced, from the consignment of Moyglare Stud Farm. She is out of the stakes-winning Highest Honor mare Diamond Trim and is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Profound Beauty and to stakes-placed winner Rock Critic. Other family members include Irish St. Leger winner Royal Diamond, Group 2 winners Irresistible Jewel and Princess Highway, and Group 3 winner Mad About You.

A yearling filly by Acclamation finished as the second highest-price of the sale when purchased during the opening session on Wednesday by Aran Bloodstock for 60,000 euros, or $80,685. She is the second foal out of the Oasis Dream mare Church Melody, and is from the family of Group 1 winner Chorist.

For hip-by-hip results, click here.