Sales houses Goffs and Arqana have joined forces to hold their breeze-up sales under one roof in Ireland at the end of June.

Two-year-olds will work at Naas racecourse a few days before being offered at Kildare Paddocks on June 29-30.

Hosting both sales in Ireland has come about as 143 of the 165 lots catalogued for the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale and a further 135 lots from Arqana’s auction are from Irish vendors.

Both companies will ensure that adequate provision is made for UK- and French-based entries.

The staging on the June dates is dependent on the resumption of racing in the UK or France and Ireland, with the hope that lockdown measures can be relaxed so that there can be some attendance at the sale. Government directives will be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone attending.

Furthermore, the proximity of and arrangements for other European breeze-ups will also be considered to ensure the optimum dates for everyone involved.

The extended gap between the breeze and the sale will allow films of the breeze-up work, along with other vital purchaser information, to be disseminated around the world. An online platform will support the live auction with potential purchasers being offered the facility to bid as normal, over the telephone or remotely via the Arqana and Goffs websites.

In a statement, Arqana Executive Director Freddy Powell and Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent said: “We are committed to providing the most vibrant marketplace possible for our breeze-up vendors and believe that this option delivers the best chance of achieving that goal.

“This year’s selection of breezers in both catalogues is as good as ever and we are confident they will impress in any arena.”

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby and Eric Hoyeau, Arqana’s President, added: “We are extremely grateful to Naas racecourse, HRI and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for their helpful and proactive reaction to our request to hold our breeze-ups in Ireland.

“These are challenging times, but the bloodstock industry is constantly willing to adapt and innovate to whatever circumstances arise. In connection with our joint approach, Goffs and Arqana have always been closely allied and we will work as one to ensure we do our best by our loyal vendors.”