Following feedback from vendors on the Autumn Yearling Sale’s revised date that will see it take place in early 2021, Goffs has announced it will hold an online auction on November 17 and 18 instead.

Vendors were concerned that these dates were not the preferred option for many of the yearlings catalogued, which has prompted Goffs to offer an alternative.

Both Horse Racing Ireland and the British Horseracing Authority have confirmed that lots sold or bought in ‘under the hammer’ in this way will be qualified for auction races in Ireland and the UK, a key component of selling for many of the yearlings due to be offered at this sale.

Vendors have until 5pm on Friday to confirm with Goffs if they wish to participate in the online sale and the catalogue will be finalised next week before a decision will be made if the sale is held as a timed online sale or live auction.

Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “The ever-evolving 2020 landscape prompted us to review the options for our Autumn Yearling vendors again after a number of vendors voiced concerns about the rescheduled January 2021 dates.

“Online bloodstock sales are still in their infancy worldwide, but we have been hugely encouraged by the online participation at all Goffs sales this year, starting with the breeze-up and right throughout the yearling sales, so we believe this is the best available option at the current time in Ireland.

“While we cannot guarantee how buyers will respond to an online inspection platform for yearlings, we will market this online offering with renewed determination and hope that this low cost platform will be seen as an attempt by Goffs to offer a viable marketplace when so many factors are conspiring against us.”