Goffs has announced the appointment of Mark Richards to the newly created role of British agent for the auction house with his role to attract new and existing British buyers to sales at Kildare Paddocks in Ireland.
Richards, who will begin his new role on May 1, brings a wealth of experience to Goffs having spent 20 years in a number of roles within the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He started out as a broadcaster before being appointed Racing Club Manager.
More recently, the former National Hunt jockey, served as Executive Manager of the International Sale which saw him travel to major yearling sales around the world purchasing horses on behalf of the HKJC.
Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the Goffs team. A familiar face at Kildare Paddocks during his time buying for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, he brings a wealth of experience and an extensive list of contacts to the role, while his passion for racing, personable approach and reputation of working to the highest standards ties in perfectly with the Goffs ethos.
“UK buyers represent the largest overseas market for so many of our top tier sales and we look forward to promoting Goffs to new and existing contacts through Mark who further strengthens Goffs’ excellent client liaison team and roster of international agents.
Richards added: “My experience working with owners, trainers, agents and racing managers across many areas of the racing industry has given me a deep understanding of the needs and requirements of clients attending sales, highlight the importance for auction houses to offer a professional, transparent and personal service.
“As a regular Orby buyer for many years with the HKJC, I am very aware of the strengths of the sale and have first-hand experience of the famous Kildare welcome and attention to detail.
“It is an honour to join the Goffs team and I look forward to bringing the company’s personal approach and impeccable standards to a wider field of clients in the UK as they attend the major Goffs Flat and National Hunt sales in Ireland.”
