Goffs London Sale 2024 Shines in Kensington Gardens Ahead of Royal Ascot
Kensington Gardens Dazzles at Goffs London Sale Ahead of Royal Ascot 2024
Remarkable moments unfolded in the stunning surroundings of Kensington Gardens, as the 10th edition of the Goffs London Sale captivated the racing world on the eve of Royal Ascot 2024. This exclusive auction, billed as “an auction like no other,” witnessed staggering sums invested by owners seeking a ready-made runner for the prestigious meeting.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Lot 11, a filly named Sparkling Plenty, who had just triumphed in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly. As expected, her Classic victory sent the bidding into a frenzy, with the price climbing in rapid increments, eventually reaching a record-breaking £8.1 million. However, in a dramatic twist, the filly’s owner, Jean-Pierre-Joseph Dubois, bought her back, leaving the Goffs team, including Chief Executive Henry Beeby, perplexed by the complex transaction.
“I have been doing this for 39 years and I have never seen anything so complex.”
- Henry Beeby, Goffs Chief Executive
Amidst the excitement, other notable sales included:
- The £300,000 purchase of Rock Hunter, a fast two-year-old bound for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
- The £480,000 acquisition of Taraj, a three-year-old colt set to contest the Hampton Court Stakes.
- Kia Joorabchin, a football agent and racing enthusiast, securing an unraced two-year-old filly with impeccable breeding for £650,000.
The Goffs London Sale has become a must-attend event for Royal Ascot enthusiasts, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. As Beeby remarked, the drama and excitement surrounding the auction once again proved that remarkable things can indeed happen in remarkable places.
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