Evening at Goffs London Sale: Horses Indulging in Ice Cream, Purchasing a Winning Steed for Ascot at the Auction
Going Under the Gavel at the Goffs London Sale
The auctioneers' rhythmic banter echoed like a summer storm, the spectators' cheers reverberating like rolling thunder. Lame metaphors are as close as this sunlit spectacle ever gets to turbulent weather: "We had a spot of drizzle about ten years ago," shares Henry Beeby, proprietor of Goffs, "but that's it."
This well-cherished event is the Goffs London Sale, held annually in Kensington Palace Gardens on the eve of Royal Ascot. Many of the horses up for auction compete at the Berkshire meeting, adding a passionate undertone to the proceedings. With a bit of luck, a lucky new owner could make a successful bid and stand victorious in the winner's circle within a couple of days. In its eleventh year, it's a sale like no other, with the grandeur of the Sport of Kings at its zenith.
"It's a point of pride!" Beeby grins. "We're a small Irish firm, opening the most prominent race week on English soil. Take a look at where we are!" His gesture encompasses the grand facade of the Upper Lodge of Kensington Palace beyond the rostrum and the large screen showcasing the auction lots, the lavish rooflines of one of London's wealthiest streets looming over the white tents of main sponsors Fitzwilliam Sports and Privat 3 Money. "It's a mammoth garden party, a racing who's who," he adds. "The best part is when one I sell here wins at Ascot." Ghostwriter was his hopeful pick: "He's got the whole package – pedigree, potential for racing, and as a stallion. He should go well over £1.5 million."
A seasoned wise man, Beeby was right on the mark. The offspring of Invincible Spirit and Moorside surpassed expectations, reaching £2 million. The winning bid was placed by Kia Joorabchian of Amo Racing, adding another top-notch purchase to his impressive roster. Recognizing the horse's potential, Joorabchian credited the choice to his son Maxi, who had championed Ghostwriter long ago: "To be honest, my son picked this horse out a while back and said: 'We've got to buy this!' Maxi isn't here, but my adopted son, Alex Elliott, is with me today. He didn't want to buy it, so he doesn't have any pressure. This one's all on me."
A three-time winner as a two-year-old, the bay colt is now focusing on the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 21st. Tycoon, another Ascot contender, Kingman's offspring, and a participant in the Golden Gates on Saturday, also joined Amo Racing at a pricey £600,000. Additional significant sales included Woodshauna, bought by American John Stewart for his Resolute Racing team for £625,000, and the dark grey colt Super Soldier at £390,000 by established Danish owners John Christensen and Alice Weiste.
The southern hemisphere was also in attendance among the buyers, with Australian racing's leading lady, Gai Waterhouse, spending £250,000 on Fantazy Man (entering him in the King George V and Golden Gate stakes), £200,000 on Solar Army, and £160,000 on Fairyhouse winner Mo Chroi.
Conspicuous by their absence were the Thoroughbreds being auctioned, as the noise and crowd of London are less than conducive to training. However, three gleaming ex-racehorses made a presence, representing Godolphin Lifetime Care. Founded by the great stud to guarantee a content life for ex-racehorses, it provides undeniable proof that no career is off-limits for them – from showjumping to hunting, polo to leisure rides.
Manobo, finishing second in the 2022 Dubai World Cup and unbeaten under Charlie Appleby's training, showcased his dressage skills with Louise Robson, displaying the adaptability and intelligence of ex-racehorses. Accompanying him were American-born Man of Promise, a GLC ambassador in Newmarket, and the darkest bay Side Glance, trained by Andrew Balding and finishing an impressive third behind the legendary Frankel in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes. The iconic horse enjoyed an ice cream cone in Kensington Gardens, unfazed by the admiring spectators.
Although last year saw a £5 million sale for a daughter of Kingman, Sparkling Plenty, the 2025 sale still witnessed a 50% growth in the median sales price, further underscoring the robustness of the market[4]. With Pimm's and Provencal rosé from Léoube flowing alongside finger foods from Caper Berry, the sun shining brightly, and auctioneers like Beeby and Nick Nugent cracking jokes, there were still plenty of thrilling moments at this most glitzy of racing gatherings.
Octavia PollockA self-proclaimed pedant since she was six,Octavia, our platform's Chief Sub Editor, sets the grammar straight on every sign she encounters. With a degree in History of Art and English from St Andrews University, she ventured to London with trepidation, but quickly discovered her soulmate in our platform. After a brief sojourn in San Francisco in 2013, she returned in 2018 and now resides contentedly in West Sussex with her miniature poodle, Tiffin. Octavia also contributes articles to The Field and Horse & Hound and gets her happiest when seated on a horse and following hounds.
At this glamorous event, the Goffs London Sale, some of the horses up for auction are expected to compete in horse-racing events, such as the Royal Ascot or the Hardwicke Stakes, adding excitement to the proceedings. This sale, held annually in Kensington Palace Gardens, showcases the atmosphere of both racing and sports, with the grandeur of horse-racing at its peak.
