London Sale venue change as Orangery undergoes renovations

The prestigious Goffs London Sale, held on the eve of Royal Ascot, has a change of venue for 2018 as the Orangery on the grounds of Kensington Palace Gardens undergoes renovations.

Now in its fifth year, the sale will instead take place at the greenfield Perks Field site in the same estate as the Orangery.

Since its inception the Goffs London Sale has offered buyers around the globe the opportunity to purchase horses who have entries at the Royal meeting and run them under their own name and colours at the royal meeting.

High-profile prices for stars achieved at the sale include Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Jet Setting, bought by China Horse Club for £1.3 million in 2016, and Cappella Sansevero, bought for the same price by Qatar Racing in 2015.

Last year's sale was topped by Lockheed at £900,000. He has since gone on to continue his career in Hong Kong.

Henry Beeby, group chief executive of Goffs, said: "We have been thrilled with how the sale has developed and grown since 2014 with numerous success stories to come out of it, but we are always looking to improve and refine it each year.

"As we prepare for the fifth sale, the new site will allow us to create something bespoke and as a shop window on the eve of the most global race meeting in the world, we want to provide a spectacular experience for those who attend whether they are a new or existing buyer.

"Our vision has always been to attract new investment into the sport and to be able to purchase a thoroughbred on the eve of Royal Ascot and see it run the same week in your name and in your own colours is something quite unique and very attractive. We're indebted to the BHA for their ongoing assistance in this connection. Now that the Flat season is in full swing, we're actively following possible entries and will shortly announce some exciting potential sale toppers.

"Once again, we would like to thank our title sponsor Qipco for their continuous commitment to the sale along with our partners, Selfridges, Chateau Leoube, Select Mobile, and JetSmarter. Guests can continue to expect an experience like no other."

This year's auction will take place on June 18 and David Redvers added on behalf of Qipco and Sheikh Fahad Al Thani: "As we always believed it would, the Goffs London Sale has established itself as a key event in the season and the perfect way to start Royal Ascot week.

"It is bringing new investors into the sport by providing them with the opportunity to own a Royal Ascot runner. As title sponsors, we are delighted with how the sale has developed and we very much look forward to this year’s renewal."

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