Goffs still planning to conduct upcoming sales subject to authorities' advice

Goffs has announced that its forthcoming sales during April and May are currently still scheduled to go ahead - although the auction house will await direction from the relevant authorities amid the gathering coronavirus crisis.

Events in America have been cancelled and the Osarus Breeze Up Sale in France has been delayed, while Tattersalls have delayed their breeze-up sales slated for Ascot and during Craven week.

Goffs, however, has already taken action against potential infection and disruption at its own premises and has been ramping up online technology for future sales which could be used in a "broader and more comprehensive manner".

A work from home policy has been implemented for the team and the physical Goffs offices in Kildare and the UK will be closed until further notice, and at least for the remainder of this week, with the situation being monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

In a statement, Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby said: "As things stand we are planning for our sales to go ahead as scheduled but will, of course, monitor events and take advice and direction from the authorities as the situation evolves.

"However, whilst we cannot predict the future, we wanted to let you, our valued clients, know how we are addressing the problems presented and how we are planning in the short and medium term."

The Aintree Sale was scheduled for April 2 but the National meeting was cancelledCredit: Sarah Farnsworth

Of the Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale (April 22-23), the statement continued: "As things stand we plan to go ahead. In any event we will not make any finite decision until Monday, March 30, when we will review the situation, at which time we will decide whether we need to delay the sale or can proceed as originally scheduled.

"However, to be clear, the 2020 Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale will be held and the only issue is when."

Of the Punchestown Sale (April 30), the note read: "As with Aintree, this sale depends on whether the Punchestown festival takes place. We will react accordingly and in consultation with the Punchestown executive."

Entries are still being taken for the Doncaster Spring Sale (May 18-21) and the Goffs Land Rover Sale (June 9-10).

Beeby added: "Further updates will be posted and communicated in due course and depending on what happens. However, Goffs are technologically equipped to conduct our business in a variety of ways, including utilising our new online sales facility that may be deployed in a broader and more comprehensive manner than to date.

"Please do not hesitate to contact any of the Goffs teams if you have any queries or concerns."

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