Stage is set for next phase of the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale evolution

The yearling auction bandwagon rolls into Doncaster on Tuesday as Goffs UK hosts its flagship event, the two-day Premier Sale, from 10am.

One of the calendar's most highly anticipated auctions, the latest Premier Sale catalogue contains 469 lots, which drew a sizeable crowd to South Yorkshire on bank holiday Monday to begin inspections.

View full Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale catalogue

"It's very busy, we've had a big crowd helped by beautiful weather," reported Goffs group chief executive Henry Beeby on Monday. "Having spent yesterday and today looking at the horses, I'm delighted to say our vendors have supported us very well with a good, solid, even bunch."

The Premier Sale has undergone something of an image change in recent years, with six-time Group 1 winner Laurens and Commonwealth Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest hero Advertise ushering in an era where classier, later-maturing types are very much in-vogue at Doncaster.

"The sale continues to evolve and there are some very nice later-maturing types in the catalogue," said Beeby. "A number of years ago we were all about two-year-old winners, we're now about quality two-year-old winners who'll train on. Our cover horse, Advertise, is a very good example of that.

The scene at the Goffs UK sales complex in Doncaster during last year's Premier SaleCredit: Sarah Farnsworth

"We've had a lot of interest and would be quietly hopeful and confident of a good trade. We were very encouraged by events in Deauville last week and we hope the momentum rolls on. What we've seen so far suggests it will."

A glance down the sires index confirms the shift, with the likes of Fastnet Rock, Frankel, Kingman, Le Havre, Lope De Vega and Siyouni all represented.

The Premier Sale hasn't forgotten its roots, however, as this year's Royal Ascot results testify, with last year's graduates A'Ali and Daahyeh striking in the Norfolk Stakes and Albany Stakes respectively. The progeny of sires like Acclamation, Dandy Man, Dark Angel, Kodiac and Showcasing are also present and correct.

Last year's sale was topped by a son of Gleneagles consigned by Newsells Park Stud, who went the way of Sackville Donald for £380,000, smashing the previous high price by a full £100,000.

Beeby gave a pragmatic response when asked if the fireworks of last year could be repeated, as he said: "What we're looking for is a high clearance rate, consistency, and hopefully we'll see some modest growth."

GOFFS UK PREMIER SALE FACT-FILE

Where Goffs UK sales complex, Doncaster
When Two-day sale starts on Tuesday at 10am
Last year's stats From 473 lots offered, 421 (89 per cent) sold for turnover of £19,084,500 (down three per cent); an average of £45,330 (down 11 per cent) and a median of £35,000 (down five per cent)
Notable graduates Advertise (sold by Jamie Railton Sales Agency in 2017, bought by Dermot Farrington for £60,000); A'Ali (Tally Ho Stud in 2018, bought by Star Bloodstock for £35,000); Golden Horde (Highclere Stud in 2018, Clive Cox for £65,000); Laurens (Coulonces Consignment in 2016, bought by Salcey Forest Stud for £220,000)

More Goffs UK news:

WH Bloodstock raring to go for round two at the Premier Yearling Sale

Kingman colt can be 'one of the stars of the show' for Hillwood Stud

Oakgrove Stud hoping to sell a third stakes winner in as many years