Millions at stake - yet BHA inertia is letting down the bloodstock industry

This week and next, there will be millions of euros and pounds speculated in the sales rings at Goffs and Tattersalls as Ireland and Britain’s premier yearling auctions take place.

The world of the bloodstock auctions is different to the one the rest of us inhabit. Crippling energy price rises and rampant inflation – not to mention the shaky foundations on which British and Irish racing are standing – are cast aside as prices soar and appetites for unraced young horses seem insatiable.

At Arqana’s August sale, the average price increased 29 per cent; at the Goffs UK Premier Sale the average was up eight per cent; at the Tattersalls Somerville Sale it was up 42 per cent; and it was a “record-breaking week” at the Tattersalls Ireland Yearling Sale with average prices up 11 per cent. British, Irish and French bloodstock has never been more desirable.