Lope de Vega mare tops final day at Goffs February

Aga Khan‑bred mares led trade on the final day of the Goffs February Sale, headed by the €190,000 purchase of Loe De Veaga’s daughter Shamalza by agent Alex Elliott.

A debut winner for Dermot Weld in September, Shamalza is out of dual Group 2 winner Shamreen (Dubawi) and is a sister to Group‑class sprinter Shartash. Elliott said she remains “full of potential” and could achieve more on the track before eventually going to stud.

Shamalza topped Thursday’s session, which closed a notably strong renewal at Kildare Paddocks. Turnover rose 63 per cent to €6,301,400, with the average up 37 per cent and the median up 48%.

Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby said the sale exceeded expectations.

“What a start to the new year. Goffs February has always been a first choice for so many at this time of year and, this year’s renewal has recorded its highest turnover since 2007 when the sale was a four-day affair with over double the number of lots catalogued,” he said,

“However we frame it – premier, leading, whatever – what is beyond dispute is that we have enjoyed a sale that has exceeded expectations and has returned a turnover that is double last year and significantly ahead of any other sale this month.”