20 February 2003
I was hardly recovered from family celebrations at Christmas and
New Year before finding myself at Manchester airport en route for
Keeneland's January Sale. For once Kentucky's weather was reasonable
which made this sale quite enjoyable and I was able to do some good
shopping. I have always said that Keeneland January is for the needy
and the greedy - I am not sure which category I fell into, but it
was a very worthwhile trip.
Planning travel arrangements for the coming year has been complicated
by the demise of the Keeneland July Sale, and the ridiculous squabbling
between Tattersalls and Goffs. The July Sale is a big loss because
it was such a pleasure. In its heyday before certain Keeneland directors
decided not to support it with their best yearlings, the July Sale
was a glorious amalgam of lovely horses, lovely weather, lovely
parties and plenty of time to enjoy them.
I think we should judge harshly those who throttled this wonderful
sale to death, and I doubt if it will ever be revived. Talk about
shooting yourself in the foot - Keeneland have handed the initiative
gratis to Fasig-Tipton, whose Saratoga sale is bound to benefit
greatly. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of guys!
The turf wars between Goffs and Tatts have been equally stupid.
Neither firm comes out of the argument with any credit, and my diary
is a mess of sales arranged, cancelled, moved and removed. I sent
a fairly rude fax to the chairman of both companies which elicited
a very polite response from Edmond Mahoney and no response from
Michael Osborne. I wonder if Matt Mitchell dared show Osborne my
message?
I had the pleasure and privilege of representing a large and varied
clientele last year - my thanks to all those who placed their trust
and their cash with me. I have tried to do everything possible to
ensure their money is well spent.
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