Goffs will auction a bronze statue of the most celebrated horse in Irish National Hunt history, Arkle, during the Goffs Punchestown Sale which will be held in the winners’ enclosure after racing on Thursday 1 May.
The auction will raise funds for ChildVision, Ireland’s National Education Centre for Blind Children.
Artist Emma McDermott recently completed a life size bronze of the three time Gold Cup winner that was unveiled in Ashbourne, County Meath last Saturday.
McDermott has created 27 quarter size statues of the full life-size statue to mark Arkle’s 27 race wins. She has gifted No.1 in the series, known as The Maquette, to be auctioned in aid of ChildVision.
The second statue in this series was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle by President Michael D Higgins to mark the first state visit by an Irish president to the UK.
The statue will be on display next to the Goffs marquee beside the weighroom at Punchestown from Tuesday 29 April until the sale.
“Goffs are honoured to have been asked to auction this stunning tribute to Arkle. The fact that Arkle himself was sold by Goffs to The Duchess Of Westminster in 1960 makes it even more special for us” said Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby, adding “The Punchestown Festival showcases the very best of Irish National Hunt racing and we expect considerable interest in the sale of the Arkle statue that we hope will generate plenty of much needed funds for ChildVision”.
CEO of ChildVision Brian Allen is hoping the proceeds of the Goffs auction will raise funds to purchase two hoists for the pre-school on campus, enabling staff to safely lift and move children in and out of their wheelchairs, “Everyone knows that the environment for fundraising has become more difficult, while at the same time organisations like ours have faced state funding cuts too. That’s why we are so grateful for this opportunity and why we would urge those interested in buying a truly unique piece of art to bid on May 1st at the Punchestown Festival,” said Allen.
Goffs Punchestown Sale of select point to point horses and horses with form will take place in the parade ring after racing at Punchestown on Thursday 1 May 2014.
One of the highlights of the Festival, the sale is a leading source of success with over half the horses purchased already winners including Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle winner Royal Boy.
Catalogues and race footage will be available from the Goffs marquee beside the weighroom and online at goffs.com.
