Twin thoroughbred foals will go under the hammer at Goffs next week for the first time in the Irish bloodstock auctioneer’s history.
The twins — both colts — will be lots 486 and 487 at the November foal sale from 17-21 November.
Chief executive of Goffs Henry Beeby said: “We are very excited about it — they are two attractive colts and should draw plenty of interest.”
The twins are by French-based sire Orpen, who won the Group 1 Prix Morny in 1998 while in training with Aidan O’Brien, out of the winning mare Fancied, by Dominion.
They were born on 6 March and bred by Michael Finn from Drummond, County Kilkenny.
Mr Finn told H&H: “They are exactly the same — they are perfect, a lovely pair of horses.”
Twin colts are rare.
Sam Wallace from Weatherbys said: “We do register twins, but only one or two sets a year. These two are the only twins this year.”
Vet Karen Coumbe added: “This is most unusual. Twins are often poor specimens, so the fact that these are robust enough to make it to a public sale is very impressive and shows good management.”
Mr Finn said: “This is a first for me — I’d never seen a pair of live twins. We’ve been due them before, but one has always died before birth.”
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (13 November, ’08)
