The Diary: Goffs’ London Sale heralds the start of the racing season

The great and the good of British racing joined Goffs at Kensington Palace Gardens to celebrate the start of the 2019 season…

Words: Gentleman's Journal

Top hats and morning coats at the ready gents, racing season is here. And, as has now become tradition, Goffs auction house held its prestigious annual London Sale in the grounds of Kensington Palace on the eve of Royal Ascot. Now in its sixth year, the sale has become a firm favourite on the social calendar thanks to its relaxed garden party setting with attendees including the who’s who of the racing elite as well as familiar society faces.

Kitty Jenks and Daisy van Straubenzee

Jemima Cadbury and David Tollemache

VIP attendees, including Jemima Cadbury, Daisy van Straubenzee and Alistair Guy, sipped Chateau Léoube wines and watched on as bidding got underway. David Simcock took the day’s top lot in Mohican Heights, which sold for £520,000, while Phoenix Ladies Syndicate and Forever In Dreams were both bought by owners planning to test their mettle at Royal Ascot. Take a look inside this quintessentially British party…