ON the back of a run of some lively sales and good prices, last week’s renewal at Cavan produced a more grounded set of returns. Although the clearance rate at 70% (80% in 2017) was still very satisfactory, prices were modest and the resulting average slipped to €2,658 (€3,068). As has been the pattern in recent times, the market was dominated by the trade buyers who also accounted for the sale-topper at €5,700.

The six-year-old daughter (78) of Colestus was one of six horses to break the €5,000 barrier and, consigned by Tom Dowd, was knocked down to Yorkshire dealer Graham Sugden.

The Co Sligo vendor had recently sourced the mare in England, and while his initial plan was to use her as a broodmare, he was impressed by her ability under saddle. As a result, she had competed lightly under Matt Gordon, while Shane Quinn was the rider at the sale. She was bred by the Quainton Stud in Buckinghamshire and, well related is out of Cindy (Hols) by Cassini II.

“The mare was everything we were looking for,” commented Sugden afterwards. “She was good to jump, had a good temperament, was obviously well schooled and a good model. Although she’s not an out and out jumper, I think she will make a nice event horse.”

Like many buyers, Sugden was a little disappointed with the number and the quality of stock on offer. “I do think that it’s largely our (the buyers) own fault,” he reflected. “We weren’t paying enough for them four or five years ago, and breeders stopped breeding. Hopefully things will start to turn around soon.”

The better prices were spread throughout the age groups and heading the four-year-old sector at €5,600 was Willow Sport Horses’ gelding (121) by OBOS Quality (dam by Chacoa). Well produced by owner/producer Daisy Duggan, he was secured by Co Donegal show jumping rider Andy Farren.

Another of the same age group to make an impression was Sean Nugent’s imposing gelding (134) by Kannan. Selling from the supplementary catalogue, and one of the last lots through the ring, he was knocked down to Amanda Lynch for €5,000.

This well-bred lot was bred in Belgium and, sourced from the breeder as a foal, is out of Catrischa (Westf) by the show jumping sire Cabochon (1.60m).

Earlier in the day, the older horses sold adequately, but with few private customers to challenge the dealers, prices remained unremarkable. One to stand out was Fiona Donohue’s traditionally bred bay mare (71) by Loughehoe Guy (dam by Mount Diamond Flag). This eight-year-old had been campaigned in dressage and show jumping classes, and well ridden on the day by Faye O’Connor was secured by Ballinasloe trader Niall Daly for €5,500.

Others to make an impression included Edwin McLoughlin’s well-hunted six-year-old mare (80) by Supreme Ginger, who at €5,200 was knocked down to Warwickshire hunter dealer Jill Carenza.

PONIES

The pony trade, which can often be the banker at the venue, also steadied. There were some beautiful ponies on offer, and while the prices were solid enough, they were weaker than at recent sales. Danish dealers JM Horses accounted for five of the top lots including the €5,000 purchase of Dennis O’Halloran’s Mochulla Jimmy (33), a six-year-old 148cms performer with 20 SJI points. A catalogue pick on paper, the full Connemara gelding looked impressive under young Brendan Lynch, and was the subject of a lively exchange.

“I have both the sire Danesfield Prince and the dam,” commented the Co Clare-based vendor. “I bought the sire as a yearling, while the dam I sourced at Clifden.”

Remaining at ringside, the same buyers also snapped up the next lot, namely David Maher’s jumping pony Mister Banks (34) by the thoroughbred Verglas (IRE).

They paid €4,500 for this smart six-year-old, who had clocked up a career total of 31 SJI points.

“He has plenty of jump,” said the vendor, who was assisted on the day by rider Daniel Fitzgerald.

Athlone trader Jim Derwin was quiet by his usual standards but, accompanied by his niece and top young rider Kate, he did well to secure the five-year-old 148cms pony Mr Nuke (41) for €4,400. One of the of the standout lots, Mr Nuke has clocked up a career total of 51 SJI points and has represented his pony club at the national championships.

THREE-YEAR-OLDS

Just four three-year-olds changed hands, the best of which at €3,500 was a grey gelding (126) by Ringfort Cruise (dam by Drumri).

TOP LOTS