WEDNESDAY’s edition was highlighted by an impressive standout lot at €12,500, but overall, the trade was notably two-tier. The smartly bred correct foals were, as always, hard to buy, and while the sale-topper helped to boost the average to €3,516 (€2,733), the clearance dipped significantly revealing that just 44% (66% in 2019) of those forward changed hands.

One happy vendor however was Sligo breeder Thomas Dowd, whose colt by Sligo Candy Boy headed the day’s business by a distance at €12,500. A well grown individual, he is out of Highfield Curly Sue by Chacoa, while the grandam was by the influential Diamond Serpent. He is the second foal out of the mare, who is a half -sister to the Italian-ridden show jumper Theodore (1.25m). The buyer was Oxfordshire-based Johnny Hornby, who showing his liking for the sire snapped up three during the session. Hornby, who is a well-known businessman in the UK, is a keen amateur event rider and bought Fernhill Candy Boy, his first horse by Sligo Candy Boy, some years ago.

“I bought him from Carol Gee and he’s been fantastic,” said the Oxfordshire based buyer. “That started it off, and following that Carol found me a yearling. I got in touch with the breeders, and now have eight Sligo Candy Boy offspring at home, including two three-year-olds I purchased from Cavan back in August.”

The sale-topper was described in the catalogue as ‘having stallion potential’ and indeed, while Hornby plans to compete his two cheaper lots, he aims to keep this one entire. A real enthusiast, he also secured Philip Meaney’s colt who, as one of the premier section, was out of Fendoy (Laughtons Flight) and is a half-brother to the useful five-year-old Castlefield Confellow. Hornby paid €6,000 for this fellow, while a few lots later at €5,000, he secured Paul Flanagan’s well related colt out of Annyalla Black Rocket. The day began in good style when Kevin Jacob’s two-year-old filly by Ard VDL Douglas realised €7,600. Maura Coonihan signed the docket for this one, who is out of Farrah (KWPN) by Chello III VDL.

Premier selection

Although not as lively as recent renewals, the premier selection delivered notable returns. Heading them at €7,600 was Patrick Connolly’s CFS Harvey, a colt by Harley VDL out of SSH Dream of Glory (Cavalier Royale). Featuring a dual-purpose pdigree, and knocked down to Liam O’Meara, the dam is a sibling to the Alexander Butler-ridden Monastery Stud Argy Bargy (1.25m), while others in the maternal line include the jumper Honfleur (1.40m) and two international event horses. A further two lots realised €6,000 apiece, while the remainder changed hands between €1,300 and €5,000.