THERE was trade aplenty at Cavan last week where a two-day performance sale produced a solid set of returns. Largely driven by the commercial sector, the figures delivered a very positive clearance rate, albeit accompanied by prices that were modest rather than significant. Such was the determination of the auctioneers and sale connections, 76% of those on offer changed hands (66% in 2016) over the two sessions, while the average price of €2,631 also reflected an improvement from last year’s equivalent of €2,450.

Several private sales featured among the better priced lots, most notably Anthony King’s traditionally bred gelding LT Rossi, who headed the overall figures at €6,650. Coming forward from the supplementary catalogue (231A), the home-bred five-year-old by the Irish Draught stallion Lisatara Tom (dam by Grange Bouncer) looked a useful sort, and although led out unsold (€6,000) was quickly snapped up in a cash sale by an English hunting buyer. This gelding was one of many private sales which are becoming a growing and unwelcome trend. In equal parts, it gives vendors less incentive to put their horses on the market and discourages buyers to bid for them in the ring.

The remaining lot to realise in excess of €6,000 was Nuala Gallagher’s four-year-old Rock Playlist (113A), who, after a lively exchange, was knocked down to Hampshire-based trader James Brizzell at €6,300. Sourced as a foal from his breeder PJ Tierney, the son of Gallant Cavalier (dam by Colourfield) was broken by Johnny Mulligan, before Rachel McKibbon produced him to compete lightly under saddle. “I thought he jumped a bit, and was a good sort,” commented Brizzell. “The stock has been fairly varied this week, but he stood out for me as a potential event horse.”

OLDER STOCK

Heading the older stock on Thursday was Vincent Meaney’s six-year-old (93) by Creevagh Ferro (dam by Mount Diamond Flag). Bids for the gelding fell short inside the sale ring (€5,000), but he was later secured by English customer G.White for €5,500.

Also selling well, at €5,300, was David Trenier’s Corrib Lady Masterpiece (87), a seven-year-old mare by the coloured stallion Corrib Masterpiece (dam by Cavalier Jump For Joy). Produced locally, this attractive all-rounder was knocked down to Scottish visitor David Grant.

One who looked particularly well bought was Mark O’Sullivan’s seven-year-old Bens Darco (209A) who realised €5,000. The well-related son of Darco had performed well under Lee Maher before he was snapped up by Doncaster show jumping owner John Spencer. As the buyer of last year’s sale topper, Spencer was returning to restock, and commented afterwards: “I thought he showed good potential, and hope he turns out as well as the last one (Sean Mulkern’s Duke of Tell).”

Although a seven-year-old, Bens Darco is light on mileage, but had successfully competed in Millstreet just a few weeks ago. Highly rated by his vendor and bred by Anne Marie Blessington in Co Longford, the gelding is out of Utopia VH Claeysen Hof D04, who is a half-sister to the show jumper Wodiena 11 (1.60m) and also Playboy Van De Somme (1.40m).

Demand for general riding horses remained solid throughout, and next in line at €4,600 was Pat Kelly’s grey mare (240) who is believed to be by Womanizer. Co Galway trader and producer Niall Daly signed the docket for this lot, who, although her breeding is unrecorded on the sire’s side, is a half-sister to the show jumpers Artistic Clover, and Latoon French Clover.

A further 13 older lots realised between €4,000 - €4,500.

FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

Aside from the aforementioned Rock Playlist, who sold for €6,300, trade for the remaining four-year-olds was in line with the quality on offer and as a result was somewhat inconsistent.

Prominent among the 13 who changed hands over the two days were two fillies who realised €4,400 apiece. Selling as two of the last lots of the sale, a daughter (261) of Sligo Candy Boy (dam by Carlton Clover) is bound for England, as is the Womanizer-sired filly (264) Redpark Rubina (dam by Clover Valley).

THREE-YEAR-OLDS

While Wednesday’s Premier selection dominated the prominent returns (reviewed in full last week), a further group of youngsters went through the ring on Thursday evening. Just two made in excess of €5,000, the best of which at €5,250 was Tara Dunne’s well related Gortemone Douglas (163) by Ard VDL Douglas.

A catalogue pick on paper, the gelding is half-brother to the 1.40m Grand Prix show jumper Condi, while the dam, Leaving Cruise Mount (by Cruising), is a half-sister to the international show jumper and Hickstead Speed Derby runner-up Highland Cruiser (Harriet Nuttall). It was a return to the Cavan sale ring for the big bay, who was sourced at the Elite Foal sale three-year ago.

Despite several early bids, he failed to reach his reserve in the ring, but was quickly secured by Jim Derwin. The Athlone man has been busy buying three-year-olds recently, which is a departure from his usual buying practices.

“I just had a notion last year, and as result I have bought a number. I sell a few, but like to break and produce some as well,” he explained.

“I thought this was a nice big type, and if not a jumper I think he will make a smart working hunter.”

Two lots later, Sean Doherty’s filly (166) by Zapatero VDL (dam by Coille Mor Hill) was also secured privately. Led out at €3,700, she was snapped up for €5,000 in a cash sale.

Earlier in the session, Yorkshireman Ivor Fox parted with €4,700 for Kieran O’Keefe’s home-bred gelding Strandhill Boy (141). A son of Ricardo Z, the gelding is now bound for a show jumping career, although for the time being he will remain in Ireland to be broken. “For me he was the best of the day,” remarked Fox. “Correct and well done – if a little overfed!”

The eye catcher of the session was Joe Gallagher’s attractive filly (157) by Castleforbes Lord Dancer (dam by Welcome Diamond). Sourced from Co Clare breeder Kevin Bermingham as a foal, the striking grey/dun/roan filly was added to Jim Derwin’s collection at €4,500.

“I don’t usually buy a filly, but I thought she was lovely, and will be super under saddle,” he said.

PONIES

Although some of the regular pony buyers were absent, the trade held up fairly well. Vincent Meaney’s eight-year-old Hayes Best (78) was the best of the bunch when selling to Sweden for €4,200, while, on Friday, Jim Derwin paid €4,000 for James Cregan’s five-year-old Connemara gelding Island Black (199). The latter, by Cloughill Island (dam by Moy Hazy Cove), has recently clocked up four SJI points under Robyn Moran. The native breed proved popular throughout, and another to achieve was Paddy Murphy’s Clifden sourced Fairy Fred Prince (73A) who was knocked down to English dealer Jill Carenza for €3,700.