BRAVING the elements, a hardy crew of Irish Draught and Connemara enthusiasts crowded into Goresbridge last Thursday where they contributed to a steady trade and an improved set of returns. Despite a small catalogue, the mood was upbeat and the figures revealed an increase across the board. In both sectors, demand was strongest for the ridden and performance lots, with the Connemara division delivering a top price of €4,200 (€3,000 in 2014) together with a clearance of 67% (42%) and an average of €1,148 (€987). In the following session of Irish Draughts, a four-year-old potential hunter headed the figures at €4,000 (€2,800) leading to an average of €1,469 (€1,242) although a marginally decreased clearance rate of 40% (44%).

CONNEMARA PONIES

A number of well-presented ponies caught the eye among the 24 lots forward, and none more so than June O’Hanlon’s sale-topping gelding Kyleroe Arril (9). Standing at a lofty 15.3hh, the six-year-old son of Coolin America (dam by Coral Lad) had gained many admirers at ringside, before he was finally knocked down to Co Laois producer Gerty Tynan-Daly at €4,200. Described as a real gentleman in every way, the gelding was originally sourced as a two-year-old from his breeder Jane Darragh, and is currently enjoying his third season following the West Wexford Harriers. “We liked that fact that he was big and had had plenty of mileage,” said Laura Tynan.

A further seven lots recorded four-figure returns including Belinda O’Brien’s Garry Boy (13), a four-year-old gelding by Killyon King (dam by Windy’s Boy). The first of his age group to pass through the ring, he was well shown by Rochelle O’Brien and secured by a cash buyer at €2,500. Another of the age group to impress was Jenny Wardell’s gelding by Kanagh King (15). In the same ownership since a foal, this individual had recently been broken by Seamus Merrigan, and showing good potential under Martina Hanley, he looked well bought by English buyer Malcom Aitkin (MA Sport Horses) for €1,900. “We felt he was athletic, had a good jump and overall was a real modern ‘sporty’ type,” said the Hampshire man.

While the bulk of the better returns fell to the riding ponies, the demand for breeding stock was muted. Ardnore Silver Lady (25) a seven-year-old broodmare by Glencarrig Lexis (Abbeyleix Owen) looked extremely well bought at €1,100 as did Elaine Godkin’s purchase of the best priced and well related filly foal City View Snowflake (27) by Brock Blizzard (dam by Glen Valley Grey) at €375.

IRISH DRAUGHT STOCK

With just 20 lots forward, the catalogue of Irish Draught stock offered a small but quality selection. In a similar situation to the preceding Connemara session, demand was at its most competitive for the ridden stock, but encouragingly also showed signs of life in the breeding sector. Heading the session at €4,000 was Gill Fisher’s useful Casheen Misty (33) a roan filly by Luke Skywalker (dam by Dunkerrin Loganberry). Lightly produced, she was knocked down as a potential hunter to Lucinda O’Donnell from Rathdrum.

It was good to see an improvement in the presentation of all the stock, and standing out among the filly foals was Anne Loughnane’s Mogeely Irish Rarity (45) a lovely filly by Crannagh Hero (dam by Coille Mor Hill). A full sister to the former RDS reserve performance champion Loughnatousa Angelo, this smart lot came on the market at €1,400 before, moving in small steps, she was eventually secured by Brendan O’Connor at €1,800. “I came especially to buy her, and will keep her as a potential broodmare,” remarked the Co Cork buyer. A few lots later, a show winning filly foal (49) by Shenandoah Prince Holly (dam by Windgap Blue) also impressed, before selling to Pat Hoare at €1,250.

Wrapping up the sale in good style and delivering a return of €1,200 for vendor Richard Melbourne was an eye-catching colt foal by the performance sire Killinick Bouncer. A dark, athletic foal with a distinctive white blaze, he was keenly coveted and eventually secured by local producers James and Seamus Molloy. Bought especially to produce for the RDS performance classes, as well as a hunter, he was out of Dungar Thunder (Finns Clover Inn).