THE top price of €5,200 was one of 14 lots to break the €4,000 barrier at Goresbridge last week, and while prices were modest overall, the one-day renewal delivered a workmanlike trade. As is usual for this early season fixture, the catalogue was a small one, but despite that, it attracted buyers from Hungary, Sweden, Germany and France as well as those from the UK and home soil. These customers contributed to a number of lively exchanges which produced a 64% clearance rate (70% in 2017) together with an average of €3,060 (€3,176).

The returns largely mirrored the mixed quality of the stock on offer, but buyers seemed in a positive mood as was Goresbridge auctioneer Martin Donohoe who remarked, “Very satisfied overall. We had a healthy clearance, and I was delighted to see such a diverse range of customers in attendance. There were no big prices, but atmosphere was positive and all bodes well for the year ahead.”

SALE-TOPPER

The best of the day’s trade fell to horses with form, and especially those with a show jumping record. As usual, rideability and temperament were considered important ingredients, and one who filled the criteria was Marie Hartley’s sale-topping mare by Captain Clover (105). Ridden on the day by Diarmuid Ryan, and sourced at the same venue last year, Scarthill Captain Morgan had been well produced by her owner to win 39 SJI points.

Appearing to be an easy ride, and fully warranted, the mare had been jumping in classes up to 1.10m level, and thought suitable to carry a young rider. In addition, she will have paddock value when her competition days are over, as bred by Bridget O’Donoghoe, out of Listowel Beltane (Maltstriker), she is a full-sister to the graded show jumpers The Captains Call (1.45m) and the Westaway.

Following some competitive bidding, Ballinasloe trader Keiran Egan signed the docket at €5,200, of behalf of the Berkshire-based English trader Penny Grimster.

OLDER HORSES

It was good to see the prices clustering well, and another to impress the buyers was the MBF Sport Horses’ entry Coruscate (53), by Vancouver. One of the catalogue picks on paper, the five-year-old is out of the thoroughbred mare Da Pooch (by Key of Luck) who raced 23 times on the flat. A dual-purpose prospect, he was bought from his breeder Naoimh McCann a few months ago, and in the interim, had been well produced by Meabh Bolger.

There were several buyers in at the business end for this gelding, but none were as determined as Co Cork show jumper Ciaran O’Connor who snapped him up for €5,100. Remaining at ringside, O’Connor also accounted for Des Hodgins Thornhill Charlie (54) a nicely produced. five-year-old by Bobello.

Another of the pre-sale picks to impress in the flesh was Cliodhna Breen’s experienced show jumper Single Payment (63). The 12-year-old son of Furisto Courage had racked up a career total of 89 SJI points, and again was thought suitable to carry a young rider or junior. British visitor Alison Cadwell signed for this one at €5,000, while earlier in the day, fellow UK resident Ran Arbel paid €4,900 apiece for two five-year-olds with potential.

Arbel was one of many dealers who were trying to stock up after the winter break, and was in a determined mood. The first of his duo was Maura Counihan’s well related chesnut Killerisk Maximillian (by KEC Maximum Joe). Only a five-year-old (11), the gelding had competed in training shows, and home-bred, is out of Killerisk Flower a half-sibling to the grade A show jumper Killerisk Minnie (1.45m). “I thought he was possibly the most genuine horse here today,” stated Oswestry based Arbel. “He’s as green as grass, but he moves well enough to do dressage, he’s half a jumper and looks a good prospect to event.”

Arbel was equally delighted with his purchase of Ann Grace’s home-bred mare (17) by Yeats out of Annaghbeg Freeflow by Carrabawn View. Well produced on the day by Pauric Corcoran and lightly hunted this season, this traditionally bred gelding will have several options open to him.

“They were both early lots, but there are not many here today,” added the Israeli-born producer. “I’m short of horses and I have my lorry here, so I decided to be sharp and get on with the job!”

Trade for hunters was also solid and among them to sell at €4,500 was Leslie Goudie’s Donneybrewere Touch (19), a strapping eight-year-old by Out of Touch. Standing about 178cms, this big weight carrier had hunted a full season in Donegal and Tyrone, and having showcased under Simon Scott was secured by Trade Horses Ltd.

A few lots later, Fiona Donohoe’s Parkmore Stables produced Connemara gelding (39) by Kilmore Diamond realised €4,400 when knocked down to Scottish buyer Lee Watson-Hall, while changing hands at the same figure was a gelding (43) by Camiro de Haar Z. Amateur rider Charlotte Williams secured the latter saying: “He looked chunky, calm and safe – which is what I need!”

FOUR-YEAR-OLDS AND PONIES

The traditionally bred Yeats also featured as the sire of the top-priced four-year-old, which at €3,800 headed the five of seven forward to change hands. Bred by James Ryan, the filly (93) was the third produce out of Kilnamac Poppy (Ricardo Z) and was knocked down to Luke Cunningham.

The first of the five ponies to sell proved to be the sale-topper at €3,000. Consigned by Donegal seller Leslie Goudie, Greenhill Silver Coin (2) was knocked down to London-based trader Harvey Drea.