THE temperature inside the sale ring was decidedly hotter than outside at Goresbridge last week, where a vibrant sale produced some healthy returns. Although falling marginally short of last year’s record breaking equivalent, the figures revealed a solid clearance of 73% (75% in 2016) together with a top price of €10,200 and an average of €3,305 (€3,400). While the top prices were welcome, it was the solidity of the trade and the sheer number of overseas customers that was most significant. Demand was strong for horses of all ages and disciplines, and as a result, 48 individuals realised in excess of €4,000 (24 over €5,000).

Reflecting on the two days, Goresbridge’s Martin Donohoe commented: “There was a great feel good feeling around the yard, and if we are able to maintain these figures during the year, it will be a boost for the entire industry.”

Encouragingly for the leisure horse breeders this demand was not always competition-centred. Rideabilty and temperament were high on buyers bucket lists, and one who ticked both those boxes was Paraic Kelly’s versatile all-rounder, Blakeney Palomino (322). Heading the two-day figures at €10,200, the Gerard Igoe-bred five-year-old had a little show jumping form, but it was his ease of going and amenable outlook that appealed to successful purchaser Julie Hall. Once he came on the market at €9,200, the Isle of Man resident had to battle surprisingly hard to secure her prize, and said afterwards, “I thought he had lots of ability, but most importantly for me, he looked bombproof. This is my first visit here, and I was looking for something safe to do some low level riding club activities, and to hack about.”

Unusually bred, the smart palomino cob type is by the dun stallion Woodstock Hero (by the unrecorded sire Peters Brook) out of Knock Coragh (Golden Warrior). Bred on traditional lines, he had clocked up some 15 SJI points under his vendor, and had also competed in school’s competitions with a junior.

The next notable price hailed from the first day, which delivered a €9,900 return to Co Waterford vendor Robert Widger. A catalogue pick on paper, the home-bred gelding (54) by Bonmahon Master Blue (dam by Flagmount King) impressed under Linda Murphy, before selling to Leicestershire’s Alice Manners. Accompanied by South Shropshire master and huntsman Otis Ferry, Belvoir follower Manners had tried the gelding at his home place the previous day, and liked him again on site. One of a lucky equine family (his siblings realised €14,800 and €9,500 at the same venue in previous years), the grey had been well hunted with the Woodstown Harriers, and looked to have the ability to excel in any sphere.

While the older stock garnered the best clearance rate (75%), the following four-year-olds also sold well (69%) and delivered a good average of €3,451.

Among the standout lots at €8,000 was Beechfield Stables traditionally bred son (300) of the thoroughbred Diamond Discovery out of the RDS show-winning Irish Draught mare Elm Lily (Elm Hill). Bred in Co Clare by Timothy and Mary Kelly, and sourced as a three-year-old, the gelding was recently broken and well showcased by Beechfield’s Gemma Phelan. Somerset first-time buyer Rachel Chard signed for this good sort, who she intends to event.

Another of the same age group to hit the lights was Patrick Mullins’ Claddagh Blue (260), by Paris Blue Merelsnest Z out of Lady Gurruans by White Clover. Top flat jockey Rory Cleary took time out from his racing commitments to prep this eye-catcher, who had been well broken by Vicky Foster. Once again bidding was lively, but one man determined to get his way was Leicestershire event horse owner Stephen Rayns.

A long-term supporter of the Irish horse, Rayns was thrilled with his €7,000 purchase, who he intends to aim for the Burghley Young Event Horse series later this year. “I think he will be a really good one,” he commented. “I especially liked him as he is similarly bred to our best event horse, Woodfield Ria, who under Katie Barber ran in the Burghley CCI**** last season.”

CROWDED RINGSIDE

Event buyers were the dominant force at ringside, and two lots later, GHF Equestrian’s buyer Andrew Williams paid €6,600 for Stephen Kelleher’s four-year-old Carags Clover Quality (262) by OBOS Quality. Well related, the gelding is the ninth foal out of the good broodmare Helvick Clover (Clover Hill), and is a sibling to three graded show jumpers as well as the up and coming British-based event horses Caraghs Buffet and Fernhill Inspector. It was his performance under producer DJ O’Sullivan that tempted Williams, who said afterwards, “I was ideally was looking for a five-year-old, but I’m a sucker for a chesnut with four white socks! I like him - he’s still backward, but he tried to jump and got up in the air.”

As the most popular sire in terms of entries, OBOS Quality was also responsible for John Larkin’s four-year-old (287) out of Currabawn Carla by Harlequin du Carel. A big jumper, and a useful sort, he was knocked down to Norfolk-based working hunter and show producer Katrina Hirst for €6,400.

It was a good day for Gemma Phelan’s Beechfield Stables, whose attractive bay filly (270) by VDL Arkansas caught the eye of Ian Dowie at Runningwell Equestrian Centre in Essex.

A keen show jumping owner, Dowie paid €6,300 for this well related individual, saying afterwards: “She was very elastic with plenty of scope. Plans are still fluid, but she will probably go to Laura Renwick.”

The Rory Costigan-bred filly will also have future paddock potential, as her dam is a sibling to the grade A show jumper Loughnavatta Diamond and the younger Loughnavatta Pearl.

Customers were not confined to Europe, and one regular visitor from America is Maine native Don Devine. A buyer of competition horses, Devine did well to secure John Ryan’s four-year-old (297) by Lancelot (dam by Clover Hill) for €6,100. Well showcased by Shane O’Meara, it was both the jump and the breeding that appealed.

“I have had one with the Lancelot and Clover Hill cross before, and she was the greatest mare,” commented the buyer. “She could to either job, but we will probably send her eventing.”

Just four of the three-year-olds came forward, with two finding new homes.

A filly by Vancouver (315) was the pick of the quartet, and was knocked down to Co Waterford’s Brian Flynn for €4,500.

The sale began on Tuesday with a small selection of 27 ponies, 70% of which changed hands at an average of €2,539. Production was a key ingredient for success, and narrowly heading the group at €3,600 was Ann Power’s Doonreaghan (4) a four-year-old by Carra Cashel (dam by Currachmore Cashel). Sourced from Clifden last year, he was secured by Harold Lusk. Two lots later, Ann Sheehy’s Blessington Blackier (96) by unnamed (dam by Cavalier Royale) also sold well when realising €3,500 to a cash buyer.