AS the autumn sales season moves into top gear, the seven-day international renewal at Goresbridge will get underway next Tuesday. Running over seven days and sporting a bumper catalogue of around 1,200 lots, the flagship fixture opens with a dedicated sale of ponies, which will also feature the popular sector for performance Connemaras.
Wednesday’s dispersal of older stock includes numerous horses with competition form, as well as a selection of proven hunters and leisure stock. In recent years, this division has proved the banker of the opening week, but the concluding sessions of four-year-olds are also likely to have an impact. There are many well-related offerings in this group, many of whom already have form.
While the stallion lists are typically varied, it is always interesting to note the new names standing alongside the regulars. Although it comes as no surprise to see Vivant Van de Heffinck head the week one table with 29 lots forward, he is followed by comparative newcomers HHS Cornet (14) and Conticco (14). Once again, Sligo Candy Boy (14) and Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet (12) are both well represented, as is Lagans OBOS Quality (10) and the thoroughbred Road To Happiness with nine.
Week two (three-year-olds) will be previewed next week.
Tuesday
PONIES
Lot 3 Drobane Jenny Cruise, reg 9 yo b m 14.2hh by Drombane Cruising out of Brockagh Nigrasine Lady (Nigrasine). This fully-warranted mare has a career total of 105 SJI points. Described as the type of pony to give her rider confidence, she is brave, genuine and honest.
Lot 34 Barnaboy Smarty Pants, reg 9 yo b g 13.2hh by Caherlistrane Sammy out of Rookhill Pearl (Tynagh Miller). A very versatile individual, this gelding has hunted with the East Galway Foxhounds for two seasons. In addition, he has show jumped to win 96 SJI points, has attended all pony club activities and evented.
Lot 66 MG Chief Little Oscar, reg 6 yo b g 13.2hh by Kippure Little Big Chief out of Astral Tinkerbell (Strinesdale Matador). Only for sale as his rider has outgrown him, this smart performer has won 40 SJI points in classes up to 1.10m level and is showing the potential to jump the bigger tracks. Fully warranted, he has also hunted with the Woodstown Harriers, proving very brave and honest.
Lot 85 CEC Paris, reg 7 yo sk m 13.2hh (no recorded breeding). A very experienced mare, CEC Paris has won and been placed at all the major shows including Cavan, Mullingar and Millstreet. Carrying a career total of 203 SJI points and quiet in every way, she has also hunted with the Muskery hounds for four seasons.
CONNEMARA PONIES
Lot 98 Carrick Daisy, reg 4 yo gr f 14.0hh by Ard Ri Oisin out of Carrick Bliss (Robe Thunder Dun). Currently ridden by a 13-year-old, this well-related pony has clocked up 21 SJI points. She is a full-sister to the international jumping pony Monavaha Dolly (1.30m) and, with a quiet temperament, is showing all the attributes to make an excellent show jumper or eventer.
Lot 117 Barravalley Josie B, reg 6 yo dn m 13.2hh by Barravalley Jack out of Kilbrien Lass (Tulira Robuck). Another with a smart pedigree, Josie B is a half-sister to the multi European championship pony Barravalley Shadow and is a full-brother to Barravalley Magnum, who competed in the 148cm 6/7-year-olds in the RDS two years ago. Fully warranted, she has won 14 SJI points to date and has hunted with the Woodstown Harriers for two seasons.
Lot 120 Gleann Trasna April, reg 5 yo b m 14.2hh by Tra Bhain Ceileog out of Katie Elder (Robe Dark Knight). The Millstreet Young Irelander runner-up last year, this promising mare has now won 88 SJI points. Offered for sale by a regular sale-topping consignor, she carries Class 1 breeding on both sides of her pedigree and is described as a serious prospect for the future.
Wednesday
Lot 159 Bonmahon Liberation, reg 13 yo ch g 16.2hh by Ansiei out of Bonmahon Blondie (Temple Clover). A real schoolmaster with versatile form, this advanced event horse has competed to CCI4* level and in show jumping classes up to 1.30m to win 74 SJI points. Described as genuine and low maintenance, he is currently ridden by an amateur.
Lot 185 Belline Dignified Diplomat, reg 6 yo b g 16.2hh by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of Jenny Gee (Puissance). This horse competed in young event horse classes last year and has recently and successfully evented to EI 100 level. He is also show jumping at 1.20m and is described as a competitive all-rounder.
Lot 186 Let’s Not Talk, reg 9 yo b m 16.2hh by Carrera VDL out of Dreaming (Colin Diamond). A half-sister to the Breeders’ Classic winner and Lanaken representative Talks Cheap (1.45m), this well-related mare is a consistent performer to 1.20m level to win 154 SJI points. She is an ideal amateur’s ride and an obvious breeding prospect when her competition days are over.
Lot 210 Cashelbay Matthew, reg 6 yo gr g 15.2hh by Cashelbay Prince out of Cashelbay Saphire (Clover Echo). One for the show enthusiasts, Matthew has a wealth of experience. An exceptional ridden horse with outstanding paces, he was the reserve Ridden Horse Champion at Ardrahan Show earlier this season and was placed second in the Small Hunter class at the RDS last year. He was also crowned champion at Newmarket on Fergus and was a winner at Newcastle West.
Lot 267 Glen Uber Cool, 8 yo gr g 16hh by Kramer Diamond Clover out of Glen Primrose (Bellews Mate). A safe hunter, this gelding has hunted with the Leitrim and Sligo Harriers, carrying both the whip and the Master for the last four seasons. Described as an absolute gentleman, he will cross any country, is brave, honest and eager to please in the hunting field and at home.
Lot 316 Naspahr, reg 8 yo ch g 17hh by Gaspahr out of From Heidi (Andiamo Z). The ultimate all-rounder, Naspahr is a CCI2* event horse, who has also jumped to 1.25m level (13 SJI points). In addition, he was placed second in the Hunt Master Challenge in Punchestown.
Lot 341 Carrowgar Henry, 7 yo b g 16.3hh by Herald out of Equine Connect Munchie (Flagmount King). An eye-catching lightweight show hunter, Henry was placed at the RDS as both a three and four-year-old, and was placed third in his class last year. Said to always bring home a ribbon, he is an easy horse to produce and thought likely to make a great Working Hunter or amateur Eventer.
Thursday
OLDER HORSES
Lot 405 HIO Easter Rose, reg 6 yo gr m 16.2hh by Moylough Legacy out of Hio Mayo Rose (Clonakilty Hero). This fully-warranted Irish Draught was placed third in the performance Irish Draught class at RDS earlier this month, having finished sixth in the same class last year. Jumping clear on each occasion, she also took fourth spot in the Balmoral performance Irish Draught class.
Lot 408 Totally Dignified, reg 5 yo gr g 17.2hh by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of Cavalier Silver Joey (Cavalier Royale). An exciting individual, Totally Dignified was placed third in the middle/heavyweight hunter class at the RDS and won his RDS working hunter qualifier by 10 marks. Well-related, he is a half-brother to the Italian-based seven-year-old event champion Mr Paddington (CCI2*).
Lot 411 Glasdrumman For Sure, reg 5 yo ch m 16.2hh by Creevagh For Sure out of Bella B (Amiro M). The fully-warranted winner of 68 SJI points, this mare was leading SJI four-year-old last year. She also won the highly-competitive Young Event Horse Development class and qualified for and competed at Balmoral Show in 2026.
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS
Lot 518, Dourough Sister Act, reg 4 yo b f 16.2hh by Creevagh Ferro out of Tight Act (Hold Up Premier). A very well-related three-parts sister to Ireland’s European championship event horse Dourough Ferro Class Act and from a family full of show jumping blacktype. Described as a smart youngster with a big future, she is fully warranted and suitable for either discipline.
Lot 520 Rockrimmon Free Spirit, reg 4 yo ch g 16.2hh by Inisfree The Holy Grail out of Tullybraden Lady (Rockrimmon Silver Diamond). Crowned the four-year-old supreme champion at the Northern Ireland Festival this year, he was also well placed in the four and five-year-old performance class in Balmoral. He combines three correct, balanced paces with a willing attitude, and looks likely to make a top-class all-round competition horse.
Lot 527 Unnamed, reg 4 yo gr g 16.1hh by Lagans OBOS Quality out of Pirate Fairy (Cruising). Attractively-bred gelding, who counts this year’s Hamburg Speed Derby winner Carrigorsey (Comdt. Geoff Curran) as a half-brother, as well as the CCI3* event horse KBS Curious Quality. An athletic, highly-rated individual, he is currently competing in training shows.
Friday
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS
Lot 588 Caher Flyalot, reg 4 yo b g 16.3hh by Jorado out of Night Flyalot (Lancelot). A very well-related gelding, he is currently competing in training shows. Bred to perform, he is out of a half-sister to Queensway Royal (1.60m), as well as to the CCI4* event horse Night Quality.
Lot 620 Emerentia Z, reg 4 yo b f 16.2hh by Eldorado Van de Zesoek out of Dollar Lady (Million Dollar Van Het Schaeck). Winner of the Youngster Tour Final at Millstreet earlier this year, this promising filly has won 8 SJI points to date.
Lot 647 Hot To Go, 4 yo gr g 16.2hh by Kilmovee Lionhawk out of Welcome Rivie (Sir Rivie). An Irish Draught with plenty of mileage already, this gelding has been lightly hunted with the Kilkenny Foxhounds. He also qualified for the four-year-old working hunter final in the RDS this year and was placed fourth overall in the Punchestown performance hunter competition. He has a lovely willing attitude and can be ridden by a complete amateur.
Michael Donohoe & Sons
Address: Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
Telephone: 0599775145
Fax: 0599775541
Email: info@goresbridge.com
Web: www.irishhorse.com
Date: September 1st-9th 2026
WEEK ONE - September 1st-4th 2026
Time: 10.30am
Tuesday: Ponies (Lot 1-90) Connemara ponies: (Lots 91-158).
Wednesday: Horses: Five-year-olds and upwards.
Thursday: Five-year-olds and upwards and four-year-olds.
Friday: Four-year-olds
Total lots week one: 741 lots.
Top Lots - Week One 2025:
Older horses: Catherine Jackson Garrett’s Unnamed five-year-old mare by Glasgow Van’t Merelsnest (dam by Sandro Boy) €21,000.
Four-year-olds: Mary Kehoe’s Dromores Sun Shine, four-year-old gelding by WRS Sun Shine (dam by Diamond Discovery) €14,200.
Ponies: Dennis Collins’ Farmhill Molly, five-year-old 14.2hh mare by Kingstown Archies Boy (dam by Castleside Carrig) €16,000.