PATRICK Connolly’s smart filly foal by Zirocco Blue was the standout lot at Cavan last Thursday where, selling at €8,000, she was one of five individuals to realise €5,000 or above. Demand for the quintet was lively, but these few aside, Thursday was otherwise a tough day for breeders, where following the familiar country-wide pattern, buyers were slow to commit.
Looking at the returns, just 42% of the 98 lots forward changed hands - a figure which equalled that from 12 months ago. The average was less satisfactory, slipping disappointingly to €2,520 (€3,275 in 2024).
Sale topper
The Tuam-based Connolly family have built up a high-class herd of broodmares and, choosing the covering sires wisely, they are more than holding their heads above the water. Overall they have enjoyed another good year, and were delighted to see their CSF Zaylee (Lot 246) head the figures at €8,000.
“I really liked this filly,” said Connolly. “I said before the sale that if I wasn’t getting a good price for her I would take her home. I thought she was a very nice foal in every way, and every time she stands, she stands well.”
Reflecting on the year, Connolly added: “Not all days are good days, but I think this year is trickier than ever and there will be fewer mares covered next season.”
Hailing from a young family, the filly is the first foal out of the three-year-old CSF Megan, whose own dam (by Cornet Obolensky) is a full-sister to CSF Ballsbridge (1.35m) and also from the family of WCE Cruco (1.60m), WCE Falco (1.50m) and CSF Elmo (1.35m) etc.
Bidding by telephone, this eye-catcher was secured by Irish international show jumper Jordan Coyle and will eventually be bound for America.
Notable
Realising just €200 less than the sale topper, James Keane’s colt (Lot 248) by Baloutaire PS was secured by an Irish cash customer at €7,800. Imported in utero from Holland, the colt is by the Oldenburg-registered Baloutaire PS (Balou de Rouet) out of Casslanda VDH (Cassini 1). The dam has already bred Carlando PS (1.40m) and, beautifully bred, is a sibling to a litany of 1.50m horses and a full-sister to Quite Zero (1.60m) and Casiro 1 (1.60m).
Lot 248, a colt foal by Baloutaire PS made €7,800 at the Cavan November youngstock sale
Keane, who breeds from five mares at his home on the Roscommon border, was happy enough with his return, as was Catherine Egan, whose son of Another Pleasure changed hands for €5,600. Knocked down to Sam Spencer, the latter is out of Maryville Damerthal (Amaretto Darco) and has already enjoyed a successful showing career.
He had headed his class at Moate show, and was placed runner-up at Scarriff. Carrying a smart damline, he is from the blacktype family of Lupo 114 (Zandor RV) (1.60m), Maserati (1.60m), Santa Rosa Valery (1.60m) and VDL Orestus (1.60m).
Always a strong supporter of the venue, Jackie Lee sold well when his Diarado-sired colt (Lot 245) realised €5,500. Co Carlow pinhooker Jodie Skelton, together with his eventing/veterinary surgeon wife Emma Hosey, signed for this smart sort who will be stored to produce as a three or four-year-old.
“He was a bit small, but he could really move, had a great presence and a savage pedigree,” said Skelton. “Emma loved him and was determined to have him and we’re looking forward to seeing how he turns out.” Bred to perform, the colt was out of the 1.30m jumping mare Cullen Aphla (Courage) and is already a sibling to Hold Up (1.50m), ridden by Jane Arnett, as well as MBF Mandino (1.45m) and D Cullen Dominator Z (1.40m).
Showman Dessie Gibson is one of the most astute spotters in the business and standing out among the two lots he secured was Sean Healy’s colt (Lot 227) by Guidam out of Unas Song, by Sandro Boy. Gibson paid €5,000 for this smart sort, before securing the colt Woodville Supreme (Lot 256), by Castlefield Kingston, for €4,000. Already a winner in the show ring but bred for competition, the colt is out of Gracie Heart, by Gracieux.
There were plenty of bargains to be had in the lower ranks but, disappointingly for breeders, over half of those sold realised €2,000 or less. With stallion fees and veterinary costs soaring, harsh decisions will have to be made.
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