IN contrast to the buoyancy of the previous day, Thursday’s sale of three-year-olds in Cavan was tough going for all involved. Although it was probably anticipated, the demand appeared weak and selective and as a result just 22 (41%) of the 54 lots forward changed hands. The average of €3,614 mirrored the overall trade, and possibly the quality on offer.

One standout however and, at a healthy €11,500, topping the day’s trading by a distance was Jackie Lee’s filly (Lot 239) by Grandorado TN out of the well-related dam Captain Emerald, by Emerald. Selling in the pre-selected ‘Showcase’ sector, the home-bred filly is out of a sibling to the Raphael Lee-ridden Kashino (1.50m) as well as to Rhonda (1.30m).

“She gave an exhibition of jumping,” said the Headford based vendor. “She was the stand out big time.” One who shared Lee’s opinion was the successful buyer Pauline McKeown from Cooly Hill Stables, Tandragee in Co Armagh.

Having spotted the filly in the catalogue prior to sale, and liking her even more in the flesh, McKeown will now break the filly and produce her next year.

Modest

Changing hands at a more modest €5,500 was Alan Winters’ gelding (Lot 253) by Womaniser out of Coolbaun Rose (Oh Carols Rebel). Liam Madden accounted for this one, while earlier in the day Glen Walker secured Darren Lavery’s OBL Tigello (Lot 22) for €4,400.

A very well bred filly, OBL Tigello is by the popular Livello out of Lauiaranta (Latour) who is a half-sister to the 1.40m performers Fabriano B and Gatsby.

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