TWO outstanding lots crowned a lively sale at Cavan last week, which delivered a healthy improvement in the returns. Realising €10,200 and €10,000 apiece, the duo stood out in a sale of mixed quality, but one that produced a very solid clearance of 75% (64% in 2016) together with an average of €2,909 (2,685).

The talking horse of the day was undoubtedly Keith Wilson’s sale-topping six-year-old (101) by the traditional sport horse stallion Diamond Chow out of a thoroughbred mare by Peacock. Sourced unbroken earlier in the spring, the gelding has come a long way in a short time and put on quite the best display of jumping seen at the sales in recent years. He demonstrated his scope, rideability and carefulness over a series of remarkably big fences, and was consistent throughout.

Predictably bidders were plentiful for this high class individual, but none could match the determination of successful buyer Jim Derwin. Allowing himself a wry smile, Derwin commented: “He looked very good – let’s hope he will look as good at home, and will be lucky.”

As the vendor, Carrickmacross-based trader Wilson was also smiling. “I bought him locally about three months ago,” he disclosed. “He had been lightly driven in long reins, but not a lot more. I knew from day one that he had an amazing jump and a good step to match. It’s a good price, I’m delighted, and I hope he will be lucky!”

Maintaining the momentum, Vincent Meaney’s attractive Cotton Kandy (110) by Peter Pan sold soon after to realise another good return of €10,000. A catalogue pick on paper, and well showcased under Olive Clarke, the Lucy Buchanan bred six-year-old is the winner of six SJI points to date. Well related, she is the second foal out of Lachain Kandy (Kannan), and a sibling is the up and coming show jumper Mermus Kandy.

Once again several buyers were in contention before the hammer fell in favour of Austrian customer Andreas Hofer. A former event rider, Hofer has now turned his attention to show jumping, and is a staunch supporter of the Irish horse.

Not for the first time at Cavan, ponies had a strong impact on the results. Heading the returns, and at €8,400 delivering the third best price overall was Albert O’Brien’s Sundance 111 (49). The winner of 33 SJI points, under O’Brien’s sons Mark and Alex, Sundance had been in the same home for three years.

“The boys are too tall for him now,” said the vendor. “He’s a very genuine, straight pony, who will jump off any stride.” Somewhat surprised to sign the docket was Co Down resident Richard Lyttle. Having called in at the venue on the off chance, and with no plans to buy, he bought the chesnut on an impulse.

“You could call it a spontaneous purchase,” he jested. “I saw him, I loved him and saw the potential. I’ve no idea as to immediate plans, but I think he’s a real one for the future, and we’ll produce him.”

Earlier in the session, Ciaran Nallon’s Connemara pony Bobby’s Son (21a) also sold impressively when knocked down to regular Swedish buyers A.P Horse AB for €7,200. The son of Bobbie Joe had racked up 70 SJI (49 recorded) points to date and according to Nallon, “is a beautiful, straight pony who will go on.”

Although the quality of the stock was very mixed, trade was solid and very competitive for the better individuals. Not all were sold at first offering however, and one that changed hands privately was Breda Mulcahy’s seven-year-old Cian’s Boy by Cavalier Two For Joy. Another pre-sale selection, Cian’s Boy had been placed in his only two events under Eventing Ireland rules, and looked well bought by Yorkshire dealer Graham Sugden for €7,600.

Staying with performance horses, Darragh Ryan’s useful show jumper Cara Clem (96) had showcased well before selling to Ronan McLoughlan for €6,300. The Co Donegal buyer had been told about him prior to the sale and on viewing, he liked the breeding, the mind and the type.

“I’ve always a good outlet for that type of horse,” he said afterwards. This high class performer competed in the Millstreet Spring Tour earlier this year, and is a half-brother to the approved stallion and 1.50m Grand Prix show jumper Cara Touche. “He’s loads of potential, and a fine example of a Luidam,” remarked the vendor.

Ponies included, 20 lots overall realised €4,000 or more. With only one exception, all hailed from the older sectors, and once again demand for the younger stock was poor.

At €5,900, Robert Frazer’s gelding (144) by OBOS Quality (dam by Abdullah) headed four-year-olds by quite a margin, while a three-year-old roan filly by Loughehoe Guy (dam by Flagmount King) topped her age group at €2,600.