STAGED a few weeks earlier than in previous years, next Thursday’s one-day fixture at Cavan offers a wide variety of performance stock, ponies, proven hunters and well-related three- and four-year-olds. The catalogue of just 112 lots may be modest in size but it makes up for it in the solid quality of its content.A number of those on offer have graded form, while there are several warranted hunters with a wealth of mileage over any country. The collection of ponies is also attractive with schoolmasters and potential performers catching the eye.

Looking at the stallion lists, Vivant Van de Heffinck clearly leads the way with five lots forward, while Beach Ball is represented by three.

Ponies

Lot 5 Blakeneys Bonnie, reg 6yo gr m 128cm (no recorded breeding). Described as a future top class jumping pony. Bonnie has already clocked up 60 SJI points to date. Showing an endless amount of scope, she has also hunted and schooled across country.

Lot 6 Templemartin Cadhla, reg 6yo b m 143cms (no recorded breeding). A genuine all rounder for any child, this six-year-old has won six SJI points in 90cms classes. Showing the potential to progress further, she has attended pony club, has hunted and will happily hack alone or in company.

Lot 15 Millie Mini Moo, reg 8yo gr m 136cms (no recorded breeding). One from the intermediate height group, Millie Mini Moo is a competitive pony with 30 SJI points. Only for sale as her rider has now outgrown her, she has a good record with placings at Cavan, Mullingar, Killossory and Ballivor. A fun pony to ride, she competed in the pony club Robbie Bailey team last year, has attended camps and enjoys to hack.

Lot 18 SNS Melody, reg 8yo pbd m 128cms (no recorded breeding). One of the standouts from a regular sale-topping consigner, this smart grade A jumping pony is described as a clear round machine. The winner of 553 SJI points, she would make a serious under 10 competitor and in addition has hunted and cross-country schooled.

Competition horses

Lot 31 Priestown Romano, reg 8yo b g 170cms by Romanov out of Wendoliene (Darco). A versatile individual with 41 SJI points in classes up to 1.10m, Romano is also well-hunted.

Lot 38 CE Alfred, reg 7yo b g by Cobra 18 out of Cascum Dido (Shannondale Sarco). This attractively-bred gelding is currently competing at 1.10m level and is the winner of 49 SJI points. Showing the capability to progress further, he has three good paces and is described as being a pleasure to own. He is forward-going and powerful, so he is thought better suited to a capable rider.

Lot 50 Vivantalicious, reg 6yo b g 165cms by Vivant Van de Heffinck out of Lux Sophia (Lux Z). A high class gelding with a smart pedigree together with nine SJI points Vivantalicious has competed to 1.10m level. Although not suitable for a novice, he has schooled well across the country and rides well on the flat.

Lot 51 Corraghoe Goal reg 6yo b g 160cms by Sillian Lux out of Corraghoe Soft Step (Creevagh Ferro). This fully warranted gelding has competed to 1.25m level with a junior girl winning 42 SJI points. Snaffle-mouthed and schooled well on the flat, he could excel in eventing or show jumping.

Lot 66 Holly Mosstown, reg 5yo b m 160cms by Vivant Van De Heffinck out of Holly Castleforbes (Contact Van De Heffinck). A well-related mare whose dam competed at international level up to 1.45m with Robert Harrison, and who also represented Ireland in the under age European championships at Millstreet with Robyn Fagan. This mare has been professionally schooled and is showing great potential.

Hunters

Lot 28 Tenelick Candy Girl, reg 10yo bl m 168cms by Sligo Candy Boy out of Dernahatten Dusk (Golden River).

Having carried the Master for five seasons, this mare will cross any country. Very well used in all respects, she is fit and ready to go.

Lot 34 The Dunner, reg 8yo dn/b g 170cms by Classiebawn Hughs Promise (Connemara). Believed to be out of an Irish Draught mare, this gelding has hunted for four seasons. He has turned out with two different packs and has crossed all types of country and, described as a dream horse in every way, he has been in the same ownership since a three-year-old.

Lot 36 Forans Shannon Hill, reg 7yo gr m 162cms by Master Rivie out of Holly Hill Aine (Shenandoah Prince Holly). A full Irish Draught, this is a very flashy individual with three good paces. A careful brave jumper, she has hunted for three seasons with the Ward Union hunt and Fingal Harriers and competed in the RDS Irish Draught performance qualifiers as a four and five-year-old. She has also competed in pony club activities, has hunter trialled, show jumped and been shown.

Lot 46 Katie, reg 6yo ch m 16.2hh (no recorded breeding). This straightforward mare has hunted for two seasons, has hunter trialled and competed at training shows. Fully warranted, she hacks out confidently alone and in company, is a straightforward, fun all-rounder who is thought ideal for someone to enjoy hunting, riding club activities, show jumping or hacking.

Four-year-olds

Lot 77 Crosstown Azzure, reg 4yo gr f by Quality Time out of Crosstown Skylight (Ard VDL Douglas). A well-bred filly whose Grade A show jumping dam jumped to 1.40m level. Only just broken but looking to have plenty of potential.

Lot 79 Lyncourt Lady, reg 4yo b f 161cms by Bernhard out of Nesika Du Courel (Veneur Du Marais). A well-produced filly, who is thought ideal for the age classes at the RDS next year. She has already attended venues including Cavan and the Barnadown Premier Grand Prix Show, where she confidently jumped everything asked of her.

Lot 83 Shanaclough Valet, reg 4yo b f 165cms by Vivant Van De Heffinck out of Shanaclough Atomic (OBOS Quality). Well related, the dam is a sibling to the versatile Shanaclough Contadora (1.50m) who won a World Cup qualifier under Kenki Sato (Japan) as well as representing Ireland at Le Lion d’Angers. Another sibling is the event horse Shanaclough Carmen (CCI3*).

Lot 86 Junior reg 4yo b g 170cms by Dallas VDL out of Cruisings Carol (Harlequin du Carel). Hailing from a stout dam line, this gelding is a half sibling to several international show jumpers and event horses including Russels Style (1.45m) Ballyknock Vivendi Blaze and Fernhill Lucky One.

Three-year-olds

Lot 99 Pokemon CK, reg 3yo b g 170cms by Poker De Mariposa out of Roadstown Equality CK (Quality Time). Bred to be a top performer, this gelding is a brother to two up-and-coming jumpers, namely Marius CK (1.40m) and the six-year-old Milly CK (1.30m).