JASON Higgins' unnamed bay gelding topped the ninth running of the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale this evening. The three-year-old was the second lot on offer in the age group and he quickly gained the attention of buyers in the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey following two viewing days at Barnadown. He was sold for €59,000.

The gelding boosts a combination of proven bloodlines, he is by OBOS Quality 004 and is out the Ghareeb-sired Irish Sport Horse mare God Mother. He is a half-brother to the American based event horse SRS Picasso who is currently competing at CCI1*.

Three-years-olds proved in demand as the formidable bidding partnership of Richard Sheane and Oliver Townend got the division underway in fine style. The pair paid €45,000 for Kilnamac Croga. This dark grey gelding sold by C.S Stables is well-related, he is by Courage II and his dam is a full sister to Electric Cruise.

Lot 43, FMSH Highway, was another three-year-old break the €40,000 mark. Sarah Fenlon sold the Pointillise-gelding, who is from Brandon View Stud, for €46,000. His dam, Sallys Pearl, is a half-sister to international event horse Riocca and the Grade A 1.30m show jumpers Miss Diamond Imp.

Although a high percentage of the older horses offered at the sale changed hands, they failed to reach the prices set by previous years. Lot 1, MBF Hats Off, got the sale off to a good start. The six-year-old son of Pacino made €27,000.

Winner of the Master Class for five-year-olds at Kilguikey International Boleybawn Freedom was one of three lots to make €40,000. The son of Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet impressed under Sophie Richards. The five-year-old won at his only Eventing Ireland appearance in Grove and already has 12 Showjumping Ireland points.

Lot 5, Boleybawn Freedom, a five-year-old gelding by Dignified Van't Zorgvliet sold for €40,000 at the Go For Gold select event horse sale 2018 (Photo Tadhg Ryan)

There was disappointment for Stonehavens Pehills Cobra who left the ring unsold at €42,000. Marian Tighe sold her well-related Sligo Candy Boy filly Kiltubrid Candy for €40,000. The four-year-old is a half-sister to Kiltubrib Rhapsody who finished sixth with Sir Mark Todd at Badminton this year and also to Kiltubride Rebel who is competing at CCI1*.

The chesnut gelding Ballymoyle Pilot was the final lot to make €40,000. The four-year-old who has recorded two double clears at EI90 was sold by Jodie Skelton and Emma Hosey. Another four-year-old to impress was Jason Higgins and Mary Bolger’s Kilcannon Dude. The gelding by Tolan R made €35,000.

DON’T MISS MARGIE MCLOON’S FULL SALE REPORT AND ANALYSIS IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEK