TRADE buyers dominated the proceedings at Cavan last week, where a workmanlike sale produced a solid set of returns. As prices clustered well, six lots realised in excess of €10,000, and although the figures were somewhat back on those from 12 months ago, demand was lively for the right individual.

The call for hunters and quiet riding horses was particularly strong, and it was interesting to note that five of the top seven returns fell to traditionally bred stock. A smaller catalogue, and an unusually large number of withdrawals may have been significant in the final figures, which closed with a 67% (77% in 2022) clearance together with a still healthy average of €5,942 (€6,744).

Sale-topper

Heading the renewal at €12,100 was Patrick Kennedy’s Easy Venture (Lot 65), a six-year-old home-bred mare by the highly rated Pollux de Muze out of Multi Venture (Newmarket Venture). She is the fourth and final progeny of the dam, who was a useful performer under Eddie Byrne. This mare has been produced throughout her career by John Mulvey and, competed to date, has clocked up five SJI points from just a few outings.

“It was always the plan to produce and sell her, and she’s a quality mare and a good one,” said Kennedy, whose company Kennedy Equi Products are the designers and manufacturers of the Easy Stud Kits. There was plenty of activity at ringside for this lot, but none of the potential buyers were as determined as Jim Derwin who, accounting for just one further lot, signed the docket at €12,100.

Older stock

The traditionally bred lots punched well about their weight, and first big return from a prominent selection of sale-toppers, went to Eoin O’Brien’s well related gelding OBL Pointilliste (Lot 79). Changing hands for a very respectable €11,200, the five-year-old event type had been sourced through the same sale ring nearly two years ago, and in the interim had been quietly produced by his owner, together with his wife Lorna and brother-in-law Darren.

A catalogue pick on paper, the gelding is by the Slyguff Stud’s thoroughbred sire Pointilliste out of the well related Leestone Vella Imp (Ballinvella). Bred by the late Brendan McChesney, the dam is a half-sister to the jumpers Leestone Du Reve (1.45m) and Leestone Emerald Queen (1.30m) and while this one is predominantly jumping bred, he is likely to head down the eventing route with Reading-based trader James White.

He was one of five lots snapped up by White, who commented afterwards: “I think trade is back a little from where it was. There were not so many horses here, but there were some nice ones. Trade at home is ticking over nicely, and while it might have quietened for the general horses, there is still plenty of money around for the nice one.”

Earlier in the proceedings, Alison Porter’s GHS Step in Time (Lot 49a) was knocked down to Co Sligo producer Tiernan Gray for €11,000. One from the supplementary catalogue, this experienced campaigner had a career total of 41 SJI points under Eric Smith and, bred by Leanne Marshall, is by Van Gogh out of the thoroughbred-sired GHS Demore Hill (Saracen Hill). Tyrone Flanagan was in the saddle to showcase this one, who was only for sale as she is too big for her young owner.

Alison Porter's GHS Step In Time (Lot 49A) told to Sligo's Tiernan Gray for €11,000 at Cavan Sales \ Cavan EC

Demand was also strong for small horses, and one that stood out was Joseph Keegan’s Supreme Meadow (Lot 87), a chesnut mare by Tommy Supreme out of Dunbeggan Hunting Lady (Huntingfield Rebel). Standing just 158cms, and described as an ideal mother and daughter share, this traditionally bred Irish Draught-sired mare had hunted for a full season with the Leitrim Harriers. Bought as a two-year-old, she sadly didn’t grow enough for her Co Roscommon owner to keep to hunt, but looked well bought at €10,600 by Lancashire dealer and long time Cavan supporter Peter Pimbley.

Also selling well at €10,000 was Niamh Ryan’s similarly sized Molly (Lot 54), a seven-year-old Irish Draught mare by Windgap Blue out of Lisballard Eibhlis (Huntingfield Rebel). Described as an honest type, she was knocked down to Matt Mackley and Eddie Ahearne.

Niamh Ryan's Molly (Lot 54), a seven-year-old Irish Draught mare by Windgap Blue fetched €10,000 at Cavan Sales \ Cavan EC

Four-year-olds

Topping the age group at €10,200 and from the 21 that changed hands was Frank Redmond’s traditionally bred filly (Lot 118a), by Rebel Mountain out of Derry Lass by Political Merger. She was bought last year and backed by her owner, before going to Finn O’Gara (OG Sport Horses) to produce for the sale. “She had a great temperament and was easy to do in every way,” remarked O’Gara. “It’s nice to see these horses getting the money they deserve.”

Never far from the ringside, James White also accounted for the attractively bred Moveen Connie (Lot 110a), a gelding by Rehy High Society out of Moveen Akbar (Akbar). The Reading man paid €9,000 for this one who was another from the supplementary sheet, and is ready to produce on.

Three-year-olds and pony trade

Just four of the age group changed hands, and with prices ranging from €3,200 to €6,000, the top honours fell to Fiona Smith’s unnamed gelding (Lot 123) by Colandro out of Dervor Pride (Crosstown Dancer).

Unusually for the venue, the pony trade was modest. One who did buck the trend however was Bernard Reynolds’ unnamed 148cms four-year-old filly (Lot 117) by Sligo Candy Boy. Secured by Midlands buyer Kenneth Rush, he was knocked down for €8,000.

Bernard Reynolds' four-year-old 148cm filly by Sligo Candy Boy (Lot 117) fetched €8,000 at Cavan Sales on Wednesday \ Cavan EC

Top lots

Patrick Kennedy’s Easy Venture, 6yo mare by Pollux de Muze (dam by Newmarket Venture) €12,100.

Eoin O’Brien’s OBL Pointvilla, 5yo gelding by Pointilliste (dam by Master Imp) €11,200.

Alison Porter’s GHS Step In Time, 8yo mare by Van Gogh (dam by Saracen Hill) €11,000.

Joseph Keegan’s Supreme Meadow, 5yo mare by Tommy Supreme (dam by Huntingfield Rebel) €10,600.

Frank Redmond’s Unnamed, 4yo mare by Rebel Mountain (dam by Political Merger) €10,200.

Niamh Ryan’s Molly, 7yo mare by Windgap Blue (dam by Huntingfield Rebel) €10,000.