WEDNESDAY’s edition was highlighted by an impressive standout lot at €12,500, but overall, the trade was notably two-tier. The smartly bred correct foals were, as always, hard to buy, and while the sale-topper helped to boost the average to €3,516 (€2,733), the clearance dipped significantly revealing that just 44% (66% in 2019) of those forward changed hands.

One happy vendor however was Sligo breeder Thomas Dowd, whose colt by Sligo Candy Boy headed the day’s business by a distance at €12,500. A well grown individual, he is out of Highfield Curly Sue by Chacoa, while the grandam was by the influential Diamond Serpent. He is the second foal out of the mare, who is a half -sister to the Italian-ridden show jumper Theodore (1.25m). The buyer was Oxfordshire-based Johnny Hornby, who showing his liking for the sire snapped up three during the session. Hornby, who is a well-known businessman in the UK, is a keen amateur event rider and bought Fernhill Candy Boy, his first horse by Sligo Candy Boy, some years ago.