THIS week’s three-day sale at Goresbridge delivered depth and quality across the age groups, resulting in a very strong trade in all sectors. At the close of business on Wednesday night, the overall clearance hit 76%, which, in light of the fact that the catalogue had ricocheted to well over double last year’s equivalent, was no mean achievement.

Despite the unprecedented success of the May edition, there was a natural uncertainty as to how trade would hold up with this vast increase in numbers. While the three-year-old figures did dip slightly there was a lively demand throughout, which led Goresbridge’s Martin Donohoe to comment: “The online medium has revolutionised the sport horse industry, and has opened access to the Irish sport horse to people all over the world. Even at the height of trade, to realise 69% clearance for the three-year-olds, and at this time of year, you have to be thrilled.”