FOR the second consecutive year, an offering by the Co Waterford Toomey/Power equine breeding families headed the three-year-old figures at Goresbridge Sales last week. Selling for a healthy €25,000 on the final day, the big chesnut gelding by Conthargos was one of 13 lots to smash the five-figure barrier and contributed to yet another hike in the returns. Of course, and as always, there was a disparity in the quality on offer, but the busy few days produced an annual improvement in every numerical sector. This led to a clearance of 65% (62% in 2020) together with an average of €5,265 (€4,770) and a three-day turnover of €1,210, 900 (€1,025,550).

Looking back over the week, the team at Goresbridge were upbeat, and especially Mary Frances Donohoe, who has worked hard to set up the online platform. “It has been encouraging to see the number of vendors that have taken on board the importance of producing quality online videos,” she said. “The videos are now showing a vast improvement both in terms of turnout and presentation, whereas those who haven’t done so have reaped the lesser rewards. It has been a massive amount of work for everyone – and particularly for the vendors, but it’s now proven that it’s so worthwhile.”