THE further relaxation of Covid-19 protocols saw many potential purchasers make a physical return to the sales ring in Mullingar last Saturday but, on a day of strong trade, they had to work hard to repel those bidding online.

Some 98 lots (over 80% of those forward) changed hands with the average of €4,400 being 3% up on the March sale at the Co Westmeath venue. In a first for Mullingar Horse Sales, two lots were sold online to the United States headed by Rathcoona Paddy (Lot 139) who was purchased for the joint-top price of €8,200 by New Hampshire’s Kati McCormack Amarantes.