LOOKING back at the 2014 sales year, it is pleasing to report a generally optimistic outcome. The enduring demand for the Irish horse resulted in yet another increase in the number of overseas customers and their presence had a significant influence at every single fixture.

There was a glut of high returns across the age groups, although in many cases these were in line with 2013. While individual sale-toppers will always make the headlines, the 2014 sales figures revealed a welcome clustering of more balanced returns and a gradual increase for the middle market.