ALTHOUGH the country may be deep into Covid-19 anxiety, there was a welcome burst of optimism at Goresbridge where, much to the delight and possible surprise to connections, this week’s renewal delivered some of the strongest returns in recent years.

Trade sizzled like the weather, as the averages, clearance and turnover exceeded those of last year by a distance. “It was quite incredible, and probably the best two day trading we have ever had,” stated a delighted Martin Donohoe. “We had serious averages which, according to the feedback from the buyers, was due to a particularly smart bunch of horses.”