CONNEMARA Pony Sales’ inaugural Special Sale of breeding mares took place at the sales complex in Clifden last weekend, to coincide with the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society’s annual Spring Weekend. The catalogue devoted two pages to each lot, and was limited to 40 entries of Class I mares with proven breeding histories; either in foal, with a foal at foot or having previously foaled.

Of the 17 mares presented, eight sold, and the top lot was Jackie Hockley’s Lady Dexter. A 16-year-old proven broodmare by Dexter Leam Pondi and sold in foal to Carnakilly Mac Guire, she realised €8,200 when sold to Karol Scollan. Kevin and Mary Whelan’s Dawn’s Melody, in foal for the first time to Glencarrig Knight, was purchased by Carole Hill for only a fraction less at €8,000.