“WE were absolutely delighted with the trade last Thursday and Friday,” said Ed Donohue at the conclusion of the Goresbridge May Sport Horse Performance Sale. “There was a phenomenal crowd of buyers from all over the UK and Europe, and it was really active. Thursday, which was the five-year-olds, was an incredible day’s trading: huge crowds and huge activity, with an 82% clearance rate and an average price just short of €7,500. For older horses, that was extremely satisfying.

“On Friday, we expected that to be well back, and it wasn’t. The clearance rate among the four-year-olds was 78% with an average price of €6,630, and the clearance rate for the three-year-olds was 79%. Traditionally, at this time of year, the three-year-old trade wouldn’t be great because there would only be the lesser ones put forward, so that really augers well. It was as good a week’s trading as we’ve had at Goresbridge in recent years.