Recording-breaking price paid for Zirocco Blue filly in Goresbridge

The atmosphere at Goresbridge was electric on Saturday night when a young filly foal by Zirocco Blue realised €35,000. It was the best price ever recorded for a foal at the venue, and came on a day which saw a further three five-figure returns.

While the sale topper crowned the two-day fixture, the final figures illustrated a steady upturn in trade from 12 months ago. Both the clearance of 58% (55% in 2020) and the average €3,309 (€2,948) were up slightly from 2020.

On another positive note, 22 lots made in excess of €5,000 in comparison to 15 in 2020.

The sale was as always somewhat two-tierd – divided into those with black type performance pedigrees and others aiming for different markets. Breeders whose foals featured top end pedigrees reaped the rewards, and while those at the lower end may have been a little disappointed, there were no shortage of customers. The middle market appeared tough at times as, according to the pundits and the pin hookers, “the blood-type foal everyone is trying to buy is scarce”.

The market for fillies with up-to-date performance pedigrees was especially strong, and while the demand for thoroughbred-sired foals was fairly weak, there were some smart exceptions.

As is usual, the sale was conducted both online and in-house, and although the former was influential in boosting some prices, the vast majority of foals were snapped up by buyers in attendance.

Sale Topper

The Tuam, Co Galway-based Connolly family have long featured among the best of the professional breeders, and they certainly struck the jackpot when their filly foal CSF Willow by Zirocco Blue out of CSF Telly Cruz (Cruising) sold for the record-breaking sum of €35,000. The young filly, who as a late foal was born in August, is a half-sister to several top performers including the Anne and Mary Gannon owned eight-year-old CSF James Kann Cruiz (1.50m).

In a fortuitous piece of timing, the latter had just been sold to Shane Sweetnam for a reputed six-figure sum, making an already stout pedigree even more commercial.

As expected, bids came thick and fast, and once on the market at €22,000 they gradually lessened to just two determined buyers. Eventually, and unsurprisingly, the final bid fell to the recent vendors of James Kann Cruz.

Speaking afterwards, Longford-based Anne Gannon commented: “We had been to see the filly before the sale – we liked the breeding, we loved her model and were determined to buy her. She will be stored to produce under saddle.”

As the vendor, Patrick Connolly was delighted, saying: “Its just brilliant. Timing is everything and it worked which is lovely.”

Notables

Local breeder Pat Kehoe had a rewarding day when his two offerings realised €14,000 and €9,400 apiece. First up was a filly by Carrera VDL out of ABC Saving Grace by Kannan. The dam is a half-sister to the top international jumper ABC Quantum Cruise (1.60m), as well as to the younger ABC Private Jet (1.45m) and ABC Caruso (1.40m). The former was knocked down to Co Wicklow show jumping owner Michael Connole, while the latter was snapped up by an Irish-based cash customer.

Kells, Co Meath-based Donal Callery and family were another operation to enjoy a successful day, and heading their consignment at €10,400 was Cookstown Rock n Roll, a filly by Rock n Roll Ter Putte out of Cookstown Lux Good (Lux Z).

Event owner Patricia Heffernan signed the docket for this eye-catcher, who will eventually go eventing with rider James O’Haire.

As the fillies continue to impress, Anna Dillon’s AKD Elle Divine looked well bought at €10,400. A well presented daughter of Emerald Van’t Ruytershof, out of AKD Luxurious by Lux Z, this filly is heading to Co Clare with pin hooker Alanna Morgan.

Summing up

The divide between the continental pedigrees and the more traditional, thoroughbred bloodlines shows no sign of lessening, but one thoroughbred-sired lot to buck the trend was Charlie Carter’s colt by Jack The Robin. Selling for a respectable €7,400 he was secured by Trade Horses Ltd.

Another by the same sire realised €3,600 while the best of the remaining thoroughbred-sired lots were three Pointilliste foals who changed hands for €3,400, €3,250 and €3,200 respectively.