Sales

Sally Parkyn

At the halfway stage in the Goresbridge eight-day renewal, a lively trade for older horses delivered some solid returns. Business was brisk throughout, and while the top prices fell short of last year, the overall figures stacked up well in comparison. Despite a muted sterling rate, British buyers were strong customers throughout and at the close of week one, the older stock produced a 64% clearance rate coupled with an average of €3,542 (€3,505 in 2015). A healthy 36 lots realised in excess of €5,000, while a further 28 sold for between €4,000 - €5,000.

Saturday’s trade for four-year-olds was less buoyant however, and as the quality on the ground was mixed, 54% changed hands, leading to a lowered average of €3,028 (€3,421).

Both sectors delivered a five-figure return, and heading these at €13,500 was David Corcoran’s much admired show jumper Green Street Elite. By Zandeur (KWPN), a son of Heartbreaker, the seven-year-old was bred by Michael Morrison in Co Mayo and sourced by his vendor some four years ago. In the interim, he had clocked up a very consistent record under Corcoran, together with a career total of 110 SJI points. He had impressed many pundits when showcasing prior to sale and it was this performance that confirmed his appeal for successful buyer Barry Kiernan of Aughamore House Stud. A regular follower of hounds, Co Longford-based Kiernan has now entered into show jumping ownership and revealed that the gelding will be partnered by Paraic Brady.

Although Saturday’s four-year-olds struggled to make an impact, Michael Ryan’s home-bred gelding by Olympic Lux proved a worthy sale-topper at €10,000. Selling as one of the last lots on Saturday evening, the gelding was the subject of a protracted dual before the hammer finally fell to British customer Rupert Nuttall.

Bidding by telephone, Nuttall was delighted to have secured the gelding, who is likely to be ridden by his international show jumping daughter Harriet. Among the others to make an impact was Barry Murphy’s five-year-old gelding by Quality Time. One of a number of greys to catch the eye, this smart individual was sourced as a yearling and produced by Co Wexford’s Jason Higgins. A real event type, he was the subject of a tight tussle for ownership, which eventually favoured British event horse owner Jan Prior at €8,400.

Also heading to England was Patricia Flynn’s five-year-old EMS Future Estrella by Mermus. Selling on Thursday afternoon, he attracted a wide range of buyers before he was knocked down to first time visitor Lucy Morgan for €8,400. Bred by Willie McElhinney and sourced by Flynn as a foal, the well related EMS Future Estrella is the first progeny out of EMS Eimears Pet by Loch Cruise. He is a half sibling to several graded performers including the Patricia Ryan-ridden event horse Brookpark Jazz. Jason Higgins was in the frame again, but this time as a buyer, when he accounted for Sven Hadley’s Espirit for €7,800. This well campaigned seven-year-old (by Namelus R) had clocked up 17 SJI points and under his vendor, had won three classes at Cavan last July. Higgins has several options open for this big horse but he may well be produced as an eventer.

four-year-olds

Sale-topper aside, trade for the remainder of the age group was patchy in the extreme. Prices fluctuated from three figures to five, and as always, mirrored the quality on offer.

There were a number of sales around the €6,000 mark, and notable among them were two lots knocked down to the northern-based Jazz horses. The first of the duo at €6,800 was Gemma Nagle’s home-bred filly by Brookfield Floating Lux (dam by Diamond Clover). Placed third in the Eventing Young Irelander at Millstreet 12 months ago, she is highly rated by new owner Martin Mellet who hopes she will become a real international show jumping prospect.

Earlier in the day, Mellet was also at ringside to secure Robert McCabe’s Currabawn Magnum by Kroongraaf for €6,600. This well related gelding is a half-brother to four graded performers, including the grade A show jumper Carnoneybridge Sister Kate.

PONIES

Trade for Wednesday’s session of ponies was moderate as the demand was inconsistent. Overall the figures illustrated that 54% changed hands, delivering an average of €2,541 and a top price of €5,400.

The competition ponies were undoubtedly the best sellers, and heading the session was Joan Dolan’s home-bred Kilpatrick Gwendoline. The six-year-old Connemara mare by Gwennic de Goariva (dam by Castleside JJ) was secured in the ring by Sligo-based show jumping producers Netherley Ltd.

Also selling well, Dale Adam’s grade A 128cms jumping pony Derravaragh Lily realised €4,000 as did Patsy McConnell’s eight-year-old Arkle Dun Dee by Moonlight Silver Shadow.