Business remained strong across the board at Goresbridge last week, where the three-day renewal closed with a set of returns just short of emulating the impressive trade of 12 months ago.

What was a little more unusual however, was that the top figures fell to such a variety of stock, as competition horses, ponies, cobs, three-year-olds and hunters were all among the five figure returns.

Such was the demand, the commercial buyers had to dig deep in their efforts to outbid a cosmopolitan band of private customers, many of whom came out on top.

Looking at the figures, a total of 24 lots made in excess of the €10,000 benchmark, with the overall figures closing at a steady 68% (69% in 2023) together with an average of €5,768 (€6,297).

Both these figures were considerably higher on the opening two days, but were let down by a mixed three-year-old session on the final day.

Sale topper

At €18,500, Tuesday’s sale of Claire Nulty’s six-year-old imported show jumper Nuet set the yardstick for the week, and was never headed.

Jointly owned by Nulty together with his regular rider Killian Browne, the Dutch import had clocked up 63 SJI points over the past few months and, currently jumping at 1.25 – 1.30m level, was an immediate prospect.

A son of Don Diablo HX out of Chille Dansa (Quick Lauro Z), he was finally secured by British international show jumper and producer Alex Bishop.

Four-year-olds

Wednesday’s session of four-year-olds delivered a 71% clearance accompanied by a healthy average of €6,950. Professional producers reaped the better rewards, as local consigners Jodie and Jerry Skelton landed the top return at €18,000.

Sourced through the same sale ring as a foal, the James Casey bred Borris Chacoa Time was by Chacoa out of First Time (Lancelot) and knocked down to a British eventing (Cash) customer.

Another stand out was Declan McGarry’s homebred grey filly MCG Cornet who changed hands at €15,500. Well related, by Glynwood Cornet out of Carrow Kannan, she looked well bought by British international event rider Max Warburton.

Five-year-olds and upwards

Statistically peaking the age groups (73% and €6,718), trade for older horses was lively from the get go.

Having already secured the sale topper, Alex Bishop was back at ringside to add the MBF Sporthorses and Higgins Sport Horse’s owned five-year-old Ballyshan MBF Louvre (by Paris Blue Merelsnest) for €16,500.

Demand was also very competitive for the smaller individual, and one to catch the eye was Ailish Osborne’s six-year-old Charlie, a well related gelding by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of the good brood mare Arina (Crown Z).

A sibling to five international horses, he was knocked down to British event horse owner Sallyanne Egginton for €15,500.

Three-year-olds

As can be the norm for this time of year, the market for three-year-olds was decidedly two tier. However, there was strong demand for the right article and standing out at €14,500 was Michael O’Sullivan’s gelding by Mr Quincy B out of Wineport Supreme (Courage 11).

Michael Meehan’s homebred Noreway Forever by Lagans OBOS Quality out of Noreway Western (Lux Z) was another good sort and realised €12,000.

Reflecting the quality on offer, the age group figures closed with a 58% clearance, which was well back on last year (75%) but up on 2022, together with a similar average of €4,214 (€4,283).

Ponies

The ponies delivered a very positive clearance of 75% (51% in 2023) accompanied by an improved average of €4,702 (€4,283).

Three made in excess of five figures, the best of which at €11,500 was Liam O’Connor’s five-year-old Rooka Fionn, a Connemara by I Love You Melody out of Windy City (Oisin).