Imported horses dominated the top returns at Cavan’s Premier Three-Year-Old Sale last week, and while there were plenty of five figure prices, it was largely a sale of two halves. A selective trade contributed to an improved average of €13,155 (€12,504 in 2021) but the inconsistency of the demand lead to a rather modest clearance of 53% (54% in 2021).

Top Returns

Niall O’Doherty’s Zuperman Z, three-year-old colt by Zirocco Blue (dam by Cathino Z) €27,000.

Crosskeys Stables’ Gordon Cushla, three-year-old gelding by Ganesh Hero Z (dam by Candaletto) €23,000.

Mary Reynold’s O’Bailey, three-year-old gelding by Interest (dam by Indoctro) €21,000.

Gordon Hogan’s Unnamed gelding by Nixon Van Muelenhof (dam by Numero Uno) €21,000.

Helen Neary’s Diamond Candy Hill by Sligo Candy Boy (dam by Hill of Diamond.) €19,000.

Sale Topper

Not for the first time at the venue, the top honours fell to pin-hookers from Co Clare, and this time it was the turn of producer Niall O’Doherty to score. As the consigner of three well priced lots, the Ennis man enjoyed an evening to remember, but it was the colt Zuperman Z by Zirocco Blue (dam by Carthino Z) who stole the show at €27,000. The smart bay was sourced privately in Belgium last year, and secured by Curragh-based Fergal White, on behalf of his daughter Anna. “I thought he stood out amongst the others.” He commented afterwards, before revealing that top pony jumping rider Anna, who is the current national champion, will produce him for the age classes next year.

Prominent returns

As the vendor of the sole Irish-bred horse in the top four, Matthew McBreen of Crosskeys Stables received €23,000 for Gordon Cushla, a gelding by Ganesh Hero Z out of Andaletta Van’t Hoogeinde (Candeletto). A flashy grey, who was bought through the same sale ring as a foal, was bred by the Roundabout Stud in Castleblayney, and produced slowly with this sale in mind. He certainly appealed to Tom Dunne, who bid online to secure him for his daughter Annemarie. “We watched all the videos of him, and felt he was electric on the day.” Commented Annemarie, who produces young horses full-time from her home in Tullow, Co Carlow.

Returning to Ennis, the next best price of €21,000 was shared by two imported lots consigned by Gordon Hogan, together with his wife Mary Reynolds. The first of the duo was son of Interest, who was bought through a Belgian auction last year. The latter meanwhile, by Nixon Van Muelenhof (dam by Numero Uno), was also sourced from Belgium, but bought privately. Bidding by telephone, Greg and Austin Broderick were the successful buyers of the former, while the American-based show jumper Darragh Kerins accounted for the son of Nixon.

At €17,000 the accolade for the best filly fell to the Burke family’s homebred Coolparks Vivanco. Very well related, she is out of a full-sister to the Nations Cup event horse Coolparks Sarco (CCI4*L), who was the winner of the short format CCI4*-S at Blenheim last year.

Performance Sale

The clearance rate picked up significantly in Wednesday’s lively performance sale, and while it was a little less than twelve months ago at 72% (82% in 2021) the overall figures were boosted by a considerable increase in the average of €7,188 (€5,501 in 2021). Creditably, this was achieved with no major outlier, and was the result of an extremely solid and consistent trade.

Top Returns

Seamus Tighe’s Lough Scur Quality Lad, four-year-old gelding by OBOS Quality (dam by Shannondale Sarco) €13,000.

Jer Doran’s Tinraher Harry, six-year-old gelding by Harlequin du Carel (dam by Wooodland Boy) €12,500.

Sean Glynn’s Jamiroquai, eight-year-old gelding by Kannan (dam by Heartbreaker) €11,500.

Diane Irvine’s Le Nabab, six-year-old gelding by Nabab de Reve (dam by Topas) €11,000.

John Mulligan’s Tullyoan Shining Example, four-year-old gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (dam by Hillview Farm Superstar) €10,500.

Sale Topper

Carrying a strong and contemporary pedigree, Seamus Tighe’s homebred Lough Scur Quality Lad headed the returns at €13,000. A four-year-old, he was by OBOS Quality out of Lough Scur Sardiamond (Shannondale Sarco) and a full brother to Lough Scur Quality Lady (1.40m) who is presently jumping with Irish Army Capt. Charlene Kehoe. Nicely produced by John and Frank Mulligan, he looked well bought by Garristown based Katie O’Brien.

Older Stock

As usual, the older stock sold well, with Co Galway trader Niall Daly accounting for the top return at €12,500. This fell to the Jer Doran owned Tinraher Harry, a six-year-old gelding by Harlequin du Carel (dam by Woodland Boy) who had been produced throughout by Abigail Stafford.

Three-year-olds

Just one of the three-year-olds realised five figures, and at €10,000 this honour went to Joseph Burke’s homebred filly Coolpark Viva. Bidding remotely, British event rider Max Warburton picked up the tab for this one who, similarly related to a well-sold filly in the Premier sector, is a maternal sister to the Blenheim winning 4* event horse Coolparks Sarco.

Ponies

The morning session recorded an exceptionally strong pony trade, with the top price of €8,800 falling to Martin Curran’s smart Scooby Doo, a 148cms pony by the sport horse sire Radolin.