Prices from last Tuesday’s sale of young stock stood up adequately to the figures from 12 months ago. With many lots unsold, but later secured privately, the final returns revealed that 47% (45%) changed hands at an average of €2,215 (€2,224).

Sale topper

For the majority of breeders it was a hard day at the office, but not for Padraig Arthur, his colt by Sligo Candy Boy delivered the best price of €5,500. It is not the first time the stallion has headed the Cavan returns. The colt initially failed to reach his reserve, but was soon snapped up by Gabriel Tunney.

From an already proven family, he is out of Lux A Gonner (Lux Z), and a full sister to the 2017 RDS loose jumping champion Candy Rose.

Also impressing in the premier sector was Michael Bailey’s colt foal by Jaguar Van Paemel (dam by Clover Briagde). He was sold to John Cusack for €5,300.

One other lot broke the €5,000 mark. Johnathan Flynn’s two-year-old colt by Quasimodo easily returned the best price in the yearling and two-year-old sector when secured by Kenneth Feeney for €5,000.

The highest return for a filly foal was the €4,600 paid for Joe Allen’s foal by Zirocco Blue (dam by Cruising). She was one of four lots secured by Declan McGarry, who also parted with €4,500 for a colt by Emerald Van Ruyters (dam by Kannan). Kannan also sired a filly (dam by Master Imp) who was secured by John Haughey for €4,500. Demand for remaining foals was very inconsistent. Many breeders opted not to sell. For those who did, nearly half of the foals sold for €2,000 or less.

There was a poor uptake for the five brood mares who changed hands. Heading the quintet at a seemingly bargain price of €1,900 was a seven-year-old well-related mare by Vechta (dam by Porsch) who is due to foal to Vittorio.

Irish Draughts

Cavan figures revealed a significant plummet in the sector. Turnover and averages dropped despite increased entries delivering a poor 39% clearance rate.

The top returns went to the brood mares. Heading them was Denis Clynes’ three-year-old filly by Clonakilty Hero (dam by Kildalton Gold) who sold to Paul Maguire for €4,400.

A further three mares realised €3,100 apiece.

Top prices

Irish Draughts

• Denis Clynes’ three-year-old filly by Clonakilty Hero (dam by Kildalton Gold) €4,400.

• Martin Connors two-year-old filly by Mountain Diamond (dam by Shenendoah Prince Holly) €3,100

• Keith Buchanon’s seven-year-old mare by Windgap Blue (dam by Coille Mor Hill) €3,100.

• Patrick Kelly’s seven-year-old mare by Drumri (dam by Castana) €3,100.

Young stock and brood mares

• Padraig Arthur’s colt foal by Sligo Candy Boy (dam by Lux Z) €5,500.

• Michael Bailey’s colt foal by Jaguar Van Paemel (dam by Clover Brigade) €5,300.

• Johnathan Flynn’s two-year-old colt by Quasimodo (dam by Carambole) €5,000.