Event riders from around the world gathered at the Amber Springs Hotel in Co Wexford last Tuesday, where the ninth renewal of the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale produced some glittering returns.

Run over two days, the fixture delivered a best ever clearance rate of 81% while the overall average was €20,510. This figure was achieved by the consistency and appeal of the sixty horses on offer.Six lots realised €40,000 or more.

Buyers were active for all age categories, with three-year-old trade proving particularly strong. At the end of a lively night, it was revealed that 86% of the age group changed hands, with an average of €19,220 as well as the sale topping return of €59,000.

Traditional and thoroughbred lines on at least one side of the pedigree proved popular among professional riders, who notably accounted for many of the top priced lots.

The shortened format, together with the slightly smaller catalogue was a successful move by the organisers. Speaking afterwards, an extremely upbeat Martin Donohoe commented. “It was a savage trade and as a result it’s the dawning of a new era for breeders. I’m delighted for them, and while not all made the big returns, it goes to prove once again that we have the market for the right individuals.”

Sale toppers

A three-year-old consigned by producer Jason Higgins’ topped not only his age group but the entire sale at an age group record price of €59,000. One of seven entries by the popular OBOS Quality, his obvious eventing credentials were boosted further by a predominantly thoroughbred dam’s line.

Bred by Michael Hutchinson out of God Mother (Ghareeb), the bay is a half-brother to American eventer SRS Picasso.He was a relatively recent purchase for Co Wexford based Higgins, and wowing the onlookers when showcasing earlier in the day, it came as little surprise the see the bidding ricochet up the scale. It steadied a little in the final stages before the hammer finally fell to British international eventer Sam Ecroyd.

It was a busy night for Ecroyd and his owners, who progressed to secure Brandon View Stud’s three-year-old FMSH Highway for €46,000. Knocked down to Trusted Accounts Ltd, this traditionally bred homebred is by the Slyguff Stud’s thoroughbred sire Pointilliste out of Sally Pearl (Carrick Diamond Lad).

Another three-year-old, CS Stables’ Kilnamac Croga, broke the €40,000 barrier. This well related son of Courage out of Kilmanac Sue (Cruising) was signed for by Oliver Townend and Richard Sheane at €45,000. The dam is a full sister to Joseph Murphy’s Olympic ride Electric Cruise. The gelding is by the same sire as Townend’s 2018 Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class.

Ridden horses

Ridden horses held their own, with the four-year-olds returning the night’s best average of €22,633 and the older stock concluding at €20,562.

Three realised €40,000 apiece, among which was Felicity Cousins’ highly rated five-year-old Boleybawn Freedom by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet. A winner of his only run under Eventing Ireland rules and also the Masterclass for young horses at the Kilguilkey international, he has looked impressive all year. He was snapped up Ireland’s WEG silver medallist Cathal Daniels.

Italian rider Stella Benatti signed for Marian Tighe’s much admired four-year-old filly by Sligo Candy Boy (dam by Lomabardo). Achieving the same return was Emma Hosey and Jodie Skelton’s Canadian bound four-year-old by Pappenheimer (dam by Nearly A Nose).

Round-up

Irish and international names were out in force, including Olympic medallist Michael Jung. Showing his liking for traditional and thoroughbred lines, the German star signed for Kilcandra Stud’s Kilcandra Ocean Power by BGS Ocean View (dam by Bonnie Prince) at €18,000 and Royal Trend, a three-year-old filly by Future Trend (dam by Cult Hero) for €8,000.

Emily King bought the well-produced MBF All In Time (by Emperor Augustus) for €30,000, while Irish international Sam Watson paid €25,000 for Sue Ryan’s traditionally bred gelding by Diamond Discovery.

British four-star rider Alexander Bragg and his owners were also active, signing for two lots, including Jason Higgins and Mary Bolger’s Tolan R sired Kilcannon Dude for €35,000.