Sales

Sally Parkyn

Goresbridge staged the second renewal of their May Select sale of event horses last Monday. The small catalogue of just 25 lots (24 forward) attracted a number of high profile buyers, and ultimately produced a sale topping return of €23,000.

While this fell a little short of last year’s top price of €30,000 the overall figures delivered an improved clearance of 67%, while the sixteen lots that changed hands averaged €12,234.

SALE TOPPER.

Billy Daly’s well related son of Newmarket Venture had stood out on paper, and in flesh did not disappoint. Bred for the job, he is a full brother to the former British event team stalwart Annie Clover, who clocked up numerous wins at international level, and was a squad member at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The eye-catching bay performed well under Co Limerick producer DJ O’Sullivan, before selling to Irish event horse owner Michael McGrath. The ride will go to Co Cork Olympic rider Michael Ryan, who produced McGrath’s older campaigner Dromgurrihy Blue.

OTHER NOTABLES.

The sale also marked a good day for Co Waterford vendor Gerard Burke, whose two mares accounted for the next best returns. Realising €20,000 apiece, the first on offer was the Puissance-sired six-year-old Glidawn Heights who carried both eventing and show jumping form. Not over big, but showcasing well under Gemma Phelan, she was secured by Sussex eventing couple Howard and Lindsay Newitt.

A few lots later, Burke was back in the hot seat to see his smart Botanica International Stepping Stones league winner CSF Olympic Lucy come forward in the hands of Louise Codd. This well related daughter of Lancelot could follow either discipline, but will continue eventing in the hands of new owner, British international rider JP Sheffield.

Setting the ball rolling at Lot 2, Vincent Meaney’s gelding by Ars Vivendi sold well when realising €17,000. Although green for a six-year-old, he was a good sort and was knocked down to Canadian rider Melanie McJannet, together with Vernon D’Souza.

Another to impress, and selling for the same figure, was Martin Kilgannon’s very smart gelding Martin’s Master by Darco Night. Believed to be out of a thoroughbred dam by Over The River, the athletic five-year-old was the overall pick for many, and looked well very well bought by Bridget Speirs, mother of Irish Olympian Camilla.

Co Wexford producer Jason Higgins followed up his recent successes in the thoroughbred world, when his four-year-old by Jack Of Diamonds changed hands for €16,000. Kelly McCarthy Maine signed this docket for this tall grey, who will be campaigned by Canadian international Rebecca Howard. Others to make an impact included two from the Kiltealy yard of JJ Bowe, both of whom realised €12,000 The first was the four-year-old Harlassimo (by Harlequin du Carel) who was knocked down to agent Ned Cash, and selling as the final lot was a grey by Emperor Augustus, who was secured by a client of Shaun Parkyn.