The strong demand for show jumping-bred foals showed no sign of abating at Cavan last week, where a son of Emerald van’t Ruytershof headed the young stock figures at €8,500. Consigned by Heather Wright, the well-related colt was the standout lot of the day and contributed to a much-improved average price of €2,062 (€1,687 in 2014).

There was a lively trade for commercially bred foals, although this was offset by selectivity elsewhere. As a result, just 29 of the 72 lots forward changed hands, leading to a dip in the clearance to 40% (54% in 2015).

The sale-topping Ard Emmerdale was knocked down to Sligo producer Brian O’Malley. Carrying exceptionally stout bloodlines, the dam Sadina (by Voltaire) had been sourced in England and was already responsible for breeding the international show jumpers Adinus 11 PP and the American-based Wudino. She carries the highest KWPN predicate award and is from the direct line of the successful show jumping stallion Padinus.

Trade remained solid for the better-bred foals. Nearly half of those on offer realised in excess of €2,000, including the €4,000 purchase of James Meade’s Sea Role, a colt by OBOS Quality (dam by Condios. Hailing from a proven event dam line, this colt was snapped up by event horse producer Donal Lynch, while a few lots later Trevor Badger (Bridge House Stud) secured Philip McCaul’s colt for €3,700.

The latter is one of the first crop of foals by Clem McMahon’s young jumping stallion Pollux de Muse, out of the show jumping Drumcall Penny (Hermes de Reve).

Gaining the top filly price at €3,400 was Stephen Reilly’s Creevyquinn Jazz, by Freeman VDL, out of Samenta (Monaco). Carrying a solid European pedigree, this foal was knocked down to well-known event horse producers Douglas Horses.

IRISH DRAUGHT STOCK

There was a lively and renewed interest in the Irish Draught stock and although the figures were a far cry from those seen a few years ago, the returns illustrated that a solid 75% (71% in 2014) changed hands and, positively, the average increased to €1,536 (€1,138).

It was also pleasing to see a healthy number of overseas buyers at Cavan, among which was leading buyer Ann Towe from Stourport in England, who accounted for three lots, including G Judges’s two-year-old filly Knockdoo Gentle Ruby, by Gentle Diamond. Heading the figures at €3,500, the filly was one of three lots to break the €3,000 mark, another being Sean Scannell’s six-year-old performance-bred mare Derrynasagart Cross (Holy Cross) at €3,300. Another to head for England, this potential broodmare was knocked down to Angela Wise.

Securing six lots, including the two highest priced foals, were the busy Galway-based enterprise of Hollypark Irish Horses. Realising €2,000 apiece, the first of the sale-toppers was Padraig Bohan’s colt foal by Diamond Design, while the second was a colt by Mill Hollow Stroller.

Also active was another home-based customer John Carlin. The Donegal man accounted for two lots, including the €3,000 purchase of the 13-year-old broodmare Hollyhill Classic (by Donovan).

CONNEMARA PONIES

The Connemara returns positively illustrated a significant hike in clearance when 70% changed hands (32% in 2014). Turnover rocketed, but the average price of €551 was still much in line (€535) with last year.

Heading the figures at €1,450 was Frank Quinn’s four-year-old gelding (no breeding in catalogue), while the only other four-figure return was Geraldine Kinahan’s €1,050 purchase for a performance-bred colt foal by Moonlight Silver Shadow.