As online selling gathers pace and buyers grow in confidence, the figures at the auctions rise.

Indeed, the trade at Cavan last week was among the best seen at its spring sale for several years, with the final returns illustrating a solid clearance of 83% together with an average of €5,898. These figures were boosted by five five-figure prices, among which was the sale of Jackie Conlon’s Loreto Quality at €18,000.

Top lot

As his name suggests, Jackie Conlon’s home-bred seven-year-old is by OBOS Quality out of the imported mare Sterre (Larino).

Consigned by his local owner breeder, Loreto Quality has clocked up six SJI points, and was described as having the ability to progress.

“I have recently spent 15 months in hospital, which is why he was green for his age,” said a delighted Conlon.

The gelding was knocked down to a cash buyer and will remain in Ireland.

Video influence

The good prices came thick and fast, and at €15,500, another local vendor to do well was Co Monaghan trader and producer Keith Wilson. This figure was achieved by Wilson’s five-year-old Pollux de Puise by Pollux de Muze, which had caught the eye of British-based online customer Rhiannon Rowland.

The Monmouthshire, Wales, buyer had studied the various video clips available of the gelding prior to sale, and as is frequently the case, it was the quality of this medium that proved so influential in the price.

Making the far longer journey to Cavan from Co Wicklow, Ronan Rothwell also scored well when selling his home-bred five-year-old Boleybawn Aiken for €15,000. This very well-related individual is by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of HHS Anna (Andiamo) and is a half-brother to 2019 RDS four-year-old show jumper Boleybawn Bella. British buyer Candice Dean purchased this smart sort, who is expected to travel to her base in Spain.

A little earlier in the proceedings, Jag Equestrian in Kildare sold the eight-year-old CSF Flexibles Dream for €12,000. Another well-bred gelding, he is by Flexible out of SSH Dream of Glory (Cavalier Royale) and, sourced from the Breeders’ Classic sale as a foal, was knocked down to an English cash customer.

There was quite a gap in figures for the remaining stock, with the next best price returning at €8,800.

Four-year-olds

Demand was a little patchy for the younger stock, but again it was Jag Equestrian which consigned the top lot at €7,300. This price was paid by Felix Burke for Jag Tyson, a gelding by Tyson out of Kalibra (Caintach).

Three-year-olds

The standout three-year-old on paper, Ballytemple Jackson lived up to his selection, and when selling for €6,300 was the top return of his age group. Very well-related, the colt was by Womanizer out of Newmarket Wonder One (Harlequin Du Carel) and is a half-brother to Newmarket Trooper (1.35m) and SRS Status (Newmarket Joker) who won the four-year-old class in the RDS in 2014. Other half siblings include Newmarket Peaches and the international event horse Ballygriffin Harvey.

The Irish-based Home Pride paid €6,300 for this grey colt, while also selling well at €6,000 was Dunwiley Numerix, a gelding by Aganix De Seigner out of the imported mare Pants On Fire (Numero Uno).

Ponies

As solid as ever, the pony trade held up well. Thirteen of the 18 that sold made in excess of €3,000, with the top spot falling to Keith Wilson’s 147cm mare (no recorded breeding) at €6,300.

Top lots

• Jackie Conlon’s Loreto Quality, seven-year-old gelding by OBOS Quality (dam by Larino) €18,000.

• Keith Wilson’s Pollux de Puise, five-year-old gelding by Pollux de Muze (dam by Puissance) €15,500.

• Boleybawn Horses’ Boleybawn Aiken, five-year-old gelding by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet (dam by Andiamo) €15,000.

• Jag Equestrian’s CSF Flexibles Dream, eight-year-old gelding by Flexible (dam by Cavalier Royale) €12,000.