Last week Goresbridge injected some much-needed optimism into the market. The three day sport horse renewal delivered six five-figure prices with returns much in line with 2017.
The overall clearance slipped marginally to a modest 57% (59% in 2017) largely due to an inconsistent three-year-old market. Despite producing several top returns, the quality in the age group was mixed and buyers were notably selective.
In contrast, the four-year-old trade stood up well to illustrate the week’s best clearance of 64% with an average of €3,932.
Sale topper
As it did last year, the top lot of €17,500 went to one of the four entries in Wednesday’s pre-selected sector. Unfortunately catalogued with the incorrect pedigree, Mary Kehoe’s sale topper was in fact Cornascriebe Blue a three-year-old filly by Plot Blue out of the jumping mare Cornascriebe Cavalla (Cavalier Royale).
Bred by Carol Armstrong, who sold her at the Goresbridge Breeders Classic Foal sale three years ago, the filly is bred to compete. In the dam’s line is the former Go For Gold sale topping eventer Cornascriebe Glenpatrick, four-star eventer MHS King Joules, and show jumpers Royal Athlete and MHS Going Global.
Bids bounced between buyers, in the end the hammer fell to Chinese customer Ying Li who got the nod over Oliver Townend.
Other notables
Hailing from Wednesday’s four-year-old session, Henry Bellinger’s gelding by Russel (dam by Cruising) made €16,500. Liam O’Meara rode the gelding and afterwards said: “Probably the best one I have ever ridden here at Goresbridge.”
He was sold to Scottish event rider Douglas Edward. Already the owner/rider of a top horse by the same sire also sourced from Goresbridge, Edward admitted the breeding was the main attraction.
Two more from the pre-selected three-year-olds stood out to make €15,500 and €10,000. Bidding by phone for the second time Dutch based Ying Li accounted for Jason Higgins and Brian Flynn’s Heritage Viking by Vancouver, who was sourced from his breeder Helen O’Gorman.
The latter return went to Lisa Cawley’s filly by Old Chap Tame. Sold to Brian Mehigan of Hawthorn Villa Stud. This well-bred filly is out of a full sister to Solerina (1.60m), Rincarina (1.50m) and Flexability (1.45m).
Thursday’s three-year-olds delivered high returns. Heading a lively closing session at €15,500 was Miley Somers’ gelding by OBOS Quality out of Lucys Harle (Harlequin du Carel). The chestnut was secured by Pallas Stud.
Wednesday evening delivered the remaining five-figure return. Ann Murphy’s homebred Ogue Verdi by Verdi realised €10,800. Co Wexford producer Jason Higgins signed for this lot.
Older horses and ponies
Hunters and proven competition horses were in demand. Producing a 63% clearance with an average of €3,558. The session was topped by two horses selling for €8,400 apiece.
First was Ann Callanan’s homebred Ruthstown Classic by Kroongraaf who had plenty of hunting and competition form. A former RDS middleweight winner, he was one of nine lots secured by Jim Derwin. For the same sum Trade Horses Ltd bought Jordan Campbell’s five-year-old home-produced mare by Orestus.
Only six ponies from a small sector changed hands. The top price of €4,200 went to the O’Connor family’s five-year-old gelding by Templebready Fear Bui (dam by Castleside JJ).
Another stand out four-year-old was the grey filly Poynstown Issy who sold to Emma Dean for €9,500. Consigned by Paula Widger, this filly by OBOS Quality (dam by Chillout) is now set to go show jumping.
Three-year-olds delivered a 49% clearance and an average of €3.702.
Quality was mixed with the better lots selling well. 18 lots made in excess of €4,000.
Mary Kehoe’s three-year-old filly by Plot Blue (dam by Cornascriebe Cavella) €17,500.
Henry Bellinger’s four-year-old by Russel (dam by Cruising) €16,500.
Miley Somers’ three-year-old gelding by OBOS Quality (dam by Harlequin du Carel) €15,500
Jason Higgins and Brian Flynn’s three-year-old gelding by Vancouver (dam by Corrado 1) €15,500.
Anne Marie Murphy’s three-year-old gelding by Verdi (dam by Eurocommerce Pittsburg) €10,800.
Lisa Cawley’s three-year-old chestnut filly by Old Chap Tarne (dam by Cruising) €10,000
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