The first sport horse sale of 2015 produced a healthy set of returns. Despite the early date and the inclement weather, the one-day renewal at Goresbridge attracted a strong turnout of English customers, who contributed to a much improved clearance rate of 72% (61% in 2014).

Demand was at its highest for experienced individuals and it was Johnny Widger’s well-produced Rolo who headed the field at €7,200.

The traditionally bred five-year-old, by the Irish Draught stallion Lansdown (dam by Cruise On), had showcased impressively under his Waterford-based owner before he was finally knocked down to an Irish cash buyer.

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A further eight lots realised in excess of €4,000, leading Martin Donohoe of Goresbridge to comment: “This is a fantastic start to the year. There was a brisk trade here today, which augurs very well for the coming year, and is both encouraging and exciting.”

Fears that the raised VAT rate of 9% would deter private buyers appear to be unfounded at this early stage. The strong sterling-to-euro rate is obviously a balancing aspect for the UK buyers, but it was equally heartening to see the home trade holding its own.

Younger horses

Although the bulk of the better prices fell to the older performers, the good clearance rate remained steady across the age groups and a few smart four-year-olds received some encouraging returns.

Heading the younger age group at €5,600 was Louise Walsh’s athletic four-year-old gelding by Cassino (dam by Lux Z). Home-bred from the dam line of Walsh’s junior European champion show jumper Jogatina, the gelding looked well bought by Co Monaghan show jumper William Anderson.

“I thought he was a really good type, and I liked the way he came down to a fence,” said Anderson, who aims to produce the gelding for the season ahead.

Also catching the eye among the four-year-olds was Beechfield Stables’ gelding by the KWPN-registered sire Manhattan (dam by Diamond Chin). Looking green but appearing to have plenty of ability, he was secured by English event horse owner Richard Ames. Having recently purchased the Belline Equestrian Centre, near Piltown in Co Kilkenny, Ames plans to produce the gelding in Ireland.

While there were a number of withdrawals among the age group, nine changed hands leading to a clearance rate of 69%.

Among the remaining notables was Ronan Rothwell’s upstanding five-year-old by Star Kingdom, who changed hands for €4,600.

Yorkshire event rider Dan Clarke was especially pleased to sign for this good-moving gelding, while also selling well at €4,500 was Gabriel Slattery’s experienced hunter gelding by Dunkerrin Grey Mist. The latter, who was described by his owner as a “very, very good performer” is now destined to hunt in the Tullamore area with purchaser Matthew Conway.

Ponies

As usual, the day commenced with a selection of ponies. The seven-year-old Connemara gelding Garryduff Lad (by Kingstown Chucky) stood out among the 82% who changed hands, selling to English buyer Penny Clarke for €2,500.