The decision to postpone and re-jig the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale was resoundingly vindicated last week, as the sale’s 11th edition delivered the highest turnover since its inception.
Taking place in a marquee at Barnadown, Co Wexford, rather than its usual setting at the Amber Springs Hotel, Tuesday’s sale of 61 horses, closed with a very healthy average of €23,000 together with a clearance of 77%. Even more encouraging was the fact this was achieved without a major outlier as prices clustered solidly. The sale topping figure of €50,000 was well supported by others of €47,000 and €42,000, while a further six lots cleared €30,000. Another 20 horses made between €20,000-€30,000.
American bidders were prolific customers, accounting for no less than 19 lots
Boosted by the extensive and professionally-produced video gallery, confidence in the online bidding was high. Twenty sales were sealed through the facility, while a further 13 were closed on the phone. The remainder fell to on site buyers who, in line with COVID-19 regulations, were able to attend.
American bidders were prolific customers, accounting for no less than 19 lots. British and home-based buyers were also extremely busy, and among the top event riders likely to acquire the rides next season, are Irish Olympians Mike and Trish Ryan, British internationals, Oliver Townend, Harry Meade, Tom McEwen, JP Sheffield and Sam Ecroyd as well as the American-based New Zealander Joe Meyer.
Sale topper
A hot favourite from the get go, a four-year-old filly consigned by Alice Martin Jones and Jason Higgins headed the sale at €50,000.
The well-related grey, who was bred by Dr Noel Cawley and sourced by her vendors at Goresbridge in September 2019, was beautifully produced and performed immaculately in all three phases.
By the former Lissava House resident stallion Jack Of Diamonds, she was out of Cappercullen (Cruising) and a half-sister to the highly rated French ridden jumper Bill Clinton. Co Wexford equine dentist John Ellard signed for this one, on behalf of an undisclosed British client.
Three- and Four-year-olds
Sale topper aside, the next best return in this section at €38,000 went to Mary Bolger and Jason Higgin’s Kilcannon Hotshot, a gelding by Colnadro out of Aster by Crown Z. Bred by Eamon and Gladys McCardle at the Drumhowan Stud, the gelding was bought at Goresbridge as a foal by Max Cons, a client of the Irish Olympian Austin O’Connor.
Said by many to be among the best group in recent years, the majority of the three-year-olds lived up to expectations.
Not for the first time, progeny of the late Ramiro B featured prominently, and none more so than Michael O’Callaghan’s gelding Robinia, who made €47,000. The British-bred gelding, who is out of a thoroughbred mare by Wizard King, was knocked down to British international Sam Ecroyd. The Meabh Bolger and Brian Flynn-consigned MBF Gambler, who was another by the same sire and also out of a thoroughbred dam, was secured by American customer Kim Wendell for €42,000.
Older stock
There were just two six-year-olds and one five-year-old on offer. All three changed hands, with Maurice Cousin’s gelding by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet (dam by Cult Hero) selling for €29,000 to German buyer Michael Sperl. Elizabeth Ahern and Felicity Ward’s EPA Wildfire made €28,000 and Richie O’Hara’s Kilbunny Close Call closed at €23,000.
• Alice Martin-Jones and Jason Higgins’ Jackie, four-year-old filly by Jack Of Diamonds (dam by Cruising) €50,000.
• Michael O’Callaghan’s Robinia, three-year-old gelding by Ramiro B (dam by Wizard King) €47,000.
• Meabh Bolger and Brian Flynn’s MBF Gambler, three-year-old gelding by Ramiro B (dam by Terimon) €42,000.
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