Sally Parkyn

A HEALTHY clearance rate, together with an improved set of returns, made for a lively seasonal opener at Goresbridge last week. Kick starting 2015 in promising style, the one-day renewal attracted a surprisingly high number of overseas customers, who contributed to a clearance rate of 72% (61% in 2014).

Prices were also up from 2014, and although remaining modest, they peaked when Johnny Widger’s traditionally bred gelding Rolo (65), headed the day’s figures at €7,200.

A further eight lots realised in excess of €4,000 leading upbeat auctioneer Martin Donohoe to comment. “This is a fantastic start to the year. There was a brisk trade here today and plenty of customers. It augurs well for the future, and is both encouraging and exciting.”

The overall result also went some way to ease fears that the newly increased VAT rate of 9% would significantly deter the private buyers. It is still early days, and in the case of the English customers, the current strong sterling rate has undoubtedly eased the blow; but as unwelcome as it is, initial indications show that most seem prepared to take it on the chin.

The well-produced sale topper was a five-year-old by the Irish Draught stallion Lansdown (dam by Cruise On). Having performed very capably prior to sale, he drew a number of bidders to the ringside where, after a spirited tussle, he was finally knocked down to an Irish cash buyer. Sourced by his Waterford-based vendor some six months ago, Rolo had since been lightly campaigned at training shows, and had hunted with the Woodstown Harriers.

Another positive to emerge from the day’s trading was the fact that the clearance rate remained steady across the age groups. Traditionally a little weak at this time of year, figures for the four-year-olds held up solidly and ultimately 69% changed hands.

One from the sector to turn heads was Louise Walsh’s homebred four-year-old gelding (111) by Cassino (dam by Lux Z) who topped the age group at €5,600. Partnered on the day by former junior event medallist Alex Donohoe, the well-related gelding is from the immediate dam’s line of Walsh’s junior European champion show jumper Jogatina. “I’m happy enough,” commented his Gorey-based owner. “He’s only just broken, and I think he has lots of potential.” He certainly ticked all the boxes for his Co Monaghan show jumping buyer William Anderson, who added. “I thought he was a really good type, and I liked the way he came down to a fence.”

Also standing out in the age group was Beechfield Stables’ gelding (109) by the KWPN registered sire Manhattan (dam by Diamond Chin). Although the dark brown gelding still looked a little green under his owner Gemma Phelan, he caught the eye of several event producers, including his determined purchaser Richard Ames at €4,500. Well known in British event circles, Ames is a long standing owner, having supported numerous riders including Olympian Lucinda Fredericks. His home in Suffolk is currently the base of New Zealand international rider Caroline Powell, and also to his Olympic gelding Flying Finish.

A regular visitor to Goresbridge, Ames disclosed last week that he has recently expanded his equestrian interests to Ireland, buying Belline House and its equestrian Centre in Piltown, Co Kilkenny. Young horse producer Jo Dudley is at the helm of this new project, and is likely to produce Ames’ new gelding through the FEHL series.

OLDER HORSES

The remaining better prices fell to stock from the older horse sector. Heading these was Ronan Rothwell’s attractive grey five-year-old (55) by Star Kingdom, who changed hands at €4,600. Well hunted with the Shillelagh hounds, the good moving gelding is believed to be out of a thoroughbred mare, and is another destined for the event track.Yorkshire’s Penny Clarke snapped up this individual, who will be campaigned by her son Dan.

Other notables included Gabriel Slattery’s experienced hunter gelding (18) by Dunkerrin Grey Mist (dam by Glenagyle Rebel). A catalogue pick on paper, the seven-year-old had followed hounds for two seasons, and was according to his owner: “A very, very good performer.”

Tullamore resident Matthew Conway paid €4,500 for this gelding, commenting afterwards: “I like the Irish Draught cross type. He had very good bone, was well made – a really good all rounder.” Future plans include some more hunting, as well as riding club action during the summer.

Next in line at €4,100, was Lyn Rayner’s purchase of a well related gelding (90) by Olympic Lux (dam by Harlequin du Carel). Not overly big, the attractive bay was out of Glenaguile Rose, a daughter the grade A show jumping mare Glenaguile Flight, and from the same grandam as Cisero.

A number of buyers cited the usefulness of the pre-sales video footage on the Goresbridge website. Sale topping consigner Johnny Widger was just one vendor to reap the rewards from this tool, as earlier in the day, he received a good price of €4,000 for the six-year-old gelding Hunters Lad (25) by Dunkerrin Leader.

Oxfordshire’s Coochie Browne signed for the well-produced performer, who looked a shrewd buy. “He’s a cheap horse, especially with the brilliant rate of exchange,” said Browne afterwards. When asked whether the new VAT rate had affected her buying decisions, she added: “Not for me as I am VAT registered. That said I usually bring a lot of friends over – however while it will make a difference to them, I don’t imagine it will stop them coming.”

Also busy throughout the day was Dungarvan consigner Gemma Phelan. The producer did well with her aforementioned gelding, and earlier in the day showcased Shinroe Paddy (34) to realise €4,000. Regular hunting buyer John Greaves signed for this gelding, who will now follow the Cottesmore hounds in Leicestershire.

A selection of ponies set the ball rolling as usual, and dictating the pattern for the day, buyers found customers waiting. The seven-year-old Connemara gelding (13) Garryduff Lad (by Kingstown Chucky) stood out among the 82% who changed hands, when selling to English buyer Penny Clarke for €2,500. A very experienced individual, he had hunted and evented, while the promising four-year-old City View Star (7) by Shannon Prince (dam by Moy Hazy Cove) also sold well at €2,300.