SUMMING up in just a few words, last week’s foal trade at Goresbridge would be described as extremely strong in parts, but very tricky in others.
Running over two days, the benchmark sale was, as ever, a roller-coaster affair for breeders and, while those with well-bred jumping foals were well-rewarded, the chasm between the top and bottom of the market grows ever wider.
That said, the figures showed very little change from both 12 and 24 months ago and, typically, trade improved as the edition progressed. The traditionally stronger Saturday session returned both the best average (€4,161) and clearance (49%) however, having been let down by a sluggish opening session, the final results closed at 46% (48% in 2023), together with an average of €3,203 (€3,325).
Looking at the positives, the leading two returns easily eclipsed those of last year and, headed by a top price of €16,500, more foals made in excess of five-figures.
Reflecting on the two-day renewal, Ed Donohoe was pragmatic, commenting: “In general, it has been well recognised that the foal sales have been back this year, but we do seem to have bucked the trend. Saturday’s turnover was up from 2023 and good foals sold as well as ever. Of course, it was disappointing that there was no trade at the lower end, which was illustrated by the clearance.”
Donohoe also revealed, due to demand, he will stage another foal sale at Goresbridge on Saturday, December 6th – which will follow on from the usual performance sale on Friday, December 5th.
Top lot
Local breeder Pat Kehoe now has one of the stoutest and most progressive equine families in the book, so it came as no surprise that, armed with an eye-catching colt, he landed the sale-topping honours for the second year in succession.
Scooping a healthy return of €16,500, he was represented by ABC Rock Anthem (Lot 245), a colt by Hardrock Z out of ABC Tiny Dancer (Mermus R). One of the obvious catalogue stand-outs, this colt is out of a half-sister to no less than five top-ranked international show jumpers including ABC Quantum Cruise (1.60m), ABC Private Jet (1.60m), ABC Cortana Cruise, as well as former Lanaken six-year-old world champion, ABC Saving Grace.
In addition, he is a half-brother to the very promising six-year-old ABC JP Jameson (Harry Wood) and the younger ABC Jaytee Flamenco (Marta Hughes Bravo).
As expected, the sale ring filled to capacity to see him sold and, while there were numerous bidders in the early stages, once on the market at €10,500 they dwindled to just two. In the closing stages, bids bounced between pin hooker Philip Murphy and an online bidder, with the latter finally making the winning bid at €16,500.
Speaking afterwards, a delighted Kehoe remarked: “I was always hoping he would make around the €15,000 mark, but you never know. It just shows though that there are plenty of customers for a good one.”
Accompanied by his dam, who is now in foal to Ermitage Kalone, the colt looked a picture and certainly appealed to his Northern Irish buyer, Melanie Davidson. Speaking to The Irish Field from where she was competing on the sunshine tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, Davidson commented: “I had only seen the photographs, but I love the family and, having previously bought into it, I decided to have a go.
“I have a brother to the dam (bought as a foal last year) and also bought ABC Cortana (sister to the dam), who is currently jumping with Trevor Breen, from the Breeders’ Classic sale. I have been buying foals for a long time and used to think I was lucky, now I think I actually might be buying well!”
Stand outs
The Tuam-based Connolly family are never very far from the business end of proceedings, and it was Shane Connolly’s CFS Evita (Lot 293) who proved the pick of the fillies at €14,200.
CFS Evita (Lot 293) was sold for €14,200 at Goresbridge's October foal sale \ Sally Parkyn
A deep, well-made foal, bearing the renowned Connolly presentation and production, she is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of CSF Jazzy Lady (Kannan). Another carrying a wealth of blacktype, she is a sibling to the seven-year-old CSF Ballsbridge (1.30m) and from the immediate family of WCE Cruco (1.60m) and WCE Falco (1.50m).
Again, the subject of competitive tussle, the hammer finally fell in favour of opening bidder, Richard McIvor. The Cookstown show jumper had singled out several to view on the day, but had opted for this one, saying: “Pedigree aside, she’s pretty foal with lots of blood.”
The Connolly’s also did well when Patrick’s colt CSF Cappuccino (Lot 156), by Grandorado, topped Friday’s trade at €10,000. A May foal, she is the first progeny out of the elegant grey mare CSF Nicole (Cardento), who bears a similar maternal pedigree to Lot 293.
“The way the trade was looking, we were saying we might not get our price, but this is a very nice foal,” said Connolly. “Even in a very bad year, there will always be trade for a good one.”
Once again, there were plenty of bidders at ringside, but none could match the determination of Dungarvan-based show jumper and producer, Gemma Phelan. “I came here today to buy one that I really liked and so it wasn’t about the price,” said Phelan. “I liked the breeding on both sides of the pedigree - he’s a lovely foal and very light on his feet.”
Attractive
One of the earlier lots to sell on Saturday, was John and James Meade’s attractive colt (Lot 207) by the Lanaken winning Dourkhan Hero Z out of Sea Top Lady (Lux Z).
The Milltown Malbay breeders have enjoyed great success with the family, and this one is a half-brother to Andrew Bourns’ top performer Sea Top Blue (1.60m), as well as two further international jumpers. Show jumper Damien Griffin of Hero CD was on hand to secure him at €11,700 and commented afterwards: “James told me about this one before the sale. I have always wanted to buy into the family, ever since I was underbidder on Sea Top Boy (to Richard Bourns) some 10 years ago!”
Lot 207 made €11,700 at Goresbridge's October foal sale \ Sally Parkyn
The Griffin/Hero CD partnership were soon back at ringside to account for Anna Dillon’s AKD Estelle (Lot 229), a flashy chesnut filly by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of Drumiller Delilah, by Chacoon Blue. Her return of €8,700 was just the start of a good day for Co Armagh-based Dillon, who later received €10,000 for AKD Invictus (Lot 280), a son of Tangelo Van de Zuuthoeve out of Mullentine Furola (Corland).
Pin hookers Henry and Joanne Foley (H&J Sporthorses Ltd) signed for this good sort, who hails from a very stout maternal line.
Lot 280 made €10,000 at Goresbridge's October foal sale \ Sally Parkyn
The final five-figure return of €10,000 fell to Carroll Brothers’ CBI Playboy (Lot 338), a colt by the sire of the moment Ermitage Kalone out of young mare CBI Sky (Cornet Obolensky).
Having battled but not succeeding earlier in the day, Co Wexford’s Philip Murphy (Kilcannon Stud) finally got his head in front and will be pleased with this well-related colt, who will be stored to produce under saddle. At only a four-year-old, his dam meanwhile, may also be sent show jumping before she returns to stud duties.
Lower end
While a further 26 foals realised in excess of €5,000, it was a totally different picture in the lower ranks - both in quality of pedigrees and in presentation. Mixed bloodlines from seemingly indiscriminate breeding met with a predictably muted response, while the turnout and condition of some – both mares and foals, was far less than is acceptable.
It was also disappointing to see traditional breeding struggling to make an impact. At €3,000, Julie Radden’s well-presented colt (Lot 334) by her own eventing thoroughbred stallion Galileo Dance (dam by Ghareeb) topped the sector when looking well bought by Chris and Sue Ryan.
As a breeder and stallion owner, Radden was one of only a few buyers investing in broodmares, buying two of the four to change hands. Demand for these was dismal, with prices ranging from €100 - €900.
Top Lots
Pat Kehoe’s ABC Rock Anthem, colt foal by Hardrock Z (dam by Mermus R) €16,500.
Shane Connolly’s CSF Evita, filly foal by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof (dam by Kannan) €14,200.
John and James Meade’s unnamed, colt foal by Dourkhan Hero Z (dam by Lux Z) €11,700.
Patrick Connolly’s CSF Cappuccino, colt foal by Grandorado (dam by Cardento) €10,000.
Anna Dillon’s AKD Invictus, colt foal by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (dam by Corland) €10,000.
Carroll Brothers’ CBI Playboy, colt foal by Ermitage Kalone (dam by Cornet Obolensky) €10,000.