THE Goresbridge Go For Gold team has had much to celebrate in recent weeks, as their sale graduates have hit the heights at the very top of the sport. To have three runners at the prestigious Badminton five-star showcase was a feat in itself, and to fill second spot with the Irish pairing of RCA Patron Saint and Lucy Latta was an exciting bonus.

Fellow graduate Grantstown Jackson (Sarah Ennis IRL) delivered another brilliant cross-country round to finish in the top 20, while also jumping clear, the veteran campaigner Copper Beach carried his young rider Cosby Green (USA) to her second five-star completion.

A five-year-old graduate from the 2016 edition, RCA Patron Saint was consigned by his breeder Richard Ames, and secured by his present owner, Lesley Crampton. Changing hands the same year, Grantstown Jackson was another home-bred and, sold by Caroline Widger, was knocked down to his current owners and lucky customers, Susanna Francke and Peter Cole. The couple have now bought two horses from the Go For Gold sale, with their first purchase November Night, placed at Badminton on three occasions.

Copper Beach meanwhile, was sold back in 2011 and, with five, five-star events under his belt, has spent his competitive career in America.

In addition to the Badminton successes, the Goresbridge team are also delighted to note that in latest publication of the Hippomundo and WBFSH world eventing rankings, two Go For Gold graduates are listed in the top three individual ratings. On the back of his Badminton achievement RCA Patron Saint fills third place in the Hippomundo lists, while 2019 entrant Cooley Nutcracker (formerly Ballyshan Contender) is also ranked third with the WBFSH.

The Go For Gold team are now looking forward to building on the success of their 2023 sale, where the top returns delivered a healthy €87,000 (riding horses) and €60,000 for the three-year-olds. Forthcoming selections will take place at Goresbridge on August 6/7th and 27/28th (three-year-olds), as well as in Barnadown for the ridden horses on August 20/21st.

This year will see a new face on the selection panel, as British five-star rider, breeder and producer Nick Gauntlett is due to join resident selectors Sally Parkyn, Chris Ryan and Nicky Roncoroni.

There will also be some exciting changes in the sale itself, with the reintroduction of the popular champagne reception and Gala Dinner, which will as usual be held at the Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey.

Applications are now open via www.goresbridgegoforgold.com