GORESBRIDGE GO FOR GOLD SALE 2/3rd November 2011

After months of promotion and preparation, the Goresbridge Go For Gold took place earlier this month. As part of the team and a selector it was particularly rewarding to see how all the horses had improved in the run up to the sale, and on the night they sold to and above expectation. A top price of €47,000 drew a huge round of applause from the packed auction room at the Amber Springs Hotel, and the party in the hotel and bar  afterwards sealed what had undoubtedly been a fantastic night.

GORESBRIDGE GO FOR GOLD SALE 2/3rd November 2011

In a major  and advantageous move, this autumn's Goresbridge Select Event Horse Sale sale will take place at   the presitigious Barnadown centre, while the evening auction and Gala Dinner will be held at the nearby four star Amber Springs Hotel. I am delighted to be on board again as a selector,and look forward to welcoming old and new customers for what is undoubtedly Ireland's leading Event Horese sale.  For more details check out www.goresbridgegoforgold.com.

International Event Forum at Hartpury College

Travelled over to England last week for the International Event Forum at Hartpury. This was my second time attending, and once again I wrote my 'observations of the day' for the organisers. This day should be a MUST for riders and all involved in the sport. It is a serious day for people serious about eventing. The demonstrations by Ferdi Eilberg, Eric Smiley, Maria Gretzer and William and Alice Fox Pitt were absorbing - even more so through the quality of their guinea pigs Mary King, Ruth Edge, Laura Collett, Lucy Weigersma and Harry Meade. Was well entertained the previous night and flew home after the day had ended. Put a date in the diary for next year, Monday 6th February!

New Horses!

Have spent a few days in the car recently, clocking up hundres of miles but it was worth it! Bought three very smart rising four year olds - all on the wild side, but lovely models with step and ability.

Good News

The year came to a close with the good news that Cambalda ridden by Jennie Brannigan took top spot in the USA event rankings in 2010. Bought by us as a three year old, the Balda Beau (TB) gelding was sold to long time client  Jayne Wilson who produced him further before exporting him to America. Only rising nine, he won several events last year including the CCI*** at Galway Downs. Crossing fingers, he should have a great future ahead of him.

Monart Sale

After many weeks of planning the inaugural Monart Sale took place last Thursday evening (11th November). Six horse made in excess of €27,500 which was a great boost for all concerned.

Scottish Novice Champions 2010

Congratulations to Nicki Roncoroni and Stonedge who are crowned 2010 Scottish Novice Champions

WEG Looms....

WEG looms, and while it is disappointing that Sharon Hunt and her Luhmuhlen winner Tankerstown didn’t make the British squad, we shall be keenly watching their progress as well as the Irish. Very mixed loyalties these days!

More from Burghley....

In Burghley proper, long standing friend and client James Robinson enjoyed a fantastic run with the veteran Commanche, who we sold as a four year old. The pair just clocked up 20 penalties at the arena complex, but completed the competition with a super show jumping clear. Another of our exes was Commander Kyle, who partnered by fellow first timer Adrian Little put in a smashing clear round.

A Trip to Burghley

A trip to Burghley was sandwiched in before the marathon sale at Goresbridge. We had two of our ex horses competing in the Burghley Five Year Old class, so it was very rewarding to watch them complete in second (The Court Jester) and third (Watts Burn) places. Thought the judging in the four year old class was a bit iffy, especially when Pippa Funnell was well placed having had two stops. Martin and Mary Francis Donohoe from Goresbridge were also at the ringside to watch the winner of their £5,000 Goresbridge to Burghley Bonus award.

Horseware 4/5 Year Old Event Championships

A few weeks later, Ballycreen Milord claimed second spot in the final of the Horseware 4/5 year old event championship at Camphire.

Summer 2010

We have a had a busy, but rewarding summer. We were planning to have a few days ‘easy’ at the RDS in Dublin at the beginning of August, but out of the blue, I was asked to cover all of the international jumping classes for The Irish Field. It was quite a departure from my usual eventing work, but a great treat to sit in the press box watching world class jumping for the entire week. Hope I get asked to do it again!

Dublin Week

Another bonus during Dublin week was watching Ballycreen Milord winning the Five year old Young Event Horse class by a wide margin. This smart son of Kings Master was bought by us as a three year old, before passing on to Helen White and latterly to Lawrence Patterson. Louise Codd, who has ridden him with such skill throughout his career has retained the ride.