Family run for over forty years, Goresbridge Horse Sales holds it’s place as one of Europe’s leading sources of top international sport horses. Many of its former graduates are household names, and at the Hong Kong Olympics, no less than five horses completed in medal positions.
“There is no choice like a great choice when it comes to Goresbridge.” Donal Barnwell. Leading event horse producer. UK
2010 proved to be another outstanding year, with horses from all disciplines achieving success at the highest level. The event horse Imperial Cavalier won a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games, while at Badminton, graduates claimed three of the top six places. In Germany, Tankers Town headed the prestigious CCI**** at Luhmuhlen and in show jumping Larkhill Cruiser, now ridden by Cian O’Connor made a real impact on the international stage.
“We can now both source and sell at Goresbridge. Their Select November Sale of eventers is a perfect platform to showcase our best Irish bred youngsters to the international market.”Chris and Sue Ryan, producers of Olympic silver medallist McKinlaigh and last year’s national sale topper SBT Prospector.
“We get a really big buzz from going to Goresbridge. We have bought some lovely horses – you can never tell what you might find.” David Tatlow and Lorraine Homer. Leading Show Horse producers UK
Goresbridge is also recognised as one of the foremost destinations for buyers of show horses of all weights and heights. The list of championship winners is lengthy, with a host of recent Dublin victors passing through the sale ring as youngsters. Last year, the four-year-old heavyweight Downtown won his championship at Dublin, while big English based winners include the champion ladies hunter, Time Lord and the prolific Cob champion, Casanova. Others to impress include, Major Moylaw, Caltra QC and Golden Bud who was Working Hunter Champion at Dublin in 2008.
“Goresbridge is always exciting, and like Pandora’s box you never know what will appear.”Clare Ryan. International Agent.
Mary-Frances Donohoe presenting Richard Jones with £5,000 Burghley Bonus
Two years ago, Martin Donohoe unveiled a new incentive where buyers of three year olds at the September sales had a live chance to win €5000. This bonus is awarded annually at Burghley International Horse Trials, where it is presented to the highest placed Goresbridge graduate in the Young Event Horse Championship. The venture has been an unqualified success and has since proved to be a popular and lucrative marketing tool. Leicestershire’s Richard Jones riding Impact 111 was last year’s successful recipient.
Another area that has been an outstanding showcase for Goresbridge horses is the Future Young Event Horse series. Since its inception, graduates have dominated the home championship finals, and this year again, the added Burghley Bonus will strengthen the English equivalent. In the 2010 the four-year-old Spring Sensation ran away with the Irish league championship, while at Dublin, the age champions, Ballycreen Milord and SBT Prospector were both sourced at Goresbridge.
SBT Prospector also went on to attract the top price of €33,000 at November’s select event horse sale held jointly by Goresbridge at Monart. Six horses realised in excess of €26,000 at this inaugural sale and building on from that success, the team at Goresbridge has announced that they will stage a second fixture, this time at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Co Wexford on November.
Proven and potential hunters make up a large and important number of horses sold each year, both to the commercial buyers and private individuals. Despite the hunting ban in England, Goresbridge has seen no downturn in the market, with hunters heading the figures at several sales throughout the year.
Last but by no means least are the ponies, who kick off the action at the start of every sale. A large selection offers a wide range of abilities and to suit all requirements. In the show ring, Noble Torreen Lass won the prestigious 2010 Working Hunter Pony title at HOYS, while event and show jumping champions like Kilacoran Blue, Lissen Magic and Roan A Friend continue to impress.
Not all buyers, however, are seeking a champion, and while the Donohoe family at Goresbridge are justifiably proud of the achievements of the competition horses that have passed through their sale ring, they are equally rewarded by success stories of the thousands of horses and ponies who give pleasure to those who ride for fun. The choice is wide, from children’s ponies to Olympic Champions and from weight carrying hunters to show horses, all can be found here at Goresbridge.
The sale complex, in the heart of Ireland’s horse breeding country, now hosts seven Sport Horse Performance sales during the year from February through to December. The ten day sale in September offers nearly 2000 horses from the age of three, and this sale has now become probably Europe’s largest auction of Sport Horses, with buyers regularly attending from the UK, all parts of Europe, Canada and the USA. Further popular fixtures are the bi annual Registered Connemara and Irish Draught Sales as well as the now established bloodstock dispersals. Every horse can be seen performing prior to sale, either in the purpose built indoor arena or on one of the two all weather surfaces. Each horse is sold with a veterinary certificate from one of a panel of specialist equine veterinary surgeons.
“Goresbridge has been a lucky venue for us, and usually we go home with a smile on our faces.”Anne and Louise Lyons and Kelly Ward. Leading show and event horse producers.
“Goresbridge is a real eye opener – so many horses to choose from and to suit all personal opinions.” Rodney Powell. International Event Rider.
The reputation of these and other famous Irish horses is renowned and Catherine Donohoe and her son Martin are committed to providing a service in line with that reputation. So, in conclusion, whatever you require, the Donohoe family assure you of a warm welcome, a professional service, and will be happy to assist you in every way possible.
