IN keeping with the general trend of recent sales, trade at Cavan’s September performance edition was slightly down on last year. Eighty-one of the 128 lots which went through the ring sold, leaving a clearance rate of 63% (72% in 2025), and they earned an average price of €5,204 (€5,389 in 2025).

The top lot achieved a significantly higher price than the equivalent did last time round when Ragula Wassmer’s Pembrook Shamrock (Lot 72) was knocked down to Darren Treacy for €22,500. A five-year-old bay gelding by Je T’Aime Flamenco out of Pembrook Lisalea (by Lux Z), he was described as “a real gentleman” and has earned 40 SJI points to date, competing up to 1.20m level.

“Having never purchased from an auction before, I was quite nervous, but I am beyond thrilled with the purchase,” said Pembrook Shamrock’s new owner Treacy after the sale. “I first saw his sales advert when Megan McGettigan shared it on Facebook, and I was looking for a new ride for myself after retiring my previous horse from sport. He looked like a quality type with a super canter and an even better attitude. We will spend the winter getting to know each other, and all going well our aim is the Spring MET in Oliva Nova in early 2027.”

Two lots made €16,500, and the first of these was Lot 40 Ardress Tyson, who was knocked down to American buyer Alan Griffin. An eight-year-old chesnut gelding by Tyson out of a Heritage Fortunus-sired mare, he has competed in youth classes up to 1.35m and is a half-brother to RVS Lui Fortunus, who has jumped internationally up to 1.30m level in the USA. The second horse to achieve this price was Kenneth Graham’s Lenamore Don Vivant (Lot 61), a five-year-old bay gelding by the popular sire Vivant Van De Heffinck, who was bought by Marie Henry. He was described as “a very sweet gelding, who will excel in any discipline”.

Lot 72, Ragula Wassmer's Pembrook Shamrock, realised the highest price of €22,500 at Cavan's September performance sale

Catherine Thornton’s Lot 82, the four-year-old grey gelding Fee Kannan (Kannan x Cardento), realised the third highest price of the sale when sold to Jim Derwin for €15,600. This gelding has already competed at SJI shows, and is out of Fee Elle Debut, who herself jumped up to 1.30m level before being retained for breeding.

Keith Wilson’s Irish Draught Bramble made €11,200 when he sold to another American buyer, Manhattan Riding. A 15.2hh gelding by Sunrise Genesis out of This Is Ruby (Sammy’s Pride), he was described a “nice type that will make a good allrounder” and as having “a kind and friendly temperament.”