Spring Weekend 2010 Closes
The Sale
After an enlightening and enjoyable evening on Thursday night, the weekend got down to the nitty-gritty on Saturday with the commencement of the one-day sale, the first Connemara Pony sale day to be held in conjunction with the Parade. This was a sale that was keenly anticipated, coming early in the season and refusing entry to younger animals under three years of age. The hope was to attract a higher class of pony and consequently bring in serious buyers of quality ponies. The sale succeeded in attracting some smashing ponies, but suffered from a dreadful lack of buyers willing to pay reasonable sums for what was on offer. There is no varnishing over the fact that there were far too many dissapointed and cash-hungry owners going home with unsold ponies at the end of the day.
Castle Gigolo with Ciarán Curran on Saturday before the Sale
The sale itself, however, remains a good idea – one that should be further refined and built upon for the future. Turnout was strong, and vendors clearly welcomed the opportunity to showcase their ponies after a long, long, winter. There were some highpoints to the day – P.J. Watson’s Rosscon Stud produced two impeccably turned out mares (Rosscon Fiona (M1-19337) and Tawin Storm (M-11881)) and both sold, with Rosscon Fiona achieving €4,000 – the day’s top price for a mare and continuing that stud’s very successful record at Clifden Mart. Another success was the impressive Castle Gigolo (S-1365) (see right), a Grade One six year old by Seoigach (S-1135) out of Castle Misty (M-5146), shown by Ciaran Curran for Cian Geoghegan of the Blakehill Stud in Co.Mayo, topping the overall sales chart with a final price of €9,500.
We can only hope that the gradual recovery in the economy, both here and abroad, shows itself at the sales throughout the remainder of the year. It may be a long time before ponies command the sort of money that changed hands before the Crunch, but this should only encourage us to continue along the path begun by this type of sale and further develop and work our ponies, bred from the best stock, and presented to the market in top condition.
The Lecture
Saturday evening offered punters some respite after a wearying day in the Mart. The title of this year’s Bartley O’Sullivan lecture was ‘The Influence of Arabian Blood in the Connemara Pony‘, and it was presented by Pat Lyne. With her usual meticulous fashion Pat has traced the influence of the arab concentrating on the Arab pony stallion Naseel of the 1940′s. Several mares by Naseel, including Mervyn Nasim (M-2426) and Mervyn Wren (M-4037) were the first from this line to enter the stud book. Then, in ’54, the son of Naseel and Western Lily (M-1522) – Clonkeehan Auratum (S-104) – was accepted for registration. Pat explains his mixed reception among breeders and his success in the show ring, where he twice won the stallion class in Clifden. She then dealt with his sons and particularly Clonjoy (S-117), who did most to develop the line. She then continued with his daughters and traced the influence the influence into the succeeding generations. It was a hugely enjoyable lecture, and, like the preceeding lecture by Lib Petch, is available in print. It can be ordered for €10 (incl. p&p, details at end of article).
The Auction
The night came to a suitable finale as the auctioneer auctioned a painting by Lady Maria Levinge, a print of Best Mate donated by Henrietta Knight, and a Munster rugby jersey (signed by all the players). The three items in total brought in over two thousand euros and the proceeds will go to the development of Ring One. All bidders and donators are to be thanked for their generosity and for a great night out!
The Parade
Cáillín Conneelly with Letterdyfe RíRá (S-3170) during the Parade
The Stallion Parade took place today in beautiful spring sunshine in front of a very big, appreciative audience. About seventy stallions paraded, and it was run with commendable efficiency by Ciarán and Gearóid Curran of Glencarrig Stud who kept the stallions coming without a single delay all day. Ann Reade provided clear and informative commentary. It was a triumph of organisation. Stallions to catch the eye included Clifden champ Currachmore Cashel (S-1128) and Linsfort Barney (S-1155).
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