United States Eventing Association

Go For Gold Sale Brings Together Top Young Horses In Ireland

One of the most exciting developments to emerge in event horse circles last year was the launch of a specialist auction of pre-selected potential and proven Irish event horses. Run in November, the sale was the first of its kind in Ireland, and much to the delight of organizers, Goresbridge Horse Sales it attracted a wealth of international buyers and realized figures that emphatically broke all 2010 Irish auction returns.

On the back of this success, the experienced Goresbridge team are repeating the exercise, namely The Go For Gold Sale, and this year’s date to pencil in the diary is November 2/3^rd 2011.

Martin and Mary Frances Donohoe from Goresbridge have been delighted with the success of last year’s graduates, but they are overwhelmed at the quality of this year’s entry. Having gained the confidence of vendors, applications of four to six year old horses were received from some of the best producers in the country, and this years entry far exceeds the standard set last year. They have compiled a catalogue of over 60 young horses but this is not a numbers game and from the three strategically sited selection venues, the Go For Gold team have sourced and selected some of the best potential event horses in Ireland.

“We are hugely excited about this sale. The concept, for us, is perfect as we have passed a great number of the most prolific horses on the eventing circuits worldwide, through our sales ring already and the merits of the Irish horse in general needs no introduction having topped the ranks internationally for over 15 years. We felt it would be a natural progression for us to offer purchasers the opportunity to come and view some of the best individuals Ireland has to offer, all in one place, with exceptional facilities in which to do so. Our expertise has been in selling horses for over 40 years and with an already established record in this field you could call this sale a ‘one stop shop!’ with over 60 horses at one venue with household names such as Olympic silver medalist McKinlaigh, U.S. team member & Rolex winner Connaught and Olympic bronze medalist Tankerstown to name but a few, we have a proven and enviable portfolio of graduates with 28% of the 2008 Olympic event medalists sourced at our sale, our wall of fame is really quite impressive. Last years sale surpassed our expectations and provided us with valuable building blocks for this year we are thrilled that so many of the horses sold last year have gone on to prove themselves already, here at home, in the U.K. and as far afield as Canada.”

The selection panel which comprises of Sally Parkyn, Clare Ryan and Chris Ryan form a hugely experienced trio who are acknowledged world-wide for sourcing and producing some of the sport’s most recognizable names. Their record of sourcing potential medalists at the Olympic Games and major championships speaks for itself.

“Our selectors are really, for us, a huge part of what makes this sale so successful, their knowledge is such a vital component and because of their individual records and the respect each of their names commands, we are confident the horses selected have the very best potential, the very best of Irish breeding and the very best of Irish production for which Ireland has long been acclaimed. It was certainly no easy task for them to narrow down the selection from 200 to just over 60 but their excitement and enthusiasm having seen such an array of talent speaks volumes. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have them on board.”

This year sees a different, but improved venue at Barnadown, co. Wexford – a purpose built international show jumping center with two all weather competition arenas as well as a championship grass arena. In addition there is an all-weather cross country course as well as ample permanent stabling. The evening auction will be staged five minutes down the road at the Amber Springs Hotel, an award winning four-star hotel and spa, where the horses will be offered for auction during a gala dinner evening.

We have a comprehensive website www.goresbridgegoforgold.com where details and performance footage of all entries can be viewed, so check it out and we look forward to seeing you in Ireland in November for what will undoubtedly be a memorable event!

Catalogue now available to view online!