Connemara’s Champion once worth €15,000 – but bought twice for just €400!

The pick of the crop at last week’s Connemara Pony Show was once sold by her current owners for €15,000 at the height of the economic boom – only to be bought back during the downturn….for just €400!

Which is exactly what they had first paid for Supreme Champion Lackagh Beauty when she was just a promising young pony.  The mare was first sold to Fiona and Tomás Grimes from Ballinrobe for €400 when she was first put on the market at the Clifden Mart Sales.

But both the pony and the Irish economy were moving well at the time – and when she was brought back again to the Clifden Mart Sales ring in 2008, Lackagh Beauty sold for €15,000.

By 2013, however, the mare was back at the Clifden Sales; still a fine pony but now in different economic times – and while the Grimes recognised her pedigree, they were not willing to pay what they estimated would be thousands to get her back.

As it turned out, the bidding started at €400…but it never moved upwards from there – so Fiona and Tomás Grimes moved in and bought back Lackagh Beauty for €400.

Back in Clifden this week Lackagh Beauty, bred by Tim Connor in Ballybrit, won the over-16 year old class for mares and went on to become the Supreme Champion of the Show for her proud owners.

What is she worth now?

Well Lackagh Beauty has reached new heights and the economy has moved on and jumped a few hurdles.  Maybe the pony is worth €10,000 or more after her success – but then she may never go in the sales ring again.

See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.