Rendells auctioneers of Chagford report the most successful drift sale held at Chagford for well over a quarter of a century, with some extraordinary prices.

A much larger entry of ponies than in recent years met strongly competitive bidding throughout the sale, with fresh buyers being recorded right through to the end of the sale and only five ponies failing to reach the day's minimum upset price.

The introduction of a buyer's premium, for the first time, did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of buyers.

The better quality and nicely marked ponies attracted the most interest and the tone for the day was set by the first pony in the ring, a smart spotted filly foal exhibited by J Shears of Chagford, realising £231.

Mr Shears' mixed consignment of 14 coloured and plain foals of both sexes averaged 101 gns. a record average for any consignment of foals at the market, with colt foals realising up to £200.

Enthusiastic bidding, and high prices were experienced in all categories, with empty mares selling to £140, mares and foals reaching £152 and yearling-2yo young ponies topping at £189.

Miniature Shetlands were again in demand with foals selling to £126 for Mrs Mortimore, Chagford.