A mid-19th century canvas showing a racehorse of the period made the day's best price, as expected, at the antiques and fine art auction conducted last week by Sheppard's of Durrow, Co Laois. Nancy by Alfred de Prades sold for £8,000.

An early 19th century Dutch marquetry corner cabinet made £500 less than this figure. An 18th century Italian carved giltwood console table fetched £7,000, and both a pair of 19th century gilt bronze rococo scrolled two-branch candelabra and a late Victorian rosewood and marquetry card table went for the same figure of £5,000.

A sum of £4,900 was paid for a Chippendale dining table.