THE Cork/Kerry Branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association (IDHBA) has made significant strides to enhance the visibility of the Irish Draught breed at this year’s Cork Summer Show. With declining numbers in in-hand classes noted over recent seasons, the IDHBA partnered with the show to create attractive and well-funded competitions for Irish Draughts, featuring a total prize fund of €3,700 in the mare and foal classes. This collaboration provided an excellent platform for showcasing the breed and, with over 30,000 visitors attending, it reaffirmed the Cork Summer Show’s reputation as a premier event for equestrian enthusiasts.

The judges for the Irish Draught section were Kenny Bell and Penny Campbell-McLean from Northern Ireland, who faced the challenging task of selecting the top entries from a high-quality field.

In the ID yearling, colt, gelding or filly class, the champion was Gerard Knowles’s Lady Vandike, by Killountain Cross, with Carmel Duggan presenting. The reserve went to Neilie Hurley’s Ballydonaghy Storm Cathleen, by Ludden Skywalker, shown by Neilie and Eileen Hurley.

The ID two or three-year-old gelding or filly class saw Russell and Judith Cowley’s Cloneyhea Blossom, by Cloneyhea Paddy, take the top honours, while Mary Deirdre Kinsella’s Front of House, by Inisfree the Holy Grail, was awarded second place. Russell and Judith Cowley also secured third with Cloneyhea Lilly, by Cloneyhea Paddy.

The highlight of the segment was the IDHBA Cork/Kerry Branch €2,500 ID mare class, which featured a strong lineup of 15 mares. Sean Scannell’s DSC Coolruby, by Coolcronan Wood, claimed the champion title. The reserve champion was Derrynasagurt Rose by Cappa Cassanova, also owned by Sean Scannell.

Ronán Stynes and Linda O’Byrne’s Lilliputs Top Dollar, by Scrapman, took third place, followed by Sam and Jim Kingston’s Carrigbawn Honey, by Penmerryl’s Rhythm And Blues in fourth. Fifth place was awarded to Danny Coughlan’s Danny’s Lady, by Coolcronan Wood, while Richie Middleton’s Lady Neala, by Coilldarach Scirocco, rounded out the top six.

In the IDHBA Cork/Kerry Branch €600 ID colt foal class, the red rosette was claimed by Ronán Stynes and Linda O’Byrne’s Lilliputs Kildare, by Inisfree The Holy Grail. Second place went to Sean Scannell’s colt foal by The Bachelor, with Muireann O’Donnell’s unnamed foal by WRS Sunrise finishing third.

The IDHBA Cork/Kerry Branch €600 ID filly foal class saw Eddie Corbett’s unnamed filly by WRS Sun Rise take first place, with Sean Scannell’s filly foal by Killountain Cross in second. Sean Twomey’s Barley Hill Star, by Edenagoar Star, was awarded third place.

The In-Hand Champion ID title was awarded to Sean Scannell’s DSC Coolruby, with Derrynasagurt Rose taking the reserve champion honours. These results were also reflected in the Native Irish Breeds Champion and Reserve Champion.

In the ID Working Hunter class, Lorna Neville’s Rochestown Tiara, by Penmerryl’s Rhythm and Blues emerged victorious, with Lauren Hegarty’s Sun Shine Rebel, by WRS Sun Shine, in second place.

The pure-bred ridden ID class saw Rosarie Collins’s Coolbui Colin, by Killountain Cross, take the top honours, while Cindy Wagner’s Edgewater Godfrey, by Grandpa’s Diamond secured second place. Third place was awarded to Pauline Dahill’s Son of Tillie, by Knocknaferry Cheeky Boots.

The Cork Summer Show in its collaboration with the Cork/Kerry branch of the IDHBA successfully highlighted the best of the Irish Draught breed, showcasing the commitment of breeders and participants to excellence in equestrianism. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation affirm the future of these prestigious classes, ensuring that the Cork Summer Show remains a key event in the equestrian calendar.

Focus for the branch now moves to organising their annual horse and pony sale and foal show which will take place on October 12th in Ballybrack Equestrian Centre, Genville.