BY now, the 2024 Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) selections and last night’s Stallion Showcase at Cavan Equestrian Centre, the site for HSI’s central inspections, will have been completed.
Changes are afoot for the stallion inspections, which this year were made available to a wider audience by live streaming on the Clipmyhorse.tv website. According to Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland, this feature was introduced to increase exposure.
“We are always listening and trying to improve the delivery of the day, the value to the attending breeders and the presenting studs and stallion owners. This year, we are delighted that the selections will be freely accessible throughout the event, as it will be live streamed on Clipmyhorse.tv on both days. This is a novel benefit and exposure for presenting stallions.
“It also improves accessibility for all breeders, nationally and internationally, who cannot attend, but are interested in our studbook selection process and/or using these studbook-classified stallions.”
Traditionally, attendance at stallion inspections in its various formats, has been low. Often, it’s the same cluster of spectators at the ringside each year at previous locations held around the country, from Millstreet to Tynagh, before the European-look inspections were first held in 2010 at Cavan Equestrian Centre. The “Draught Day” at Cavan isn’t quite complete without the group of cross-channel breed enthusiasts, who travel over every year to view the inspections.
With a plethora of Entry (or non-inspected) stallions at stud in Ireland, the fact that owners of the 41 initial entries brought their horses out for inspection over Thursday and Friday is interesting.
Connor Swail and Lansdowne, who was presented for Inspection this year, at the European Championships in 2013
Five-star
“We’ve had a bumper year in terms of applications and, indeed, presentations at this year’s studbook inspections,” stated Sonja. “There will be a great display of stallions over the two days, from rare Irish Draught bloodlines, Thoroughbreds, young sport horses and performance horses for linear profiling.”
Amongst this year’s entries are four stallions that passed Stage 1 in 2023 and are returning in a bid for Stage 2 approval: Feridann De Kergane (SF), Peroni (KWPN), MHS Always (ISH) and Sligo Cavalier Candy (ISH).
Two High Performance stallions - Caracas and Lansdowne - were scheduled to be presented for linear profiling and, based on their own performance records, will be given a five-star rating in the Irish Sport Horse (ISH) Studbook.
After the linear profiling formality, this pair will then have joined Ardcolum Duke, Carrabis Z, Colandro, Livello, Quality Time TN, Radolin, Tyson, Valent, Warrenstown U2, Womanizer and Zapatero VDL, the other five-star rated stallions standing in Ireland.
One recent loss to this group of five-star stallions was the traditionally-bred Carrick Diamond Lad (Flagmount Diamond - Greaghwilliam Pearl, by Sky Boy. Breeder: Tom Jones). However, he will have a potential approved stallion amongst this week’s entries in Carrick Diamond Royale.
Thoroughbred stallion entries were low in volume in recent years, although this year there are three thoroughbred candidates amongst the 2024 entries, including Fountain Of Youth and Urban Poet. This pair were put forward for linear profiling based on their Timeform rating of 105 or over.
Showcase venture
Five Irish Draught stallions are re-presented, seeking to move from Class 2 to Class 1 within the Irish Draught studbook. One of this group - WGS Irish Rajah - will be approved for the Irish Sport Horse Studbook, based on his show jumping performance.
A total of 17 Irish Draught entries were scheduled for Thursday’s timetable, with yesterday set aside for the second batch of sport horse candidates and the Stallion Showcase in the evening.
Another new feature in the fast-moving virtual world is a motion analysis of the stallions present at Cavan.
“The aim is to explore the future potential of this data and the support it could provide us in the sport horse industry. We’re delighted to be joined on both days by Stephen O’Dwyer of TrojanTrack, who has done a brilliant job to date in the thoroughbred sector; to see what kind of metrics we might be able to look at in sport horses, ponies and Irish Draughts,” said Sonja, explaining this concept.
“It is proof of concept this year to see how the data looks alongside the linear profiles, we’re certainly excited about the future and potential of this data.”
Having the second day of inspections on Friday could improve the footfall for the inaugural Stallion Showcase, which was scheduled to run at 6.30pm yesterday.
Over 30 stallions, classified by Irish studbooks and presented in-hand or under saddle, were entered for the event, billed as a “brilliant opportunity to see a wonderful variety of stallions in the flesh” ahead of this year’s breeding season.
A range of tradestands, featuring stud farms, horse feed, health and medical products and organisations, such as the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA), had also signed up for the new event, made available too on the Clipmyhorse.tv platform.
How many of this year’s entries are successful will be known both on the day and also in 10-20 years time, when their progeny prove their sire’s merits.
Next week: Cavan 2024, the outcome.
2024 Horse Sport Ireland stallion selection entries
Belgium rider Jos Verlooy riding Caracas, who was presented for inspection this year \ Scoopdyga
Bogdan (AES) 2020.
Diamant de Semilly (SF) - Channa Z (ZANG), by Chellano Z (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Michael Duffy, Co Galway
Breeder: Charlotte Foreman
Caracas (AHWA) 2005
Casall La Silla (HOLST) - Colthaga (HOLST) by Colman (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Axel Verlooy and Eamon McArdle, Co Monaghan.
Breeder: Desmond Russel
Carrick Diamond Royale (ISH) [TIH] 2020
Carrick Diamond Lad (ISH)[TIH] - Hopalong Cassidy Girl (ISH)[TIH], by Hopalong Cassidy (TB)
Classification applicant: Tom Jones, Co Monaghan
Breeder: Tom Jones
Darius Peguignon (SF) 2013
Canturo (HOLST) - Version d’Iscla (SF) by Diamant De Semilly (SF).
Classification applicant: Of Heritage Horses, Co Waterford
Breeder: S.A.R.L. Agricole De Redon De Colombier
Dorus Heldenlaan Z (ZANG) 2019
Doree VD Moskifarm (BWP) - Clintica Heldenlaan Z (ZANG) by Clinton I (HOLST).
Classification applicant: Lawrence Patterson, Co Down
Breeder: Cesteleyn Dirk
Feridann De Kergane (SF) 2015
Canturo (HOLST) - Cyltzia De Kergane (SF) by Hornet Rose (SF).
Classification applicant: Lady Georgina Forbes, Co Longford
Breeder: SCEA De Kergane
Fountain Of Youth (IRE) TB 2011.
Oasis Dream (GB) (TB) - Attraction (GB) (TB) by Efisio (GB) (TB)
Classification applicant: Brian Murphy, Co Wexford
Breeder: Floors Farming
Globe Theatre (USA) TB 2016
War Front (USA) (TB) - Was (IRE) (TB) by Galileo (IRE) (TB).
Classification applicant: James O’Donovan, Co Cork
Breeder: Mssrs. Orpendake, Chelston & Wynatt
Golden Heights (ISH) 2018
Imperial Hights (ISH) - Cocos Dancer (ISH), by Clarebawn Sunshine Diamond (ISH)
Classification applicant: Alan Reilly, Co Cavan
Breeder: Alan Reilly
Hartford van de Drie Eiken Z (ZANG) 2020
Heartbeat (KWPN) - Cassandra Z (ZANG) by Carthago (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Shane Kenny, Co Wexford
Breeder: Edith Vangeel
Lansdowne (KWPN) 2003
Guidam (KWPN) - Ivory (KWPN) by Wolfgang (KWPN)
Classification applicant: Kieran Kennedy, Co Limerick
Breeder: J.W. Greve
LG Otello (ISH) 2018
Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP) - MHS La Scala (ISH) by Verdi (KWPN)
Classification applicant: Garrigan Equestrian Ltd., Co Dublin
Breeder: Luke Garrigan
MHS Always (ISH) 2020
Aganix Du Seigneur (SBS) - MHS Glory Days (ISH) by Quidam Junior I (KWPN)
Classification applicant: Tom and Sinead Brennan, Co Kilkenny
Breeder: Tom Brennan
MHS Magical (ISH) 2021
Cornet Obolensky (BWP) - Gowran Lady (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Michael and Tom Brennan, Co Kildare
Breeder: Michael and Tom Brennan
Milton Z (ZANG) 2011
Mylord Carthago (SF) - Shakira Z (ZANG) by Sandro Boy (OLD).
Classification applicant: Of Heritage Horses, Co Waterford
Breeder: F Hoogenboom
Peroni (KWPN) 2020
Zirocco Blue VDL (SF) - Aginea-Go (KWPN) by Lupicor (KWPN)
Classification applicant: Jordan Coyle, Co Derry
Breeder: Fam Versteeg
Rolex VDL (KWPN) 2021
Emerald Van’t Ruytershof (BWP) - A. Vaanteje R. (KWPN) by Carinjo HDC (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Olive and Ivor Broderick, Co Galway
Breeder: E. Schep
Sensations Optimus Prime (ISH). 2021
Singulaer Della Caccia (HOLST) - Sligo Diamond Queen (ISH) by Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN).
Classification applicant: Christopher Brown, Co Derry
Breeder: Liz Brown
Sligo Cavalier Candy (ISH) 2020
Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) - HHS Miss Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST)
Classification applicant: Padraig Howley, Co Sligo
Breeder: Mary and Eileen Murphy
Tubbertelly Dillion (ISH) 2020
Tubbertelly Monty (ISH) - Bonnie Choice (ISH) by Herkules (HUNK)
Classification applicant: Brendan Malone, Co Mayo
Breeder: Brendan Malone
Tullibards Lux Likea Benny (ISH) 2021
Tullibards Bennys Legacy (OLD) - Lux Optimistic (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN)
Classification applicant: Hans Kuhnle, Co Laois
Breeder: Hans Kuhnle
Urban Poet (USA), TB 2006
Dynaformer (USA) (TB) - Preach (USA) (TB) by Mr Prospector (USA) (TB)
Classification applicant: Donal Brazil, Co Offaly
Breeder: Claiborne Farm
Velvet van de Berghoeve (BWP) 2021
Comme Il Faut (WESTF) - Gatoucha vant Roosakker (BWP) by Diamant de Semilly (SF)
Classification applicant: Michael Pender, Co Kildare
Breeder: Vadebo NV & Paul Van Den Bosch
Via Lani’s Butterfly Effect (ISH) 2021
Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) - Via Butterfly Flip (ISH) by Hannibal Van Overis Z (ZANG)
Classification applicant: Anna Fee, Co Tipperary
Breeder: Anna Fee
Irish draught stallions
Ardlonan Bouncer 2021
Darragh Moylough Vision (IDC1) - Ivy June (RID) by Holycross (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Thomas Duffy, Co Meath
Breeder: Mick Kerr
Baltydaniel Golden Boy 2011
Mizen Gold (IDC2) - Arthur’s Queen (RID) by Cork Arthur (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Cathal Shine, Co Cork
Breeder: Elizabeth Cogan
Baltydaniel Romeo 2011
Crannagh Hero (IDC1) - Breezy Silver (RID) by Fast Silver (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Elizabeth Cogan, Co Sligo
Breeder: Elizabeth Cogan
Bawnbally Diamond 2019
Carrabawn Cross (IDC1) - Ballynadrimna Lass (IDC2) by Drumri (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Sean Barker, Co Mayo
Breeder: Julianne Corrigan
Cappa Maximus 2021
Millhollow Stroller - Seanies Girl, by Mountain Diamond (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Jimmy Quinn, Co Galway
Breeder: Liam McDonagh
Carrabeg Glengarriff 2017
Clonakilty Hero (IDC1) - Ben’s Daughter (RID) by Ben Calverstown (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Susan Malee, Co Mayo
Breeder: Susan Malee
Castlegar Rock 2021
Carrickrock Close Shave (IDC1) - Mossfort Star (RID) by Welcome Flagmount (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Tom Burke, Co Galway
Breeder: Martin Donnellan
Clogheen Johnny 2021
King Elvis (IDC1) - Clogheen Whirlwind (IDC1) by Fast Silver (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Seamus Sloyan, Co Roscommon
Breeder: Daniel Molloy
Coolin Union Hall 2021
Lissycremin Classic Ibane - Caheragh Rosie by Drimnagh Ibane
Classification applicant: John Varley, Co Galway
Breeder: Michael Coughlan
Gaelic Hero 2021
Gortfree Hero (IDC1) - Derryveeney Gem (IDC1) by Clonakilty Hero (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Colm Condron, Co Offaly
Breeder: Seamus and Noreen Hughes
Glenheste Gold 2020
Carrabawn Cross (IDC1) - Glen Heste Mist (RID) by Ballinrobe Boy (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Noel C Hamilton, Co Wicklow
Breeder: Noel C Hamilton
Longwood Connacht Gold 2021
Longwood Dunbelievable (IDC2) - Reese Rosa Angelito (IDC1) by Mountain Pearl (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Eddie Meehan, Co Sligo
Breeder: Eddie Meehan
Longwood White Pearl 2019
By Mountain Pearl (IDC1), out of Graigueaverne White Lady (IDC1) by Fintan Himself (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Eddie Meehan, Co Sligo
Breeder: Annette Brennan
Loughkeeland Mountain Dew 2020
Lislap Benedict (IDC2) - Loughkeeland Sunrise (IDC1) by Come T (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Nicholas Brannif, Co Down
Breeder: Nicholas Brannif
Monard Young Constable 2020
Gleneven Rebel (IDC1) - Welcome Lily (RID) by Welcome Flagmount (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Rian Keenan, Co Offaly
Breeder: Peter Fox
My Blue Prince 2019
Grandpas Rebel (IDC1) - Roscomroe Blue Princess (IDC1) by Windgap Blue (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Walter Kent, Co Wexford
Breeder: Walter Kent
WGS Irish Rajah 2018
Western Blues (IDC1) - Lackagh View (RID) by Carrabawn View (IDC1)
Classification applicant: Michael & Chris Mannion, Co Offaly
Breeder: Kieran Fleming