OVER 90 breeders, who participated in the 2019 Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series, enjoyed a special celebration reception at Tattersalls July Show to mark the success of Irish breeders. Comdt. John Ledingham led the group on a course walk with international course designer Tom Holden on Sunday at the Co Meath show.

Among the special guests was breeder Anne Gannon who bred Kate Derwin’s Junior European Show Jumping Champion AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH). Director of Breeding and Programmes at Horse Sport Ireland, Alison Corbally, presented Anne Gannon with a special award. Rocky’s dam Whiterock Touch (ISH) is now classified as a select five-star mare in the ISH Studbook. Gannon has registered over 40 horses with the ISH Studbook. Referring to AHG Whiterock Cruise Down, Corbally commented: “This kind of success epitomises every breeder’s dream – to breed an Irish horse who is produced in Ireland, ridden by an Irish rider, winning gold at the highest level of international competition.”

A delighted Gannon said: “We as breeders put in a long hard slog, year in year out. So days like last Sunday don’t come around too often. It’s great as a breeder to see all our efforts being recognised and it’s lovely to be brought back into the fold years after progeny are sold when we get to see the fruits of our labours.”

Breeder Andrew Hughes commented: “It was a great opportunity for breeders and owners to hear Comdt John Ledingham’s views on the course and why Tom Holden builds the course the way he does. It would also encourage producers to include their horses in this ISH show jumping series as we gained an understanding of how clever course designing instils confidence in our young horses.”