Loss of Colin Diamond

THE O.B.O.S Quality son Castlecomer Q is now the sole stallion at William McDonnell’s Pallas Stud, following the loss of the Nenagh family’s traditional Irish Sport Horse stallion Colin Diamond. Bred in Fohenagh by Valerie Thorington, the 28-year-old veteran was by Diamond Lad and was related to the international eventer Duneight Carnival on his Colinstable-Final Problem dam Lady Colin’s side.

Among his progeny were the Army Equitation School’s Kilteely, the Dublin four-year-old champion Suir Forever, Balladeer Promise, Boleybawn Prince and Portphilip CD on the eventing scene and a host of Dublin and All Ireland show champions. As a broodmare sire, his second generation offspring include the three-star event winner, One Two Many.

Bolger sponsorship

THE Bolger family have weighed in behind Sunday’s 39th annual Oylegate gymkhana, with classes from Newcomers to Grand Prix level. Feature classes include the Mervue Equine 1.20m Summer Tour, sponsored by Ken Bolger’s Springfield Stud and the main class; the Mervue Equine Summer Tour 1.35m Grand Prix, sponsored by top racehorse trainer Jim Bolger.

Oylegate native Jim, from a local farming family, is a strong supporter of all things equestrian in his home area and has based his Springfield Stud there. His nephew Ken heads up this highly successful stud operation and breeding programme that has provided many winners for Jim.