THE Irish Draught All-Ireland foal finals, held at Ballinasloe Agricultural Show recently, saw the colt and filly foal classes commanding record entries.

Ballinasloe Showgrounds was a great central venue, with competitors travelling the length and breadth of the country. Judges on the day, with national and international experience, were Ms Claire Oakes and Mr Tim Wilson. After much deliberation, the filly foal championship was given to Denis McGrath’s filly Clogher Bonnie, by The Bachelor, having won the IDHS national show filly foal championship at the same venue two weeks previous; this combined with back-to-back wins at Castlerea and Loughrea shows. Coincidentally, the ridden horse champion on the day, owned by Grace and William McMahon, was also a maternal brother by Dunsandle Daimond.