EASTER Sunday lunch was a late affair for the owners, breeders and spectators at a superbly-run stallion parade at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, where the event doubled as the last public outing for Sean Barker’s Gortfree Hero.

Organised by the proactive Westmeath/Offaly branch of the Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association, the parade is the start of a busy calendar, including their annual branch show on Sunday, June 28th in Moate. Meanwhile, the IDHBA national show moves to an earlier date at Punchestown on July 11th.