THE Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association annual awards night was hosted by the Westmeath Offaly branch of the association at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone recently. Irish Draught horse enthusiasts from all over the country attended the evening where six national awards were presented.

Each year the association endeavours to recognise the success of an Irish Draught Mare, as the mare is the foundation of this native breed and the foundation of Irish Sport Horses. This year’s winner is Lady Hattie who is owned by Offaly man John Bracken. Lady Hattie is a seven-year-old mare and has the best of traditional Irish Draught breeding being by Agherlow out of the Star Kingdom mare Bell Lady. She was bred by Gabriel and Madeleine Tunney.