HORSE Sport Ireland has launched an innovative genomic grade up rule for Irish Draught horses, which will allow horses without pedigree documentation to be considered for entry into the breeding programme based solely on their genetic profile. Using advanced genomic tools applied to a hair sample, HSI can now assess whether an animal carries the core genetic make-up of an Irish Draught. This, in turn, can provide a pathway for identifying and restoring rare or long-absent Irish Draught bloodlines, which will serve to strengthen the future of Ireland’s national breed.