THURSDAY is traditionally the day when Irish Draught fans descend on the RDS to watch the mare and foal classes, plus have a preview of the Irish Draught stallion class as a preliminary parade takes place at 1pm.

By then, we’ll know the winners of the morning classes as first up at 10.45am is the young mare class for three or four-year-olds. Last year’s winner - Padraig Bohan’s Gortfadda Diamonds (Inisfree The Iron Cross) - bids for a double and the Mohill family also have her stable companion Whitefield Gabby (Carrickcottage Star).