Valentine wins on first outing
 Macfin Valentine Supreme Champion for Graffin and Yvonne Hanna |  Alex and Geoffrey Tanner's Arclid Shona was Reserve |
The split foal classes, which were a new addition to the schedule, proved to be a real success, with 25 foals forward from across the province, as well as from Donegal.
The task of judging was taken on by Robert Meiklem, from Aberfoyle, and he awarded the overall ribbons to the foal champion, Macfin Valentine, which had topped the senior filly foal class. This home bred foal was on her flrst outing for Graffin and Yvonne Hanna. Valentine is sired by the Scott Brothers' stallion, Doura High Spirit, and bred out of Kirkhouse Amazing Grace, which was a previous winner of the show in 2004.
The reserve championship went to Alex and Geoffrey Tanner, with the top junior filly foal, Arclid Shona, bred by Tony Bull, Cheshire. Shona is by the young stallion Arclid Hillside Avenger and her dam is Arclid Amber.
The new senior championship was won by Gordon Smyth, showing his home bred yearling colt, Cloghan Denver Lad. This dark bay colt is another by Doura High Spirit, and his dam is Borrowston Duchess. He also went on to take the best opposite sex to the overall champion.
Reserve senior was the three-year-old mare, Bratlach Enchantress, which is bred and owned by John Drummond. She is by Bratlach Dillon and out of Bratlach Jane.
The young handlers' class was won for the third year in succession by David Patterson, of Hollybank, with second going to Patrick McKay, of Carnaff, and third going to Cormack Cochrane, of Bratwell, who qualified for the Clydesdale Horse Society young handlers final.
Leading Awards
Judge: (A Meiklem. Aberfoyle). Champion - G and Y Hanna. with Macfin Valentine.
Reserve - A and G Tanner. with Arclid Shona. Foal champion - G and Y Hanna. with Macfin Valentine. Foal reserve - A and G Tanner. with Arclid Shona. Senior champion - G Smith. with Cloghan Denver Lad. Senior reserve - J Drummond. with Brallach Enchantress. Mare three-years and over - 1, J Drummond, with Bratlach Enchantress. Two·year·old filly - 1. S McKee. with Hollybank Primrose. Yearling colt or gelding - 1. G Smyth, with Cloghan Denver Lad; 2, A and G Tanner, with Freehall John Boy; 3, P O'Boyle. with Balhnarry Claddy Boy. Yearling filly - 1, W Holmes, with Bratwell Britney; 2, T Mills. with Woodhill Joan. Senior colt foal - 1, J Aeid, with Bencannon Grand Slam; 2, W Holmes and I Cochrane, with Bratwell Alltan; 3, T McAleese, with Collessie Cardinal; 4. J Coulter, with Oldstone Henry. Senior filly foal - 1 and best brec, G and Y Hanna. with Macfin Valentine; 2, J Cross, with Caslletown Carol; 3. S Parke, with Carnaff Elaine Marie; 4, A Brewn, with Lagavar Nellie; 5, D Mc Briar. with Carsontown Aose; 6. A Barnes, with Ballinarry Pepsi Lee. Junior colt foal - 1, T McAleese. with Collessie Careusel; 2, J Henderson, with Braeside Aobby; 3, B Fullerton. with Lisachrin Sir Monly; 4, E Lynd. with Bracken Sir John; 5, J McNeillis, with Killybegs Donegal. Junior filly foal - 1, A and G Tanner, with Arclid Shona; 2, J Drummond, with Brallach Mayflower; 3, J Teacey, with Cressmakeever Lauren; 4, P Glass, with Cloghabruck Aosie; 5. D Ayan; with Carnaff Aosie; 6. P O'Boyle, with Drumhill Lady Zoe. Pairs - I, T McAleese; 2, J Drummond; 3, A and G Tanner; 4. W Holmes and I Cochrane; 5, P O'Boyle; 6. B Fullerton. Young Handlers - 1, David Patterson; 2, Patrick McKay; 3, Cormack Cochrane; 4, Colleen Cochrane; 5. Gareth Mills
Images and article courtesy of The Scottish Farmer
