MAKING a welcome return to the National Stallion Show was the Mountain and Moorland section, which might not have boasted the greatest entries but welcomed a good percentage forward. 

It was two from the large breed classes that caught the eye of the judge, Ms Pat Rennie, from near Drymen, and it was young Fell filly from Ian and Alistair Smith that landed the tri-colour ticket. Their three-year-old Drybarrows Authentic, which was bred by David Thompson, from Cumbria, and bought by the Smiths as a foal, is sired by the well-known Carrock I’m Yer Man and out of Drybarrows Shanua. This grey lass has done well in the show ring, claiming the reserve title at the Royal Highland Show as a yearling as well as the supreme honours at the Fell and Dales Show in Cumbria. 

In reserve was a flashy Welsh Section D stallion from Shelby Donnelly in the shape of Brynithon Royal Welsh Prince. This eight-year-old, which will be standing at stud this year, was purchased from his breeders four years ago and stood second in his class at the Highland a couple of years back on one of his few show outings with Shelby. His pedigree includes Tranmoor Flyte on to Porchin Magical Princess, and he will be contesting driven classes later in the year. 

LEADING awards:

(Judge: Ms P Rennie, Lomondside Stud, Buchanan Home Farm, Drymen). Large breed born before 2014 – 1 and reserve, S Donnelly’s Brynithon Royal Welsh Prince; 2, A McBain’s Bluehaven Kasabian; 3, EM Ball’s Drybarrows Maddy. Large breed born in or after 2015 – 1 and champion, Messrs Smith’s Drybarrows Authentic; 2, W McFarlane’s Bracklinn Sally; 3, D McCall’s Newydd Johnny Fox. Small breed born before 2014 – 1, D Robertson’s Eaveswood Exquisite. Small breed born in or after 2015 – 1, E Crate’s Dunaskin Tipple; 2, E Crate’s Banky Dau Aderyn. Any other recognised equine registered in the relevant studbook – 1, Z Nicoll’s Romanno Willow The Wisp.