IT WAS the 50th anniversary of Kilmarnock Foal Show and there were plenty of exhibitors and spectators in attendance at the event, held at Craig Wilson Auction Mart, outside Ayr.

Taking the supreme championship was Charlotte Young, from Hall Farm, Ayr, with her February-born colt foal, Doura Magic Touch, which is by Glebeview Sir Charles.

Standing reserve was Allan and Evelyn Campbell’s May-born filly, Pacemuir Elizabeth, which is by Dillars Jura, and is out of Rashhillhouse Betty. She will next be shown at Lanark Foal Show.

Commenting on the champion and reserve, the two judges for the day, William Mitchell, Ainville, Kirknewton, and Danny McKay, Carnaff, Dervock, Ballymoney, said: “Today we were looking for good shape and movement, as well as good hair. We saw some excellent movement in the champion colt

"He's a big, powerful animal, while the reserve filly had beautiful, silky hair,” they agreed.

In the senior section, David McGill's Capergill Cleo ruled supreme. From Newark Kennels, Alloway, this yearling filly is by Dillars Topgun, and is out of Caperhill Whitney. 

Agnes Jackson and Allan Craig, of Covington Mill, Biggar, had the reserve senior champion with Westglen Rambling Rose, which is by Dillars Boat Commander.

The show was founded by 14 Clydesdale enthusiasts, who wanted to continue with the foal show, after Kilmarnock Agricultural Show wound up in 1967. 

Each of the men had provided £5 each, and that was enough to fund a show, which was initially held in Kilmarnock Market, until its closure in 2003, and has been held at Ayr since.

This year, the show society increased prize money and provided specially-made rosettes, with gold detailing around them, to mark the occasion.

Leading awards:

Yeld mare or gelding — 1 and reserve senior champion, Mrs A Jackson and Mr Allan Craig, Covington Mill, Biggar.

Yearling filly — 1 and senior champion, D McGill, Newark Kennels, Alloway.

Senior colt foal — 1, Miss C Young, Hall Farm, Ayr; 2, J Rochhead, Malcolmwood, Blantyre; 3, Mrs A Jackson and Mr A Craig, Covington Mill, Biggar.

Junior colt foal — 1, K Wilson, Moray Place, Blackford; 2, RH Black, Newton of Collessie, Cupar; 3, R Morton, Stobilee, Cleghorn, Lanark.

Senior filly foal — 1, Miss C Young; 2, D Walker and Beverley Brown, Galcantray, Cawdor; 3, Auchengree Clydesdales, Auchengree Farm, Lenzie, Stepps.

Junior filly foal — 1, A and E Campbell, Netherwood Cottage, Kilmacolm; 2, RH Black; 3, Miss C Young.

Colt or filly foal — 1 and 2, Miss C Young.

Bred — 1, A and E Campbell; 2, Miss C Young.

Best colt foal — 1, Miss C Young; 2, J Rochhead.

Best filly foal — 1, A and E Campbell; 2, Miss C Young.

Group — Miss C Young.

Best shown — RH Black.