Clydesdale enthusiasts and spectators turned out in force last Saturday for the Co Londonderry Horse Breeding Society’s 53rd Clydesdale Foal Show, which was held in Ballymena Livestock Market.

The task of judging this year’s show fell to Charlotte Young, from the well-known Doura Stud, near Ayr, and she chose as her supreme champion choice, the senior champion, Macfin Delta Dawn, a home-bred yearling filly from the Hanna family, of Ballymoney.

This filly is sired by the Scottish-bred Muirton Sabre, with her dam being Macfin Crystal Gail. She previously stood reserve overall champion at this year’s Balmoral Show on her only other outing.

Reserve overall and foal champion was the April-born senior filly foal, Croaghmore Maureen, from Sandra Henderson, Ballycastle. This filly is also sired by Muirton Sabre, with her dam being Croaghmore Roxy.

Reserve senior champion was the second prize yearling filly, Agivey First Hope, which was shown by David Patterson, Garvagh. She is by Roes Hall Apollo, with her dam being Agivey Sophie.

Reserve from the line-up of foals was the junior filly foal class winner, Carnaff Alana Marie, from the McKay family, Dervock. She is by Carnaff Maverick, with her dam being Carnaff Lady Marie.

Best opposite sex to the champion was the two-year-old gelding, Knockmore Sam, from Nicholas Jenkins, Co Down. He is by Churchill Sir James and out of Tullaghans Dawn.

A strong class of five young handlers saw the top prize won by Bonnie Taggart (Ballaney), with second place going to Edward Leverett and third to Finn Todd. Qualifying for the CHS young handlers championship at the Royal Highland Show, in June, 2022, was Lucy Cross (Castletown).

This foal show kicked off the young handlers championship for 2021/22, which will continue through to the summer show season.

LEADING awards:

Senior gelding – 1, Glebeview Jock (V and R Scott).

Mare – 1, Inny Jenny (Jimmy Cantley).

Two-year-old male – 1, Knockmore Sam (Nicholas Jenkins).

Two-year-old filly – 1, Ballaney Princess Helen (Trevor Taggart).

Yearling filly – 1, Macfin Delta Dawn (Messrs Hanna); 2, Agivey First Hope (David Patterson).

Senior colt foal – 1, Bratlach Jack the Lad (John Drummond); 2, Glebeview Bert (V and R Scott); 3, Howgillside Sovereign (V and R Scott).

Senior filly foal – 1, Croaghmore Maureen (Sandra Henderson); 2, Fuinneamh (Celine Byrne); 3, Ballinrees Lady Rose (Victor Millen).

Junior colt foal – 1, Dapple Trigger (Pat O’Boyle); 2, Bratlach High Spirit (John Drummond).

Junior filly foal – 1, Carnaff Alana Marie (Messrs McKay); 2, Castletown Clemmie (John Cross); 3, Bratlach Velvet (G and L Tanner).