The Clark family from Madderty, in Perthshire, which took home the top plaudits from the National Stallion Show, held last weekend at Fenwick.

Their Clydesdale stallion, Muirton Spirit, won the prestigious Cawdor Cup, the Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy for the supreme Clydesdale, as well as the special anniversary champion of champions’ prize, to mark the event’s 160th year.

Brought out by Tom Clark, son Thomas and daughter Elizabeth, the three-year-old stallion was bred in Northern Ireland by Sandra Henderson. The Clark family are renowned for producing top stallions, with Cawdor Cup wins back as far as the 1940s, indeed the sire of the champion three-year-old was the Clark’s own stallion, the 2010 Cawdor Cup winner, Muirton Sabre, while the dam is Sandra’s prolific show-winning mare, Croaghmore Roxy, a daughter of Glebeview Sir Charles.

The line-up of senior yearling fillies at the National Stallion Show, led on the right by Ronnie Blacks Collessie Charlotte.

The line-up of senior yearling fillies at the National Stallion Show, led on the right by Ronnie Black's Collessie Charlotte.

Spirit himself is no stranger to the limelight having taken the breed’s supreme championship at last year’s Royal Highland Showcase. Judge of the male section, Tony Bull, Cheshire, said: “It was the first time I had seen the Clark’s stallion and he had it all for me, action at walk and trot and conforming to type.

"One thing that struck me was how much bigger he was when I got up close to him. He was easily the champion and for him to go on and win the overall was the icing on the cake.”

The reserve supreme Clydesdale went to the Collessie stud of Ronnie Black, who along with son, Pete, brought out the winning female, Collessie Alanna. This two-year-old filly was the pick of female judge, Peter Keron, and is by Arradoul Balvenie and out of Roughlands Jasmine.

Clydesdale female champion, and reserve supreme was Collessie Alanna, from Ronnie and Pete Black.

Clydesdale female champion, and reserve supreme was Collessie Alanna, from Ronnie and Pete Black.

She already has a huge string of awards to her name, with championship wins at Kinross, Teen Ranch, Lourin' Fair, Perth foal show, North of Fife and the Winter Fair.

Reserve for the Cawdor Cup was Thorpe Hill Quick Flash, from the Yorkshire's Paul and Matthew Bedford. This two-year-old is by Doura Aird Ambition, out of Crystal of the Glen.

The reserve female award was taken by the imported three-year-old filly, Freedom Believe In Love from John Anderson, Ron Brewster and Helen Carr, of Arbroath. By Freedom Majestic Believer and out of Freedom Majestic Irish Charm, she had been female champion at the Royal Highland Showcase.

The Shetland classes saw supreme go to the standard champion, Sharptor Kinsman, from David Hodge and Julian Walters, who had made the long journey north from their farm in the Dartmoor National Park, Devon, where they keep over 100 Shetlands alongside Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies.

Shetland supreme champion was Sharptor Kinsman from David Hodge and Julian Walters.

Shetland supreme champion was Sharptor Kinsman from David Hodge and Julian Walters.

Kinsman is a six-year-old stallion by Sharptor Laser Red and out of Laddyll Kimberley. Sharptor Kinsman went on to stand reserve champion of champions behind the Clydesdale stallion.

Reserve standard and reserve breed champion was the ridden class winner from Sarah Ross, Powmill, Dollar. The 10-year-old, Rosehoy of Transy, by Charles of Transy and out of Rosacor of Transy, was ridden by 11-year-old Connie Turnbull.

Taking the miniature Shetland title was Susan Calvert, Rosemount Cottage, Dalbeattie. Her three-year-old filly, Doonpark Heidi, is by Fordhouse Paddy and out of Mouseholes Hermione.

Miniature Shetland champion was Susan Calverts Doonpark Heidi.

Miniature Shetland champion was Susan Calvert's Doonpark Heidi.

Reserve miniature was Allan and Sandra Preston’s Parlington Darcy from Little Mark, Stranraer. This six-year-old stallion by Parlington Quentin, is out of Parlington Wilma.

In the Highland pony ring the championship went to Jacqueline Bonar, Kirkmuirhill, Lanarkshire. Her 14-year-old mare, Bowmore Lady Laura, is home-bred by Carlung Finlay and out of Lesley of Whitefield. She was reserve at Blair in 2019 and is the winner of multiple silver medals.

Bowmore Lady Laura took the Highland pony championship for Jacqueline Bonar.

Bowmore Lady Laura took the Highland pony championship for Jacqueline Bonar.

The same sire was behind the reserve Highland, Heather Dick’s nine-year-old stallion, Dunstruan Ettrick Mhor. Carlung Finlay is Heather’s own stallion and he's out of Coralknowe Dill, and Ettrick Mhor won the NPS summer show and qualified at Blair for HOYS last year.

Eleanor Crate, Hollybush, Ayr, took the Mountain and Moorland championship with her home-bred three-year-old, Dunaskin Thumbelina. By Janpete Tom Thumb, she is out of Corkhills Skylark.

Reserve was Ellie Meldrum’s eight-year-old Welsh pony, Wernderris Charlie Fox, from Smiddy Cottage, Kelso. This son of Uphill James Fox, out of Wernderris Cha Cha, had won his class at Blair last year.

Moutain and Moorland champion was Dunaskin Thumbelina from Eleanor Crate.

Moutain and Moorland champion was Dunaskin Thumbelina from Eleanor Crate.

The ridden championship of all breeds went to the Highland pony winner, Trailtrow Toran and Lauren Jarvis, from Kilmarnock. By Dunedin Ranald, he is out of Trailtrow Tula and was bred by Gillian McMurray.

LEADINGawards:

Clydesdale geldings (Judge: CJ Malkin, Woodlands Cottage, Market Drayton, Shropshire).

Gelding, four-year-old and over – 1, H Ramsay, Carrickmannon Sir Charles (by Dairylough Lord Mic-Ki); 2, A and A Noble, Windyknowe Barra (by Windyknowe Homer); 3, A McLean, Lochcote Cooper (by Great American Ben Franklin).

Gelding, three-year-old and under – 1 and gelding champion, T Edge, Manor Danny Boy (by Carnaff Ambassador); 2, R McLean, East Challach Cloud (by Doura Aird Ambition).

Part-bred Clydesdale – 1 and reserve champion gelding, P and M Bedford, Thorpe Hill Roy (by Collessie Proclaimer).

Clydesdale females (Judge: P Keron, Paddockhaugh West, Auchterarder, Perthshire).

Mare, four-year-old and over – 1, A Craig and A Jackson, Boat Lady Ailsa (by Dillars Top Gun); 2, A Stewart, Mollinhillhead Rebecca (by Bratlach Ballintoy); 3, N Leslie, Collessie First Choice (by Arradoul Balvenie).

Mare, three-year-old – 1 and reserve female champion, J Anderson, R Brewster, and H Carr, Freedom Believe in Love (by Freedom Majestic Believer); 2, E Johnstone, Ord Moana (by Redcastle Brelee Majestic); 3, P and M Bedford, Thorpe Hill Elsie (by Rosegift Rocky).

Two-year-old filly – 1, female champion, and reserve supreme Clydesdale champion, RH Black, Collessie Alanna (by Arradoul Balvenie); 2, J Greenhill, Tulloes Emily (by Arradoul Balvenie); 3, S Greenhill, Fordelhill Limelight (by Glebeview Sir Charles).

Senior yearling filly – 1, RH Black, Collessie Charlotte (by Collessie Highlander); 2, N Christie, Dalfoil Lady Eliza (by Doura Magic Touch); 3, J Greenhill, Tulloes Alanna (by Arradoul Balvenie).

Junior yearling filly – 1, W Mitchell, Ainville Miss Moneypenny (by Redcastle Brelee Majestic); 2, R Sibbald, Thorn Lady Jasmine (by Baldowrain Kingsman) ; 3, W Dunbar, Doura Sorrento (by Doura Magic Touch).

Clydesdale males (Judge: T Bull, The Willows, Church Munshill, Cheshire).

Stallion, five-year-old or over – 1, D and B Walker, Baird’s Maitland River Admiral (by Willow Way Keenan).

Stallion, four-year-old – 1, J Anderson, R Brewster, H Carr, Willow Way Swiper (by Willow Way Kelso); 2, D and B Walker, Galcantray Maximus (by Doura Woodhouse Real Deal).

Stallion, three-year-old – 1, male champion, Cawdor Cup winner, supreme Clydesdale champion, supreme show champion, T Clark and Sons, Muirton Spirit (by Muirton Sabre); 2, R Hamilton, Dillars Caledonia (by Dillars Ollie); 3, R Sibbald, Thorn Union Jack (by Macfin Starlight).

Two-year-old colt – 1, reserve male champion and reserve Cawdor Cup winner, P and M Bedford, Thorpe Hill Quick Flash (by Doura Aird Ambition); 2, C Young, West Glen Commodore (by Glebeview Sir Charles); 3, A Clark, Am Blar Mhor Eddie (by Redcastle Brelee Majestic).

Senior yearling colt – 1 and best yearling colt, S Greenhill, Fordelhill Jack the Lad (by Doura Aird Ambition); 2, R Hamilton, Dillars Robbie (by Eskechraggan Ernest); 3, P and M Bedford, Thorpe Hill Gucci (by Collessie Monarch).

Junior yearling colt – 1, J Anderson, R Brewster, H Carr, Redcastle Angus (by Glenside Barlauchlan Final Command); 2, R Hamilton, Dillars Flashman (by Dillars Envoy).

Clydesdale ridden (Judge: Mrs J Malkin, Woodlands Cottage, Market Drayton, Shropshire)

Ridden Clydesdale – 1, N Leslie, Collessie First Choice (by Arradoul Balvenie); 2, K Young, Malcolmwood Rhum (by Dillars Top Gun); 3, J Spiers, Malcolmwood Jenny Ann (by Whinhill Lord of the Isles).

Clydesdale young handlers (Judge: CJ Malkin) – 1, E Frickleton.

Highland ponies (Judge: Ms L Cushnie, 2 Green Road, Balbeggie, Perthshire)

Stallion, two-year-old or over – 1, male champion and reserve supreme Highland Pony champion, H Dick, Dunstruan Ettrick Mhor.

Mare, four-year-old or over – 1, female champion and supreme Highland Pony champion, J Bonar, Bowmore Lady Laura (by Carlung Findlay); 2, A Mitchell, Dunedin Fara (by Dunedin Marksman), 3, J Boyd, Glenmuir Adele (by Carlung Feargus).

Gelding, six-year-old or over – 1, L Denholm, Orkneyinga Norseman (by Lochlands Military Piper); 2, L Jarvis, Trailtrow Toran (by Dunedin Ranald); 3, J Richardson, Lagalgarve Loch Morar).

Gelding, two-year-old – 1, T Wightman, Tower Ben Nevis (by Rannoch of Achnacarry).

Ridden Highland open – 1, H Kerr and A Kerr, Tower Miss-Chief (by Kaiser Chief Na Dailach); 2, J Bonar, Bowmore Lady Laura (by Carlung Findlay).

Ridden Highland novice – 1 and ridden champion, L Jarvis, Trailtrow Toran (by Dunedin Ranald); 2, J Bonar, Bowmore Isla Lady (by Moss-side Iain Mor); 3, A Mitchell, Dunedin Fara (by Dunedin Marksman).

Standard Shetland (Judge: Mrs E Lewis, 11 Cranwell Close, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire).

Stallion, four-year-old or over – 1, standard male champion, supreme standard champion, supreme Shetland champion, and reserve supreme show champion, D Hodge and J Walters, Sharpton Kinsman (by Sharpton Laser Red); 2, J Watson, Kerloch Rupert (by Stow Review); 3, L Beacham, Somahouse Ivan (by Birchmoor Mulberry).

Colt, two or three-year-old – 1 and best black junior standard, A McConville, Oldeworlde Vivaldi (by Somahouse GT); 2, Mr and Mrs A Preston, Musselbrough Warrior (by Musselbrough Keltic); 3, Mawcarse Shetlands, Laaward Xenon (by Bydance Jack Sparrow).

Mare, four-year-old – 1, D Hodge and J Walker, Sharptor Bellissima (by Newbarn Piran); 2, J Watson, Heidrun Av Bergli (by Ekskogens Jinx); 3, D Lochtie, Mawcarse Lady Dionne (by Stow Vulcan).

Gelding, two-year-old – 1, E McClymont, Kinness Legend (by Wells Premier); 2, D Lochtie, Kinkell Ervin (by Kinkell Guardsman); 3, E Crate, Unigarth Eric (by Stow Vulcan).

Filly, two or three-year-old – 1 and reserve best black junior standard, Eynhallow Stud, Eynhallow Dutch Corrie (by Eynhallow Dutch Prince); 2, S Bridgemman, Musselbrough Elida (by Musselbrough Keltic); 3, Mawburn Shetlands, Narinian Bell (by Wells Premier).

Yearling filly – 1, D Lochtie, Glendyburn Lady Devine (by Wells Grenadier); 2, Mr and Mrs A Preston, Penroyd Surprise (by Penroyd Endeavour); 3, Mawburn Shetlands, Mawburn Savannah (by Wells Grenadier).

Ridden Shetland Pony – 1, reserve supreme standard and reserve Shetland, S Ross, Rosehoy of Transy (by Charles of Transy); 2, E Crate, Unigrath Eric (by Stow Vulcan); 3, D Lochtie Kinkell Ervin (by Kinkell Guardsman).

Miniature Shetland (Judge: Mrs BK Gibb, East Kingsford, Kingswells, Aberdeen).

Stallion, four-year-old or over – 1, male miniature champion and reserve miniature, Mr and Mrs A Preston, Parlington Darcy (by Parlington Quentin); 2, L Cochrane, Ardanbeag Hamish (by Ardanbeag Lomond); 3, L Gregg, Meadowpark Mescalero (by Southsands Airbourne).

Colt, two or three-year-old – 1, L McCurdle, Lothian Logan (by Darren of Burland); 2, L Cochrane, Gue Unst (by Buxted Explorer); 3, L Reid, Rob Moi Joshua (by Little Dandy of Newton).

Mare, four-year-old or over – 1, L Cochrane, Alichbrae Bambi (by Kerswell Merlot); 2, E Carlyle, Dryfesdale Martina (by North-wells Rory); 3, Mawcarse Shetlands, Lochfleet Skelbo Dreamcatcher (by Parlington Felix).

Filly, two or three-year-old – 1, female miniature, supreme miniature, S Calvert, Doonpark Heidi (by Fordhouse Paddy); 2, E Crawford, Fayrefield Flossie (by Moorfoot R’Houry); 3, C Anderson, Milday Florence (by Milday Oreo).

Yearling – 1, C Richardson, Phlair Valegro (by Milday Romeo); 2, Mawcarse Shetlands, Edern Bently (by Merrylees Burberry); 3, C Anderson, Gue Willow (by Gue Oscar).

Best pair – 1, L Cochrane; 2, S Mitchell; 3, C Mills.

Mountain and Moorland (Judge: Ms V Osborne-Antolovi, Na Dailach House, Kirriemuir)

Large M and M, four-year-old or over – 1, L Jarvis, Gems The Trouble Maker (by Thorneyside The Troublemaker); 2, A Chaffe, Laventura Independence (by Greenholmes Emblem).

Large M and M, three-year-old or under – 1, G Cuffe, Beech Barney (by Kylemore Hill).

Small M and M, four-year-old or over – 1 and reserve supreme champion, E Meldrum, Wernderris Charlie Fox (by Uphill James Fox); 2, E Crate, Dunaskin Gemli (by Skellorn Graffiti); 3, L Jarvis, Eyarth Valencia (by Carrwood Redwing).

Small M and M, three-year-old or under – 1 and supreme M and M champion, E Crate, Dunaskin Thumbelina (by Janpete Tom Thumb); 2, C Hamilton, Fairywood Royal Mountbatten Windsor (by Waxwing Glimmer).