At least Mayo won one All-Ireland this September,” said Tourmakeady stallion owner Sean Barker after his Gortfree Hero won the All-Ireland Irish Draught stallion class championship at Clonaslee Show.

The prospect of a rematch between Gortfree Hero and Jimmy Quinn’s Cappa Cassanova brought Draught enthusiasts to the midlands venue, after Barker’s stallion foiled Cappa Cassanova’s bid for three titles at last month’s Horse Show in the RDS. Both stallions were also at Clonaslee for last year’s All-Ireland final, part of Horse Sport Ireland’s national showing series, where Quinn’s horse pulled off an All-Ireland back-to-back double.

It was by no means a two-horse race, however, as four more owners and their stallions supported this showcase championship. Tom Burke’s Barracaberry Orbit (O’Sullivan), PJ Fitzpatrick’s Carrabawn Cross (Young Carrabawn), Paddy Joe Foy’s Clew Bay Bouncer (Grange Bouncer)and Tim Wilson’s Shenandoah Prince Holly (Holycross) also looked a picture on a glorious afternoon.

Gortfree Hero (Castana) was pulled in top of Vincent Faughnan and James Murphy’s preliminary lineup and the 12-year-old gold merit Grade A show jumper, bred by Francis Lafferty in Ballaghaderreen and shown by Andrew Gardiner, held that place in the final order.

Moving up to take reserve place was another Mayo contender in Clew Bay Bouncer, while completing a western whitewash was Cappa Cassanova.

“Every one of the stallions looked well,” remarked Faughnan, while his co-judge Murphy said: “The more you looked at Gortfree Hero, the more you liked him. The champion was very true to type and had great presence.”

Terence Keogh won the earlier broodmare and foal tricolours with his Kylevano (Silvano) and her Financial Reward colt, while Margaret Edgill’s Mount Briscoe Rockrimmon Sky (Rockrimmon Silver Diamond) and Tom Mooney’s Fintan Himself won the Irish Draught broodmare and foal classes.