SOME household names appear on the famous Croker Cup, presented to the champion thoroughbred stallion, with Sky Boy surely ranking as the most successful producer of performers from that roll call.

For this year’s Croker Cup entries guessing game, it’s easier to find out which former contenders won’t be back.

Absent after several appearances in this thoroughbred stallion class is Coolin House Stud’s Centennial, whose sporting owner John Varley has supported the Croker Cup showcase for years.

Two more absentees are Drumhowan Stud’s Rosier and Sir Lando. However, Eamon and Gladys McArdle have entered the German-bred Lucarelli, by the 2002 Epsom and Irish Derby winner High Chapparal. Again, without the annual support in entries from the Monaghan stud, the Croker Cup was unlikely to have taken place in recent years.

Definite starters too are Julie Radden’s full-brother pair of the reigning Croker Cup champion Galileo Dance and Galileo’s Secret, campaigned on the Eventing Ireland circuit by co-owner Patrick Whelan.

Both Canadian-breds, by Galileo out of the Danehill Dancer mare Dance Secretary, were sourced from Joseph O’Brien’s yard.

Happy (Galileo) Dance: An overjoyed Julie Radden after Galileo Dance won the Croker Cup last year \ Susan Finnerty

Another stallion to return from last year’s line-up is the German-bred Kopperfield, now moved to the Banner County and in Thomas Moloney’s ownership.

As in recent years, one stallion will be selected from the line-up to receive the magnificent Croker Cup.

Watch the thoroughbred stallions parade on Friday immediately after The Irish Field Breeders’ Championship is completed and then the class will be judged the following afternoon, again in Ring 1.

This year’s judges? Jacques Verkerk, who has served on a number of inspection panels, including the KWPN and Anthony Bromley, co-founder of Highflyer Bloodstock with David Minton.