GALWAY may have missed out on an All-Ireland football final title this summer, but there’ll be a Tribesman rematch of another variety in the Irish Draught stallion championship next Friday.

Once again, the Irish Draught stallion championship is divided into two sections (the first is scheduled for 1.20pm, immediately after the parade of thoroughbred stallions), with the overall champion then to be decided between the top-two from each section.

Last year’s champion, Grace Maxwell Murphy’s Edenagor Star (Dunsandle Diamond), is back to defend his 2023 title, as is the overall reserve, Pat Hoare’s Moylough Legacy (Carrabawn Cross) and his younger full-brother Moylough Supremacy.

Edenagor Star, shown by William McMahon, the 2023 Irish Draught stallion champion at Dublin \ Susan Finnerty

Both John Bracken’s Scrapboy (Scrapman), reserve to Edenagor Star in their section last year and Tommy McMahon’s Ludden Skywalker (Luke Skywalker), reserve to Moylough Legacy, are also back.

Western stallion owners have traditionally been great supporters of this Irish Draught stallion showcase. Three more west of the Shannon entries are Liam Lynskey’s DS Ballagh Bouncer (Moylough Bouncer), also qualified for the Irish Draught performance class; Cappa Stud’s latest entry, the seven-year-old Cappa Capone (Cappa Cassanova) and Sean Barker’s Gortfree Lakeside Lad (Gortfree Hero), all with their own Dublin performance classes history.

“Draught Day” attendees will also have an opportunity to view the Irish Draught stallions when they take part in the compulsory parade on the previous afternoon at 1pm.

Marc Hahne, from Verden and Jane Hall, from Warwickshire wrap up their Irish Draught judging duties with the stallion classes.